DIYs to try in your dorm

Now that the fall semester has officially started and the stress of classes, work and other activities has begun, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel worn out. This is why it’s important to have your own safe place, somewhere you can escape to and release some of your tension and anxiety. In a place far away from home it can be hard to find that place, but with some inspiration and your own personal touch, you can create it yourself.

Your dorm is your home away from home. It’s the one place you have the freedom to unwind and detach yourself from the rest of the world. But going back to a dorm that lacks the feeling of comfort can make it difficult to fully wind down. This is why dorm decorating is so much more than the aesthetics – it’s about creating an environment where you feel happy and carefree because at the end of a long day, that’s usually exactly what a college student needs.

“Having a place where you can wind down and forget about all of your problems for a while is extremely important, especially for college students who have so much going on,” junior Henry Jacobs said.

The first step in decorating your dorm is deciding on a theme. What vibe do you want to create? You can find inspiration on Pinterest or visit other websites such as Dormify.com or HGTV.com, which offer a number of ideas and hacks. You can also take a look at popular magazines that specialize in stylish decor, such as Domino Magazine or New York Magazine.

I know what you’re thinking. This all sounds nice, but college is expensive enough. Who has the money to spend on decorating their dorm? Don’t be alarmed—here are several DIY tips that can help you achieve your dream oasis on a budget:

1. Photo Display

Photos can be comforting because they remind us of the people and places we love. Printing out pictures and creating wall decor with some of your favorite memories can make you feel more at home.

2. Low Maintenance Plants/Flower-Pot Painting

Low maintenance plants are a great accessory because they’re easy to maintain and add a trendy look to your dorm. Low maintenance plants include cacti, aloe vera plants and ferns. You can add your own personal touch bypainting the flower pot to match your own taste.

3. Personal Paintings

This one’s for those of us who are a little more artistic. Hanging your own personal paintings in your dorm will not only make it more striking but it will make you feel more comfortable in your space.

4. Washi Tape

Washi tape is convenient because it’s removable. It comes in a variety of colors and designs that you can use to make your own unique wall and door decorations.

5. Recycled T-Shirt Rug

A recycled t-shirt rug is a great way to add a stylish rug to your dorm without breaking thebank. You’ll need five to eight old t-shirts, arubber mat, scissors and a hot glue gun. Cut the shirts into strips and glue them onto the mat. Get creative and create your own patterns and designs.

6. Confetti Wall

A confetti wall will transform a dull room into one that’s lively and bright. It’s as easy as taking pieces of colored paper, cutting them into circles and taping them on your wall.

7. Flag

Flags represent where you are from, your ethnicity or the places you’ve visited, all ofwhich are part of your story. Hanging a flag onyour wall will remind you of these small, but important details that make you who you are.