Claire McCarthy, a freshman at Xavier University in Cincinnati, started collaborating with her roommate about dorm decor long before move-in day this week.
“We made a Pinterest board together and were able to add pictures that we thought might help design our room, the style and the colors and everything,” she says.
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The Webster Groves High School graduate rejected the more modern styles common to many dorm designs, instead opting for soft blue hues and florals.
“My roommate and I want to go for more of a light, bohemian style,” says McCarthy, 18, who is majoring in marketing.
Coordinating with roommates is important, says Julie Baur, an interior designer whose oldest son will be a college junior this year.
“Jointly decide on a rug and lamps,” she says.
Rugs and lamps serve to personalize and soften the space. Rugs can also conceal unattractive flooring. Being on the same page when it comes to bedding is also a plus, especially considering the size of the shared space.
“Dorms are small and bedding is really the place you can make your biggest mark,” says Baur, of J Baur Home.
But when the time comes to settle her high school-age son into his own space, she won’t push decorative pillows.
“Wouldn’t [do] euro sham, pillow, and little pillows again—too much and most boys I know don’t care for frills,” says Baur, who suggests stocking up on Command strips for hanging items like bulletin boards adorned with fun photos.
According to research by the National Retail Federation, spending is up on dorm and apartment furnishings this year, with projected total spending expected to reach $10.5 billion, up from $9.7 billion in 2021. In total, back-to-college spending per household will average $1,199.43, with a greater percentage of consumers reporting that they plan to purchase accessories for the computer, like fitness trackers and watches, a shift away from big-ticket electronic items, such as laptops.
Although dorm rooms don’t allow much space for extras, they should showcase students’ personalities and interests, says Thomas “Trey” Dittrich, a senior at Webster University.
“An important part of keeping your cool in college and getting through all the stress is making sure you bring some of whatever your hobby gear is with you, whether it’s a tennis racket or a computer for games,” says Dittrich. “Taking an hour break and doing those things will really help you handle a lot of that tension.”
Dittrich, who began his college career at Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla, says a mini-fridge is a must. He also recommends taking photos and other mementos to help smooth the transition for new students.
“I brought Funko Pops. I put them out there and they were kind of a reminder of my favorite things and also allowed anybody who came into my room to see what my interests are,” says Dittrich, whose Funko figurine collection includes The Mandalorian and The Child, also known as Baby Yoda.
McCarthy is taking art supplies, photos, and a print from an old botany book, watercolors she painted herself, and images of musical artists like Lana Del Rey and Phoebe Bridgers, to personalize her half of the room. She’s eager to experience dorm life, even that part about sharing a space.
“I’m excited to see what living with another person is like. I’m an only child and I’ve never had that experience. I’ve always had my own room,” she says. “So I’m excited to see how we communicate and organize together. I’m also just excited to have a space that’s mine that I get to decorate and make my own.”
