It takes me a while to truly feel at home each time I move into a new dorm room. Even after all of the boxes are discarded, the bed is made, and the fridge is full of food, there’s a strong sense of unfamiliarity that lingers for a few days (or even a few months). This feeling is especially present in rentals or spaces that are not permanent. In my case, I’ve shuffled between four different dorm rooms during my time at Wake Forest. It was always challenging to establish myself in a room that I knew I’d only occupy for 8-9 months, and one that seldom matched my style (hello popcorn ceilings and khaki-colored walls). But as time persisted in these spaces, I learned that home is all about perception, and it’s absolutely possible to cultivate a place that exudes comfort and coziness, no matter the living conditions.
I started to focus on the atmosphere of my room when I moved into my freshman-year dorm. I was studying in Copenhagen, Denmark, and as it was my first time traveling to Europe, I found myself dropped in an unknown land, with roommates I barely knew and a family that still lived across the Atlantic Ocean. The typical first-year homesickness feeling was only heightened in my dorm room, which was a revamped paint factory, complete with exposed concrete, metal countertops, and giant ceilings. Without any decorations, my room felt like a drafty office space. I knew I had to buy at least an accent pillow or a poster to make the space feel more like a place of residence. I walked to the local mall and began what would become one of my favorite pastimes–decorating.
During my time in Denmark, I also became acquainted with “Hygge” (pronounces hoo-gah), a Danish term that refers to feelings of warmth and comfort. Hygge engenders a sense of general pleasantness in a certain space; it can also represent anytime that makes a person feel most at home, whether that be with close friends, reading a good book, or sitting quietly by oneself. I’ve tried to infuse some hygge into every room I’ve ever occupied and found that it brings me a level of general peace.
Beyond the power of hygge, I’ve adopted several practices that help me settle into a new space. Although these tools have worked for me, everyone’s idea of what a room should be is different; if you love a room full of knickknacks and trinkets, go for it; if you vibe with a room that is solely comprised of a bed and a desk, that’s great. What makes a room or space feel most comfortable is the personal notes that reflect who you are and what matters to you.
The first practice I recommend is to fill your room with personal items and materials that are grounded in memories. We all have that one mug or cup that reminds us of a corny family vacation (I’m talking to you, 2006 Disney goblet). If an item reminds you of a pleasant memory, it’s great to add it to your space. Every time you look over at that mug/plant/picture/book/candle, a particular unbridled joy will brighten your day and make you smile. Some items in my room include a funky print from Denmark, my first Harry Potter book, a baby ivy plant, and a bundle of seagrass from my hometown. Whether I’m settling into a large amount of homework or tucking into bed, glancing at each of these pieces, in the words of Marie Kondo, spark joy.
Another habit I’ve incorporated into my room-decor process is my tendency to avoid cluttered spaces. This is more of a personal preference, but I always feel like my room is lighter and cleaner when there’s less “stuff” piled on top of my bed/dresser/desk/etc. Also, if you end up collecting items from your respective college/city, you’ll always have a place for them! I leave the clutter for the closet and leave space open on my desk and dresser.
Finally, the best way to make your space your own is to remind yourself that the place you are occupying is your space. Even if you’re sharing a bedroom with four other people, take the time to carve out a niche that reminds you of things that bring you peace and happiness. Whether you go the extra mile to buy a bedspread you resonate with or spend $40 on a candle that smells like your hometown (…guilty…), it’s worthwhile to spend the time and money to curate a place that mirrors what’s most important to you. No one has the right answer for what a space should look like, and that’s what makes decorating that much more fun! So go ahead–buy the magenta paint, splurge on the candle that smells like the salty air of your childhood, and put in the work to make your new home feel like…home.
