Hey, Future Hawks! Moving somewhere new can be overwhelming, but so can moving into a new space. This process can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time, and that’s okay! When I first moved into my dorm, all I saw were blank walls and empty corners, but slowly, I turned it into something cozy that felt like home.

When planning my dorm, one of the first things I realized was how much comfort mattered. A dorm room may be small, but adding cozy touches makes a huge difference. I started with a soft cream that instantly warmed the space. Then came the bedding with pink, gray, and white with hints of orange and blue to tie all my colors together. Of course, plenty of blankets and pillows (because let’s be honest, you can never have too many).

Once the basics were in place, I focused on making the room mine. I hung up pictures of my friends and family, so no matter how far away I was, I still had familiar faces around me. I also added bright travel posters like ones of Capri and Mykonos, which not only bring a pop of color to my walls but also remind me of places I want to explore one day. To top it off, I brought along a few stuffed animals because sometimes you just need a little piece of childhood comfort during a brand-new adventure.

Then the final touch? Smell. It might sound small, but adding a Bath & Body Works wallflower completely changed the vibe of my room. Every time I walked in, it smelled fresh and familiar, which made it feel more like home.

Looking back, my dorm went from blank walls to a cozy corner that feels like me. If you are excited about building your own space next year, remember it’s all about the small, personal touches that make it feel like home.