GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE

HOME SWEET DORM

By Amanda Manning

College provides enough life adjustments as it is. Moving from your well-lived-in room at home to a concrete-block, four-wall room, more lovingly referred to as a dorm room, shouldn't be one of them. Fortunately, there are easy ways to make this seemingly stark space warm with at least some of the comforts of home.

The most effortless way to bring some home with you is to put photographs everywhere. Go the traditional route and make a bulletin board, and cover it with pictures and things like concert ticket stubs, anything that brings back good memories. In addition to picture frames, cover the side of your desk or other shelves with photographs, and make a screensaver slideshow of favorite pics. Having the faces of loved ones all over your room will instantly make your space more personal.

If you want to display your pictures in a more original way, make them larger than life. Most print and copy shops, such as Kinkos®, can easily enlarge any photograph. These pictures make great "artwork" because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to swap out during the year. And you're not limited to just pictures of you and your friends. You can usually enlarge personal works of art, letters or just about anything you can think of.

Another option for covering the blank white walls is wall decals. These are basically large stickers that are harmless to most surfaces. Pick graphic shapes, polka dots, paisleys, and even birds and nature scenes. The more colorful, the better. They add personality and flair to your space, and you can find them easily at Target® and whatisblik.com.

While you're searching for sheets and bedding for your comfy college-issued twin bed, stock up on everything soft and cushiony. Pick up extra blankets, several Squish pillows, and most importantly, a cushion or feather bed for your mattress. It might make it harder to get out of bed in the mornings, but it will remind you of the comfort of home and make your nights, and naps, that much better. And when you're shopping, don't worry about the colors matching perfectly. As long as they are bright and cheerful, they will all go together.

Don't forget the floors of your new living quarters. A cold linoleum floor doesn't feel like home. Find a woven rug at Wal-Mart® or Pier 1® in a natural color, or even a fun green or blue, or find a few plush throw rugs to keep your feet warm on chilly mornings. Use fun shapes like flowers, or find fun prints with colorful patterns or zebra stripes.

Last but not least, don't forget about lighting. The fluorescent lights in a typical dorm room can be harsh and even produce a buzzing sound. Use as many approved lamps as possible, but not the halogen kind. A lamp with a 45- or 60- watt bulb will give off a softer glow and make the room more comfortable. And, even though it's a tad cliché, Christmas lights always work wonders. They really warm up a room, as long as they are not the frantic, chasing kind.

So when you're packing up your clothes and cherished belongings, don't leave out these crucial decorating staples. As long as you have pictures, soft bedding to curl up with, and anything colorful to welcome you in, you'll feel right at home. One last tip: look around your house now and see what makes you feel good. Whether its artwork or even furniture, try to at least mimic the look if you can't bring it with you.