College dorms. For most students, they are the first room to be lived in away from home. They are an exciting time for all students, but figuring out the style and organization can be tricky. This list of ideas for style, comfort, and organization can help any freshmen student figure out a dorm game plan.

First, consider who you are going to be living with; some people go to college and room with a known friend from high school. Others find new people or use websites specifically created for matching you with a roommate. The website www.roomsurf.com is one of these dorm mate matchmakers that can help pair you with somebody that possesses similar qualities and appears to be your best fit.

Once you find a roommate, it is a good idea to talk to them about the style you want for your dorm. Many girls like to create a cohesive look by buying matching bed spreads and having the same color scheme. However, if this is not important to you or your roommate, then you can design your side however you’d like.  Popular decorations include wall tapestries; wall tapestries are good because they take up a huge space of wall, so your dorm doesn’t look bare or boring. Wall art, like posters or paintings, is always a fun way to decorate and bring life to your dorm. Always check to make sure what your dorm allows students to hang on the walls. Many colleges prohibit the use of tape and nails, but don’t worry: command strips are an easy and safe way to hang up almost anything on your walls.

Once you have the style of your dorm decided, you need to think of the realistic side. Decorations and furniture are fun, but it’s important to remember what you really need in your dorm. Organization is essential. Few people actually enjoy cleaning, so by keeping organized, you can spare yourself some chores. Boxes under your bed are a good way to organize clothing or shoes, cork boards are good for hanging up important notes, and obviously a trash can is imperative for a clean dorm. There are other things that could help you have a comfortable dorm. Among them is this list of items:

• A Fan- This will help to keep your dorm cool, especially in the summer when it’s stuffy.
• First Aid Kit- Having a first aid kit is a good idea because it’s smart to have help for a scrape or stomach ache.
• Batteries- Extra batteries on hand will come in handy if your appliances die.
• Over the Door Laundry Hamper- Of course, you can spring for the usual dirty clothes hamper that sits on the floor, but an over the door one saves you space, so you can have other cool things in your dorm.
• Extension Cords- These are a must have for your dorm. Extension cords can help by multiplying the amount of electronics your dorm can support.

Of course there are countless things you need in your dorm room, but these are a few of the essentials to keep you feeling at home in your dorm. Every person has their own style and preferences, but students should try to stay clean and organized in order to help their overall living conditions.