Shop at IKEA for Awesome Dorm Room Drip!

There’s nothing quite like the experience of going to college and living on your own for the first time—the anticipation of finding the perfect place, bonding with your roommates, and working together to make it feel like home. 

I’ll never forget the feeling of stepping into my freshman dorm, both so excited yet nervous to start a new chapter. (The only moment that exceeded it was experiencing my first on-campus apartment in my junior year of college.) One thing rings true for both occasions, the living spaces needed some serious personalization. 

Starting college not only gave my roommates and I a fresh start but it offered us a slew of new freedoms— including the freedom to decorate our own space that spoke to our collective personalities and style. Together, we decided on a  “nostalgic, cool, and welcoming” vibe, so we filled our plain white walls with memorable picture frames and art pieces with colorful hues and accents. We also turned our living room into a cozy crash pad with soft decorative pillows and a rug. 

Turns out, taking the time to create your very own sanctuary—a place to relax and unwind after a long day on campus—makes all the difference. Billy Roberts, a licensed therapist at Focused Mind ADHD Counseling, says: “Living space can directly impact mood and anxiety.”  Well-decorated and well-organized spaces can greatly induce feelings of joy, energy, and productivity. 

Making your college dorm room or apartment a sanctuary has never been easier thanks to IKEA.

The first step to creating the ultimate cozy space in your college home is to maximize your space by keeping an organized environment. A great way to do this is by using the KALLAX shelving unit and the TROFAST storage combination with box/trays to declutter your space.

Continue to stay organized as you go from class to class by carrying the STARTTID backpack with you. They are packed with multiple compartments to make those trips across campus easier for you. They are designed for students on the move so that everyone always has what they need with them, from laptops to chargers to water bottles – they can carry it all.

Bring your own BLAVINGAD duvet cover and pillowcase for your bed and a TERTIAL work lamp for those late study night sessions. If you’re worried about keeping your roommate up, invest in a TOLKNING room divider for a little privacy.

College isn’t exactly a fashion show but it’s always good to look your best! Before you head out for the day make sure you look presentable by using a full-lengthDRÖMMARE mirror. 

Lastly, if you’re staying in an apartment or a dorm with a kitchen, come prepared with kitchenware such as the TAGGHAJ frying pan, the RÖRT spoon, and the 365+ carafe with stopper. Continue to make your kitchen feel complete with the POKAL glass, the DINERA mug and the 365+ dry food jar with lid

You get one shot at perfecting your first college living space so why not make it feel home sweet home with these can’t miss items from IKEA. Whether you’ll be moving into a dorm, living off campus, or commuting from home, they have all the essentials you need to create a unique space that you can call your own—and are proud of!

Shop IKEA.com/starting-college now for the college living necessities.