It is that time of year again. You have your car packed to the brim with miscellaneous items from books and blankets, to all of your knick-knacks and clothing for the upcoming fall season. You have feelings of excitement and wanderlust for all the new things that this semester has to offer. Some of you may be just a car ride away from home, while others won’t be returning home again until Thanksgiving break. Here are just a few tips to turn your dorm and desk area to your dream room and give you back that little piece of home you have been missing.

First, pictures. Pictures, pictures, and more pictures. A photograph can bring back a time, place, or a memory that will leave you with feelings of warmth and comfort. Whether it be photographs of loved ones, your favorite place, a pet, your favorite band; really anything that sparks joy. Tip:if your local pharmacy has a photo department, you can make an order of 4×6 prints for as little as 70 cents a copy.

Next, decorations. Find a theme, esthetic, idea and run with it. If you are a sport phonetic, I am sure your room will be covered with apparel of your favorite players and teams, which you will ever so proudly put on display. If you are looking for something more indie and edgy, go with posters. Look for posters of your favorite musicians, leaders, and idols. You can never go wrong with posters. If you are looking for a more cozy, comfortable vibe; go with fuzzy blankets and exotic throw pillows that will fill your bed. And for your desk area, fill it with cork boards, calendars, books, pencils, pens, and markers… I mean we are here to learn, right? But seriously, stay on top of your work and make it a point to keep that area a clear space that is organized and it will ultimately lead to a clear head space.

Lastly, surround yourself with friends. Home is not a place, but a feeling. You can feel at home somewhere and not be home at all. Set aside time to make dinner plans with your friends and go to Kessel or if you have a kitchen, you can never go wrong with a home cooked meal. Look for ways to get involved on campus and things to do each day, trust me, there is something for everyone. All the little details that go into making a space feel like home will pay off when you return back to your dorm, after a long day of classes, and extracurricular’s and you feel comfortable in your own little space that you have made home.