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Dorm Room Decorating Ideas

How to make a bare dorm room one to call your very own.

Although it's scary being surrounded by new classmates and a daunting new schedule - far away from home and on your own - what's the best way to feel more comfortable in your new dorm?

Decorate, of course.

Don't be afraid to let your own personal tastes tell the world who you are. This is YOUR place now. Even if it's only part of room that you share, and for only relatively a short time.

If you're heading off to college, start planning now to decorate your new dorm digs so you'll be ready for September.

Dorm room decorating on the cheap

Along with tips on college dorm room essentials, here are best bets on how to affordably "nest" in your cozy corner of the world while expressing yourself and your personal style:

Posters are always the cheapest and easiest way to decorate your walls. Probably the easiest and most fun way to look for posters is online, where there are thousands of posters to choose from in various sizes and in categories ranging from flowers and landscapes, fine art to music to iconic Hollywood themes.

But posters are not the only way to express yourself. Look around online or at local gift or card shops for funky frames in which place your favorite photos, or get creative and make your own with do-it-yourself shadow box frames so popular now.

A practical yet still design choice is a dry erase board. Surround the border with your favorite photos and leave the rest of the board free to help keep track of your very busy schedule.

Another affordable option for decorating dorm walls are oversized wall calendars - which now come in so many sizes, themes and varieties that you should have no problem choosing one that inspires or cheers you. Keep in mind that wall calendars for the following year usually go on sale just in time for back-to-school.

"Off the wall" dorm room decorating

More creature comforts await at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Linens’ N’ Things, or other houseware shops where you can browse for funky, comfortable throw pillows for beds and couches. Matching colorful area rugs can also help to cut down on noise and provide a warmer, more homey environment.

For your dorm room desk, also think about adding personal touches such as a decorative desk lamp, framed photos, a potted plant from home, or colorful keepsakes to help get you get through those late night cramming sessions!

Overall, keep in mind that you'll be graduating sooner than you think, so dorm room design doesn't necessarily have to be as complicated as, say, Calculus 101. All it takes is a little money, creativity and your own sense of style.

Have fun!

also see -> Dorm Room Tips to Make Sharing Easier

Creating the Ideal Dorm Room

also see in House & Home -> Moving Tips

More about dorm decorating around the Web:

About.com - Dorm Room Decorating Ideas - Dozens of feature articles with ideas on dorm room decorating including the essentials and practical checklists.

TheLife.com - College Life: Cheap Dorm Room Decorating Ideas - The lowdown on bedding basics, storage ideas and decorating.

Associated Content - Dorm Room Decorating Ideas - How to make your dorm room feel like home, with related story features and instructional videos.