2008 Woodie Awards
Extreme Makeover: Dorm Addition
With a few easy tips and tricks, any dorm room can be transformed into a relaxing, personalized living space
Roxanne Earley, Staff Writer
Issue date: 7/14/08Section: Features
As you've probably already seen by now, the dorm rooms at St. John's University are very much like other college dorms -white and empty. Chances are you've lived in a room like this before; chances are equally likely that you've been able to decorate at your leisure, on your parents' budget. Now, though, you have joined the ranks of the broke and collegiate. While you could spend your money on fancy interior decorating, you could also plan ahead and arrive with enough materials on hand to feel moved in and at home right away, with a dorm room that's surprisingly chic.
First off, have a "pow-wow" with your roomies either online before you even meet, or immediately when you arrive. Discuss your room arrangement options and consider what works best for everyone. Beds can be unbunked, even in a junior triple. For more floor space, put dressers in closets or buy risers and tuck them under your bed. Avoid putting your desks in front of the window, as you will undoubtedly want the light and the fresh air come winter.
A lot can be done with rooms to make everyone comfortable and provide extra space, but be warned: unbunking beds will require a hammer. Try not to do this at 3 a.m., since the people below you will definitely not appreciate the noise.
If you want furniture removed, be sure to check with Residence Life beforehand to make sure you don't accrue any fines.
Now, on to the aesthetics. A few important things to bring are area rugs, since not everyone always wants to be walking on bare tiles. You could pick up a small one to put right next to your bed, or in the bathrooms for about $7 at Wall-Mart, or a larger one for the open floor of your room for between $16 and $20.
When selecting your rugs, and your bedding, think about colors and patterns that you won't mind seeing for the next nine months. While picking an abstract color can be an easy way to add a little flare and originality to your room, you also want to make sure it's not a color you will easily get tired of.
First off, have a "pow-wow" with your roomies either online before you even meet, or immediately when you arrive. Discuss your room arrangement options and consider what works best for everyone. Beds can be unbunked, even in a junior triple. For more floor space, put dressers in closets or buy risers and tuck them under your bed. Avoid putting your desks in front of the window, as you will undoubtedly want the light and the fresh air come winter.
A lot can be done with rooms to make everyone comfortable and provide extra space, but be warned: unbunking beds will require a hammer. Try not to do this at 3 a.m., since the people below you will definitely not appreciate the noise.
If you want furniture removed, be sure to check with Residence Life beforehand to make sure you don't accrue any fines.
Now, on to the aesthetics. A few important things to bring are area rugs, since not everyone always wants to be walking on bare tiles. You could pick up a small one to put right next to your bed, or in the bathrooms for about $7 at Wall-Mart, or a larger one for the open floor of your room for between $16 and $20.
When selecting your rugs, and your bedding, think about colors and patterns that you won't mind seeing for the next nine months. While picking an abstract color can be an easy way to add a little flare and originality to your room, you also want to make sure it's not a color you will easily get tired of.
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