If you’re heading off to college for the first time, you’ve most likely spent the weeks gathering all of the essentials. You’ve scooped up some twin extra-long sheets and new towels, have grabbed healthy snacks to keep on hand for late night study sessions, and have chatted with your roommate about who’s picking up the mini fridge. And if it’s a return year for you, you already have plenty of dorm supplies and are likely acquiring more. But prepping a dorm room isn’t just about covering the basics—you’ll want to take some time to design a space that will bring you joy over the next year and help you feel more at home as you settle into a new environment. Moving out of the house can be daunting, but ending your day in a space that you absolutely love may make the transition to college feel a little more seamless, after all. While the dorm rooms we see on TV are often cluttered with photos, posters, and accessories of all kinds, there’s nothing wrong with taking a more minimalist approach as you design your space. If you’re thinking that going the minimalist route sounds kind of boring, think again. Note that being a minimalist doesn’t have to equate to eliminating color entirely. You can still decorate with your favorite hues, hang up some artwork, and pick out some fun throw pillows. You’ll just want to be mindful about not overwhelming your room with too many decorative accents or letting a mountain of papers accumulate on your desktop. Interest piqued? We’ve rounded up 30 amazing dorm rooms and college apartments that prove that there’s nothing wrong with minimalist style. Read on to gather tons of tips and tricks that will majorly come in handy.
