Along with living away from parents and starting a new chapter of life, designing a college room that is both functional and fashionable is one of the steps many students feel is necessary.
According to Lindsay Tan, assistant professor of interior design, one of the most prominent challenges students face when it comes to designing their room is the lack of available space.
"Students are having to make decisions about survival instead of having fun decorating," Tan said.
In order to deal with the challenging amount of space, Tan advises students to first make a list of essential needs, avoid buying pieces and decor that can only be used in limited ways and purchase multi-use items.
"Get something that you can adapt and change," Tan said.
Tan said she believes in such a vital time of a student's life, it is essential to have personal space, even if students share a room.
"You need to feel safe in your space and feel like you have control over it," Tan said.
According to Tan, studies show students who design and decorate their rooms to their liking while in college tend to stay in college.
"Students should decorate to remind them of home and who they want to be in college," Tan said.
When she moved away for college, Tan brought with her a spoon jar that sat on her kitchen counter when she was a child.
Jenny Mellown, freshman in pre-engineering, said she will be combining the essential elements of the room of a college student with a few items from her home.
"I think everyone needs a desk for school stuff," Mellown said. "I am bringing my bed from home."
Molly Ridgeway, junior in interior design, shares the same beliefs as Tan when it comes to designing a college room.
"The rooms are small so you want to be comfy when you're in it," Ridgeway said. "You want something cozy because you are in a different environment."
In her own room, Ridgeway has pictures and personal items along with blankets and other elements that make her feel at home when she is at Auburn.
"Decorate your space in your style, not the typical dorm style," Ridgeway said.
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