The Dorm Room Decor Guide: How to Help Your Child Feel at Home

Sending your child off to university for the first time is a significant milestone, both for them and for you as a parent. For many first-year students, this marks the first time they’ve lived away from home, and the transition can be both exciting and daunting.

It’s not uncommon for students to feel homesick, overwhelmed or anxious about this new chapter in their lives. As a parent, you naturally want to do everything you can to support your child and help them settle in quickly. One of the most effective ways to ease their transition is by helping them create a dorm room that feels like their home away from home.

Creating a comfortable, personalised space can make a world of difference in how your child adjusts to university life. When their surroundings feel familiar, they’re more likely to feel secure, which in turn will help them focus on their studies and make new friends with confidence. If you’re looking for practical tips to help your child feel at ease in their new environment whilst also enhancing their overall university experience, this guide is the perfect starting point.

Why is creating a homely dorm room important?

Helping your child feel at home in their new dorm room is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, the environment we live in has a direct impact on our mental and emotional well-being. A familiar, comfortable space can help alleviate feelings of homesickness and reduce the stress that comes with such a major life change. When students feel at ease in their surroundings, they are better able to focus on their academic responsibilities. A well-decorated room can serve as a sanctuary where they can unwind, study effectively and maintain a balanced
routine.

Having a space that feels uniquely theirs can also help them establish a sense of independence and responsibility, which are both important aspects of personal growth during their years at university. By helping your child create a space that reflects their personality and provides comfort, you’re not only supporting their academic success but also their overall happiness and well-being.

9 tips to help your child feel at home

1. Add a personal touch with pictures

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to make a dorm room feel like home is by decorating it with photos. Encourage your child to bring along pictures of family, friends and, of course, pets. Whether it’s a framed photo on their desk or a collage on the wall, these familiar faces will bring comfort during moments of homesickness. Consider helping them create a photo board or wall gallery that they can easily add to throughout the year.

2. Bring a comforting blanket

There’s something incredibly comforting about snuggling up in a familiar blanket. If your child has a favourite throw or blanket from home, make sure it’s one of the first things they pack. Not only does it add warmth to their bed, but it also brings a touch of homeliness to their new space. Choose soft, cosy materials in colours or patterns they love to add to that homely and inviting atmosphere.

3. Take a special keepsake

Sentimental items can provide a sense of continuity between home and university life. Whether it’s a childhood teddy bear, a treasured piece of jewellery or a memento from a family holiday, these small items carry big emotional value. Placing a special keepsake somewhere on display can give your child a sense of security and connection to home, even when they’re miles away.

4. Choose comfortable bed sheets

A comfortable bed is the cornerstone of a comforting dorm room, and Novel’s student accommodation Canterbury offers just that. By investing in high-quality bedding, your child can look forward to sinking into their slumber after a long day. From soft sheets to supportive duvets, comfort is the key when it comes to creating a restful environment.

5. Use warm lighting

Ceiling lights are great for illuminating the entire room, but it’s also a great idea to add a lampshade or some fairy lights—something that will create a warm, dimly lit room. Not only do warm lights create a welcoming ambience, but it also makes the room feel more relaxing.

6. Add some greenery

Adding plants to a dorm room can breathe life into the space and create a calming atmosphere. Whether it’s a small potted plant on the windowsill or low-maintenance succulent on the desk, greenery can make the room feel more vibrant and connected to nature. Plants are also known to improve air quality and boost mood, making them a great addition to any dorm room.

7. Personalise with wall art

Encourage your child to personalise their space with wall art that reflects their interests and style. Whether it’s posters of their favourite bands, prints of inspiring quotes or even artwork they’ve created themselves, wall decor is an excellent way to infuse personality into their new environment.

8. Create a study nook

A dedicated study space can help your child focus on their work and maintain a balanced routine. Help them set up a study nook with a comfortable chair, a well-organised desk and all the supplies they need to stay productive. Adding personal touches, such as a motivational poster or a small lamp, can make this area feel both functional and inviting. By creating this divide between their personal and study space, they can easily separate work and life, encouraging a stress-free experience.

9. Use homely scents

Scents have a powerful ability to evoke memories and emotions. Bringing along a specific scented candle, diffuser or room spray can help your child feel instantly at home, especially if it’s one that you commonly use in the house. Whether it’s the smell of vanilla, lavender, or a fragrance that reminds them of home cooking, familiar scents can create a comforting and familiar atmosphere in their new space.

Conclusion

Helping your child feel at home in their university dorm room is one of the most meaningful ways you can support them during this significant transition. By incorporating personal touches, and comforting items and creating a space that reflects their personality, you’re not only easing their homesickness but also setting them up for a successful and enjoyable university experience. Remember, a well-decorated dorm room can enhance their well-being, improve their focus on studies and make it easier for them to create lasting friendships.