When you have a small room, maximizing space is crucial. The best way to do this is by opting for multipurpose furniture. For example, instead of buying a standard dorm bed, choose one that includes hidden drawers or compartments for extra storage. This will help you stay organized and make use of space that would otherwise go to waste.

When brightening up your room with artwork, remember that a little goes a long way when you've just got a couple walls to fill. From vibrant nature photos to abstract prints, the possibilities are endless. You can even hang up some photos of your friends or family to give your dorm room a few pleasant reminders of home.

To soften the look of your dorm, consider adopting couple of plants. Whether you opt for a real or faux, a little bit of greenery can do wonders for brightening up your room and your mindset when finals start. Research shows that having a plant or two close by can help boost mood and relieve stress.

The more light you spread throughout your room, the better, especially if your dorm room has small windows. Fairy lights effortlessly supply a warm and inviting atmosphere, and there's minimal effort involved in the process. For added effect, try hanging some of your favorite photos or artwork underneath the lights to illuminate them on your walls.

In between study sessions, you'll need some of your favorite tunes to make your dorm feel like your living room. Invest in some bluetooth speakers to create the right vibe for any occasion. Whether you're gearing up for a party or relaxing at night, having the right soundtrack will help you get in the mood.

When the communal bathrooms are crowded before classes, it'll be a challenge to steal a quick look in the mirror. Placing a full-length mirror in your dorm gives you the chance to see how your entire outfit looks before you head off to class. Some mirrors even come with hooks where you can hang your jacket or backpack when you arrive home at the end of the day.

Sleep is valuable in college, and you'll need to maximize your shut-eye time as much as possible. Make bedtime a priority by creating a sleep area that's so inviting, you won't be able to resist snuggling under the covers after a stressful day. Many other ideas in this list can be thrifted, so you might want to spend a little extra on high-quality bedding and fluffy pillows. The latter is especially important if your bed doubles as a study nook.

Moving into a dorm for the first time can be daunting. To help ease the transition a bit, bring along some of your favorite items from home. Whether you decide to pack a scrapbook you made with your friends, your vintage record collection, or your favorite poster, giving your dorm a taste of the familiar will help keep homesickness at bay.

If your dorm room is looking a little bland, a splash of color will help bring it to life. There are endless ways to incorporate the right amount of color into your room, even though you probably won't be painting. From filling your bed with bright pillows to laying an abstract rug on your floor, you'll be surprised what a few vibrant hues can do for your room. If your walls really need a pick-me-up, consider removeable wallpaper.

In the hectic world of college life, staying organized might seem like a pipe dream. With the right tools and decor, however, you can make this goal a reality. Before moving into your dorm, source the perfect desk organizer, to ensure everything is always where it's supposed to be and you never can never use "I can't find a pencil" as an excuse to put off a project.