Illustration by Vanna Chan

how to make your dorm feel like home

your dream decor

by marcy huang

It's almost August, which means that school is just around the corner. And for those of you heading back to college, that means you have a ton on your plate. Whether you’ve done it all before or are gearing up for freshman year, moving into a brand-new dorm room can seem a little daunting.

The key to move-in day is decorating your dorm in a way that makes you feel instantly comfortable. You’ll want low-key, low-maintenance decor that will make you smile—even at 8 a.m. Although you may have to deal with overbearing roommates and cramped living quarters, if you make your dorm room feel like home, you’ll feel much, much better about your entire academic year.

Flip through the gallery to check out five of our favorite dorm-room essentials, and shop even more dorm decor here at NYLONshop.

Ban.Do, Blah Blah Blah Thermal Mug, $14, shop here.

Josie B, Bye Felicia Doormat, $36, shop here.

Mi Goals, Get Shit Done Notebook, Black/Kraft, $4.95, shop here.

Perks of Aurora, Help Me I'm Poor Mug, $16, shop here.

Mark Samsonovich, Water The Flowers Print, $135, shop here.