So you’ve finally moved out of the old, dingy dorms, and you’ve graduated to your own place…. So you’ve finally moved out of the old, dingy dorms, and you’ve graduated to your own place. No longer do you have to worry about nosey RAs getting into your business, nor do you have to contend with the ever-so-friendly security guards who are always more than happy to swipe your ID.

Hooray!

But now what? How do you make that bumpy transition from living in an ordinary dorm to a fully decorated apartment?

The process can be challenging, but as soon as you get started you’ll be excited and ready to take on the world.

Once you’ve chosen your place, it’s extremely important that you know how much space you’re going to be working with. Speaking from experience, there is nothing worse than deciding upon furniture and then realizing that you can’t fit half of it into your apartment.

If need be, measure the dimensions of the walls and floors, this way you won’t second-guess yourself. In fact, I would even take pictures. This way you have a visual record that others can view and offer suggestions for possible decorating schemes.

But, before you begin decorating like the next Martha Stewart, it’s important that you discuss with your landlord what’s acceptable. Can you put holes in the walls? Can you refurbish the furniture that came with the place? Can you paint? The last thing you need is a decorating scheme that is completely against your landlord’s regulations. The idea is to make peace, not break your lease.

Once you’ve figured out what will maintain a happy relationship between you and your landlord, it’s time to begin thinking about decorating.

The biggest mistake most college students make is trying to create a place just like Mom and Dad had back home. This is a big no-no because:

1. This is your apartment, not your parents’. Create a place that’s uniquely yours.

2. You don’t make nearly as much money as your parents, so to spend money on furniture similar to the furniture at your home is a tad over the top.

Anne-Marie Barton, a decorating specialist from Home and Garden Guide, said, “Many of our clients concentrate on rooms where they spend the most time. Never do they focus on a special place just for them.”

When you create a unique place of your own, you’ll feel more comfortable, and you’ll get a lot more homework done.

So when deciding on a decorating theme, choose what excites you. If the jungle look makes you happy, then, by all means, get that tree and hang your rope from it. The point is to do what makes you smile.

Keeping all that in mind, it’s time to turn your lifeless room into your personal space.

If your apartment is in Oakland, or even in certain areas of Shadyside, you probably don’t have too much space with which to work. Your apartment is perhaps a lot larger than that Tower A room you had freshman year, but it’s still not as sizable as your room at home.

Therefore, you should probably consider opening up your space with mirrors and color. Placing mirrors in hallways and or in front of entrances makes rooms seem less compressed. Who wants to be that person no one visits because their place is dark and dank? Not me.

Tired of those blank, boring white walls? Adding bright and colorful room accessories will add new light to any room. Try hanging dried flowers and your favorite posters. Many have even opted to place fabric on walls to give it that wallpaper feel. But, be warned, this can get messy.

Although this may seem complex, fabric wallpaper can be affordable and it will add a hint of your own uniqueness.

It’s also important to remember to organize. Make use of plastic containers and baskets. They are all inexpensive and imperative pieces to have — especially if you have a plethora of clothing and shoes, like me.

Decorating takes hard work, but if you keep in mind that you’re creating your own comfortable palace, the process will run 10 times smoother.

When in distress, just remember you were once a measly freshman who competed with loud hall-mates and filthy roommates. Now you’re finally graduating to a place you’re going to be proud to call home.

Happy decorating and congratulations on your new move.