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TikTok Loved My Old Dorm Decor — Here’s Why I Changed It

published Oct 25, 2023
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white bedding, peel and stick floral wall paper on part of wall, slated headboard, graphic art, white swivel arm chair and beige carpet
Credit: Angie Arias

My sophomore year dorm room was more than just a place to sleep and study; it was the site of a transformational period in my life. As a newly minted Resident Assistant, I reveled in the privilege of having my own room and the ability to explore my decor preferences — learning to strike the balance between what was trendy and what made me feel the most at home without worrying about clashing with a roommate’s style.

Credit: Angie Arias

It was also the place that bore witness to my career growth as a burgeoning social media influencer. Through my videos, I welcomed my growing audience into my space as I took them along on my college journey. The room became my sanctuary, a cocoon of creativity where I spent countless hours planning and editing my content, honing my skills, and building my brand.

Credit: Angie Arias

Beyond the lights, cameras, and action, my dorm room saw all facets of me — the highs and lows, the moments of celebration and contemplation. It was where I developed my college routines, including my beloved “Reset Sundays,” and where I reflected on a whole school year’s worth of growth both within and outside those four walls.

Credit: Angie Arias

And yet, as I entered my junior year and began to decorate my new dorm room, I knew I didn’t want to recreate the same space I lived in the year before. My sophomore year dorm room was there for me as I grew into the person I am today, so the best way to honor that space wasn’t to copy-paste the decor as if I hadn’t changed at all — it was to embrace a new style that reflects the current version of myself.

My new dorm room is a visual representation of my personal growth. The cozy elements I adored from the previous year’s room are still present, but this time, I aimed for a more mature and cohesive aesthetic. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much more I aspire to achieve.

Credit: Angie Arias

I actually kept a lot of items from my old dorm room, including my rolling cart, wall decor, and lots of storage pieces. However, in an effort to make my space feel even more homey than before, I shifted toward a cottagecore aesthetic, replacing my colorful plushies with neutral throw pillows and creating an accent wall with floral peel-and-stick wallpaper. I maintained my previous room’s color palette of beige and neutral tones while introducing new pops of greenery with faux plants and picture frames.

Credit: Angie Arias

To feel more organized, I went with a new layout for my furniture and decided to store my items differently. My school supplies now reside in my rolling cart (which was formerly a crowded coffee station, but more on that later). This helps keep my surfaces clear for a cleaner, more minimal look. I also transformed my desk to function as a vanity and gave it a marble removable wallpaper upgrade, with all of my makeup and hair essentials stored away in drawers to continue my goal of minimizing excess clutter.

Credit: Angie Arias

The biggest change involved my coffee bar. Instead of using my aforementioned rolling cart, I converted my extra closet (perks of being an RA!) into a mini pantry, where I neatly store my coffee essentials on a two-tier bookshelf, as well as snacks and cleaning supplies. My ability to keep so much of my stuff organized and out of sight is a reflection of how I feel about who I am in my junior year — a little less messy and a little more put-together than I was as a sophomore.

Credit: Angie Arias

My new room is a space where I will continue to share my experiences and connect with my audience. Just as my previous dorm room was a stepping stone in my path, this new space is helping me get a bit closer to the person I am becoming throughout my college journey. While the details may be different and the layout may have changed, the growth and transformation remain constant.

Angie Arias

Business Marketing

Angie Arias is a resident assistant and college content creator at SUNY Oneonta. On TikTok, Angie documents the ups and downs of college life, offering an authentic glimpse into the student experience. With a passion for interior design, she loves transforming small spaces into personalized, stylish havens.

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SchoolSUNY Oneonta '25
MajorBusiness Marketing
FavesTrying new food around NYC, interior design, shopping
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