How an NC State Freshman Turned Her Colorful, Maximalist Dorm into the Ultimate Hangout Spot

Studying agribusiness management at North Carolina State University means Avery Noble needs a space to relax and hang out with her friends. Avery (@aaveryyn on TikTok; @averycnoble on Instagram) was lucky to be assigned a large corner double, and it has made her space the go-to dorm room for people to socialize in.

How’d you end up in this space? I was randomly assigned to a building with no room choice. When I was given my room assignment, I was able to look at the floor plans so my roommate and I could get a feel for what we were working with, but we were given a corner room, which had a completely different layout, so it was a little hectic at first!! 

Now that you’ve made it your own, what specifically do you love about it? Now I absolutely love my room and am so grateful for the space I’ve been given. I feel like I have really made it my own space — not just a place to stay while I’m in school. I brought all of my stuffed animals from home, my computer, wall collages, and stickers that look like my cats so that I am surrounded by things that make me me! 

Due to the change in layout, our room probably has an extra 30-50 square feet, which allows us to each have our own space. (You could put a wall in between our sides and we would still have plenty of room.) We have our “living/dining room,” which is just a chair, little table, microwave, and fridge with my snack cart, which divides our individual spaces and can let us be creative in our own ways without clashing with each other. It truly is the best room I could ever ask for! We also have our own bathroom and in-room sink/vanity. 

What’s your space best known for? How big it is. Every time someone new comes into our room, the first thing they say is how ginormous it is. Thanks to this, we have lots of people come and hang out in our room because we can comfortably hold about six to seven people without it being a tight fit.

Define your personal home style: Personable, girly, fun, and colorful.

What’s your favorite element of your space? My Jellycat stuffed animals.

What’s your proudest DIY or product hack? Hanging the hairdryer up with tacks and keeping the string lights up on the ceiling with an intricate tape design.

In an effort to remove the stigma associated with talking about money in college, we’re asking students to share how they plan and budget for their space.

How much does your housing cost per semester? $3,950

Do you have anyone helping to fund your housing? Parents.

Do you pay for your living expenses? No.

How do you earn your income? Side hustle. 

How much did it cost to decorate your space? Around $800.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your decor? Parents.

What was your best budget find for this space, and how much did it cost? My stuffed Chair, $80.

What was your biggest splurge for this space, and how much did it cost? My carpet, $180.

What was your biggest challenge in decorating your space? The walls do not support Command strips, and I learned this the hard way. I have a few spots on the wall that have no paint on them! I now know that they prefer us to use tacks, and that has been a great solution.

What’s your best tip for maximizing a small space? I have made a real effort to deep-clean the room every week and not let stuff get on the floor. I pick up my shoes, trash, clothes, you name it! It helps keep me calm during hectic times like finals or midterms.

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.

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