This Freshman’s Cozy Space Is Both Cute and Functional

Katie Nolan, a freshman at San Diego State University, is all about communication — from her major to her social media accounts (@katienolannnn on IG; @kkatienolan on TikTok). Her dorm has become a hangout spot for friends and others in her building, which adds to the campus’ social aspect that she loves so much. While she wasn’t in love with the space in the beginning, Katie and her two roommates have made their dorm room a place they can’t get enough of. 

How’d you end up in this space? I was randomly assigned this space by San Diego State, and my first impression was not the best. I am sharing my experience to highlight how I have personally transformed this space into my own and how other students can too.

Now that you’ve made the space your own, what specifically do you love about it? I love the social community that makes this dorm unique. It is a tight-knit living community that I’m sure other students would love. The comfy lounge rooms on each floor are consistently in use, making it easy to make new friends on your floor. Although the space can feel small, the people make the experience, so the social aspect changes the game. 

What’s your space best known for? Being a more chill room, but it is constantly open for our friends to come in and hang.

Define your personal home style: Basic, simple, girly. Pinterest inspires my interior design style. 

What’s your favorite element of your space? My vanity mirror.

What’s your proudest DIY or product hack? Getting over-the-door hooks for purses, towels, headphones, etc.

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? It is per year and includes the mandatory Flex 5 meal plan: $20,365.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your housing? My parents.

Do you pay for your living expenses? Partially.

How do you earn your income? Saved money.

How much did it cost to decorate your space? Maybe around $500.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your decor? My parents.

What was your best budget find for this space? Nothing in particular, but shopping at HomeGoods or T.J. Maxx always saves me money.

What was your biggest splurge for this space? Probably my vanity mirror, which was around $80. 

What was your biggest challenge in decorating your space? Coordinating with my roommates about who gets what — it can get complicated and requires a lot of back-and-forth communication. When we first moved in, all of us brought heaps of things, thinking that we could somehow make it fit. Keeping our parents with us until the dorm was set up was very helpful, so they could take back any unused items. What helped with maximizing space was bins — lots of bins — and under-the-bed space. We utilized what we could, and bins are inexpensive. 

What’s your best tip for optimizing a small space? I said it once, and I’ll say it again: BINS! Bins — for going-out tops, bikinis — make space go further. Also, a hanging shoe organizer for your closet is SO helpful. I store workout clothes and tanks in that space, and it saves so much room.

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

Share your style: Dorm Tour Submission Form