See How This University of Miami Cheerleader Made Her Room “Cozy” & “Bright”

Moving into your freshman room is stressful enough, but University of Miami freshman Jasmine Carter (@jasmineb.carter on Instagram) balanced moving in the same time as she was attending cheerleader training bootcamp, which is no easy feat. 

Jasmine says that despite the challenge of her packed schedule, she was able to create a stylish and organized room that’s equal parts “cozy” and “lively.” Even with jam-packed days, she was able to be intentional about her design, even down to details like “matching storage bins and custom wall art.”

How’d you end up in this space? I’m currently living in a place I discovered through friends who had wonderful experiences there in previous years. I also stumbled upon a lot of TikToks showcasing the space, and I was really drawn to its decor, pricing, and amenities.

Now that you’ve made the space your own, what specifically do you love about it? My room is a joy at any time of day — bright and lively in the morning, cozy during sunset, and peaceful at night. One of my favorite features is my dresser, which is adorned with items that hold special meaning for me. You’ll find my Bible, a cherished photo of my parents, a thoughtful gift from someone dear, my favorite purse, fresh flowers, and some beautiful jewelry. I’m also proud of how I’ve decorated the bathroom. This little sanctuary feels like home, and I often find myself reluctant to leave it each day.

What’s your space best known for? I’d say my space is definitely most known for its overall design. My friends always compliment how everything flows together and how organized it is. I really focused on creating a space that felt both stylish and functional. From the layout to the little details like matching storage bins and custom wall art, I wanted it to feel intentional without being overdone. Even small things, like the DIY wall prints I framed myself, helped pull everything together. I love when people walk in and say it feels “put together” but still like me.

Define your personal home style: Parisian chic and modern.

What’s your favorite element of your space? My favorite area is definitely the top of my dresser. It’s a curated space that feels like a reflection of who I am. I’ve arranged it with items that bring me joy and comfort. At the center sits my Bible, a source of strength and inspiration. Flanking it is a cherished photo of my parents, reminding me of their unwavering support. I also have a special gift from someone very dear to me, which adds a sentimental touch. My favorite purse is displayed there, not just for practicality but as a piece of personal style. Fresh flowers brighten up the space, bringing a sense of life and vibrancy. Lastly, I’ve scattered some of my jewelry, which adds a touch of sparkle. This dresser top is more than just a surface; it’s a little sanctuary filled with things that hold meaning for me, and I love spending time in that corner of my room.

What’s your proudest DIY or product hack? One of my proudest DIY hacks was figuring out how to decorate my apartment in a way that felt personal and stylish without spending a ton of money. I found some big wall prints online that I absolutely loved. … I downloaded the digital files, printed them for cheap at CVS, and then put them in affordable Amazon frames. It ended up looking super professional and totally transformed the space. It was a great way to stick to my budget while still creating a space that felt like home.

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? $1,800.

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? I worked over the summer.

How much did it cost to decorate your space? Not sure.

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

What was your best budget find for this space? DIY frames.

What was your biggest splurge for this space? My decor.

What was your biggest challenge in decorating your space? One of the biggest challenges I faced during my move was doing it all while being out of state. I’m originally from Texas, not Miami, so I couldn’t easily order large items online and have them delivered ahead of time. A lot of the essentials — furniture, supplies, decor — I had to buy in person once I arrived. On top of that, I was in the middle of fall boot camp for cheer, which meant I had a super packed schedule, long days of physical training, and very little downtime. Balancing both the move and bootcamp really tested my time management and energy. I had to stay really organized, plan out my shopping trips carefully, and sometimes make compromises, but I got it all done. Looking back, it helped me build a lot of independence and confidence in handling high-pressure situations.

What’s your best tip for optimizing a small space? One of my favorite small-space organizing tips is to keep things visually clean, even if you’re maximizing every inch behind the scenes. For example, I was lucky to have a lot of closet and under-bed storage in my apartment, and I used both to their full potential with bins and organizers. But I still wanted the room to feel open and uncluttered, so I added a bed skirt to hide the under-bed storage. It gave the space a cleaner, more polished look while still letting me store a lot underneath. I’m big on functional organization that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics — everything has a place, but it doesn’t have to be on display.

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

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