This VCU Freshman’s Dorm Screams “Whimsy” with Fairy Lights, Thrifted Gems, and Trinket Shelves

Most freshmen don’t move into an eight-person suite and think: I can make this magical. But that’s exactly what Robyn Rogers (@stargazerlily.17 on Instagram and @wisteria_rose17 on TikTok) did. The Virginia Commonwealth University fine arts major requested her residence hall specifically as her top choice after she heard it had a quieter, apartment-like feel. She was assigned a small shared bedroom within the suite — about 200 square feet — and immediately started planning how to make something that felt entirely her own.

Now, her lofted bed frames a fully built-out nook layered with thrifted lace, star-shaped fairy lights, a record player, and shelves of trinkets. From her high-rise window, she can watch the sun rise over Richmond, and by night, her room becomes the unofficial gathering spot for her and her friends.

How did you find this space? At VCU, students are able to add their dorm preferences on their housing application, so I put this building down as my first choice. According to some upperclassmen, this is the best freshman dorm if you want a quiet, apartment-style vibe. I was assigned a room in an eight-person suite to share with my wonderful roommate. It’s small, but I knew I could make it work.

How do you feel now after making the space your own? I lofted my bed to free up some floor space, which allowed me to fit my desk and one of my drawers under it, creating a cozy little nook. I even added a makeshift chair made out of pillows for some extra seating. Some features of my nook are my record player and record collection, wall posters, a mini dry-erase board, star-shaped fairy lights, a small rug, and my thrifted desk lamp. When I want privacy, I use my long bed skirt as a curtain.

Another feature that I love is the desk hutch that I set on top of my clothing drawers. It holds all my essentials like my hair and skincare, CDs, books, jewelry box, and unicorn trinket collection. I draped some thrifted lace doilies over the shelves to add some extra whimsy. Above it hangs my bulletin board, which displays pictures of my friends and various sentimental things that I’ve collected.

The shelves above my bed hold my Sonny Angel collection and Calico Critters collection, along with their house that I built from a DIY kit. On my bed sit my stuffed animals: my Miffy plush, my Jellycats, and my beloved weighted unicorn.

What is your space best known for? We usually host our friends here before going out, and our friends just [show up] unannounced like a sitcom.

What is your personal home style? I’d describe my style as maximalist, whimsical, vintage, and eclectic.

What’s your favorite element of your space? My window view and my trinkets. Since we are on the 12th floor, we have a beautiful view of the city and the park in front of our building. I can watch the sun rise and set from my bed.

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.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your housing? My parents.
How much did it cost to decorate your space? Around $1,000.
Do you have anyone helping to fund your decor? My parents.
Do you pay for your living expenses? Partially.
How do you earn your income? Part-time job and side hustle.

What was your biggest challenge in decorating your space? I use renter-friendly supplies like Command strips and hooks, as well as wall putty, which isn’t very durable, so my posters have a habit of falling down sometimes.

What is your proudest DIY or product hack? I made a makeshift beanbag chair out of some pillows and a blanket, and I also DIYed a name pennant out of felt that hangs on my wall. I thrifted a unicorn plate that I really wanted to display, so I got a special plate hanger to put it on my wall. I stapled fabric and ribbon to my bulletin board to make it look prettier, and I thrifted a bunch of lace doilies and put them on my tabletops and shelves to add extra whimsy. I also taped some foam to the metal beams of my bed so it wouldn’t hurt when I bump my head on them.

How do you best keep organized, tidy and neat? Some things that help me stay organized are storage bins, my shoe rack, and our over-the-fridge shelves. We have a small wireless vacuum that is good for dust. I try to clean messes as I go since we are in such a small space and there isn’t room for clutter.

Get creative with your storage to maximize every inch you have. I have bins on top of my dresser and under my desk, and my roommate stores things under her bed. I have hangers on the side of my desk for my backpack and purse. 

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

Share your style: Dorm Tour Submission Form

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

Share your style: Dorm Tour Submission Form