Auburn University {Dorm Bedroom}

I am so excited to share all the details on John’s bedroom in his dormitory, as well as links to all the sources. I was trucking along on my 12 Gifts on the 24th project until we hit the summer. At that point, I was buying all the things to finish out his room, but didn’t want to unbox them for photos. So, my next few blog posts on his dorm will serve double duty.

Class of 2024 – Gifts on the 24th
August: Packing & Moving
September: Laundry
October: First Aid & Medicine Cabinet
November: AirTags
December: Dorm Things Part 1
January: Backpacks and Bags
February: Tools
March: He’s Committed
April: Dorm Bedding
May: Graduation Day Keepsake
June: Dorm Bedroom
July: Dorm Living Room & Kitchenette
August: Dorm Bathroom

First things first, I very carefully and thoughtfully packed for the move. These two items were instrumental in a smooth day. I laid everything out in the garage and packed by space within each room. Every bag was then labeled with painters tape and a sharpie. For example: bedroom – bedding; bedroom -desk; bedroom – closet; bedroom – hanging clothes, etc. One bag had only “supplies” with tools, hanging materials, cleaning supplies, etc.

I had tons of questions about his “sweet suite” on Instagram. This is an on-campus dormitory, not an apartment. It houses four students, each with their own bedroom. There are two bathrooms, a living room and a kitchenette as well. It’s SO nice!

I want to start by saying that this was a completely collaborative project. He wanted to see every single thing going into his new space before it was purchased. We both absolutely love the result and it was so much fun to work on it with him. Here’s the before and after:

One critical part of the pre-planning was having all of the exact dimensions for his room. The Auburn website has all of this readily available, as I suspect most colleges do. We were able to know in advance not just the dimensions of each space, but also little details like measurements of windows, furniture, etc. Because he is in an ADA suite, his room is laid out a little differently. With a quick email to housing, I was provided with blueprints of his room, as well as a video walk through. These were invaluable tools in making sure everything we purchased would work. Before we even walked through the doors we knew where everything would go, and it all fit perfectly!

Boys Dorm Bedding & Sources

We moved the bed in front of the window to maximize floor space in the room and make it feel larger than it truly is. We raised it up just enough for the dressers fit underneath. He didn’t plan to store anything else under there, and didn’t want to have to climb in and out of bed too much. We debated the headboard, but after thinking about how much time he would likely spend in his bed studying and relaxing, we thought he would appreciate a soft spot to lean back on. After his first few nights he reports back that it is the most comfortable dorm bed imaginable.

We put a bedside table between the bed and desk, wanting him to have a spot of the right height for a task lamp (that can also move the other direction to give light on the desk). We also knew he’d want a place for storage. Right now, it holds nightly things and some pictures, but there is plenty of space for more as he accumulates things this school year.

Boys Dorm Desk Space

The desk is a great size and fit perfectly next to the bedside table and just in front of the closet. We debated a hutch, but didn’t have space for it once he set up this electronics. The chair the room came with was so hard and uncomfortable that I was happy to replace it with one I knew he’d use. We went on the small side, due to space, but he’s very happy with it! He loved his Raider sign from high school so much that I offered to fund a new one for college. It’s the perfect piece for his room, and he loves the light it gives off at night (the remote allows you to dim to 50% and 25%). We hung that with the picture hanging strips, just like the other art. He brought his extra large mouse pad from home the day of the move, when we realized I didn’t order him anything. It works great! The surge protectors and power strips will come in very handy and are a must for any dorm (no extension cords allowed). Finally, I stocked the desk with post its, pens, pencils, highlighters, scissors, tape, stapler, hole punch, sheet protectors, a few binders and notebooks and a new student agenda in the style he loves and has used since middle school.

Boy Dorm Closet

All things considered, the closet is a really nice space and comparable to what he has at home. The goal here was to maximize storage! I added a second hanging rack and he has plenty of space for clothes now. A handy belt and tie hanger was also a useful addition. The closet came with a rod to add a curtain but we agreed it would only get in the way so we took it down and tucked it under the bed.

Sister gave him a laundry service as a grad gift, which is the COOLEST thing ever and something he is thrilled to use. (Will share more later) I had already bought laundry things so sent those anyway for emergency needs. :-)

The bins of things I stocked over the course of his senior year fit perfectly up top. They are clear so he can see what’s inside. The tool kit was already pressed into service!

Class of 2024 – Gifts on the 24th
August: Packing & Moving
September: Laundry
October: First Aid & Medicine Cabinet
November: AirTags
December: Dorm Things Part 1
January: Backpacks and Bags
February: Tools
March: He’s Committed
April: Dorm Bedding
May: Graduation Day Keepsake
June: Dorm Bedroom
July: Dorm Living Room & Kitchenette
August: Dorm Bathroom

Boy Dorm Decor & Storage

As far as the rest of the space, the run was a fun addition to tie in the Auburn colors and to cozy up the room.

At the foot of the bed we added the second table in the bedside set. He originally had his fan on it, but moved that to the living room. If he chooses to move it back, it fits perfectly. A few more frames here capture memories from home. He made the mosaic on our Adventures by Disney trip this summer! He has his alexa here on the shelf and we packed up a trash can we were no longer using at home to use in his bedroom.

The cube storage system was also carefully picked to fit the space and give him a little more storage. Over that is the boy dorm must have – a large flag! On it we put a monogramed valet he recieved as a grad gift for keys and wallet (both air-tagged!).

Since no nails are allowed, I used a nice tension rod for the curtains. Those came out of Whit’s bedroom (replaced what he had).

Brandon at Brandon Art gave him the football print, which he loves!

I think that about sums it up. Creating this space with him, for him, was a joy! Knowing that I was leaving him with such a cozy and comfortable room made it a tiny bit easier.

I’ll share the rest of the dorm next week!

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By dixiedelights | Filed under decorate | Tags: , ,

2 thoughts on “Auburn University {Dorm Bedroom}”

  1. Was an ADA compliant room requested? (If it’s none of my business, feel free to say so!)

    Great job decorating! Love the rug in particular.

    Reply

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