How To Customize Your Dorm Room Rec Room
Okay, so you've inherited the *dorm rec room*. Congratulations! It's probably beige, possibly smells vaguely of old pizza, and definitely needs your magic touch.
Step 1: Embrace the Theme (or Lack Thereof)
First, assess the existing vibe. Is it trying to be a sports bar? A sad attempt at a library? Or maybe it's achieved pure, unadulterated nothingness?
Lean into it! If it's sporty, grab some ironic vintage athletic posters. Think badminton players with questionable mustaches or a motivational poster of a very serious bowler.
Transforming the "Nothingness"
Ah, nothingness. The blank canvas of despair...or *opportunity*! Become the modern Michelangelo of mediocre spaces!
How about a "Bad Movie Night" theme? Obtain the *WORST* movie posters ever created. Embrace the gloriously awful.
Maybe string up some fairy lights and call it "Enchanted Forest." It's whimsical, slightly embarrassing, and definitely Instagrammable.
Step 2: Seating Shenanigans
Let's be real, dorm furniture is usually...unforgiving. Pillows are your friend. An army of pillows.
Find the biggest, squishiest, and most ridiculous pillows you can find. Think animal-shaped pillows, pillows covered in sequins, pillows that resemble food.
Bonus points for a beanbag chair the size of a small car. Trust me, someone will fall asleep in it. It’s dorm law.
DIY Seating (Because Why Not?)
Cardboard boxes are surprisingly versatile. With some duct tape and a can-do attitude, you can create surprisingly comfortable (and definitely temporary) seating options. Just...don't sit too hard.
Old tires painted neon colors? Absolutely! Just make sure they're clean. No one wants to explain tire-print stains to the RA.
Step 3: Wall Art That Doesn't Require Nails
Command strips are your new best friend. Forget putting holes in the wall! That's a recipe for fines and angry RAs.
Tapestries are a classic for a reason. They're big, colorful, and can hide questionable paint jobs. Plus, you can find them pretty cheap.
Giant maps are cool, too. Let everyone point out where they *wish* they were. Perhaps a map of a tropical island with a giant "YOU ARE HERE" sticker on the rec room's location.
The Power of Posters (But Make Them Weird)
Forget motivational posters with eagles soaring over mountains. Think cats wearing tiny hats, hamsters doing yoga, or Nicolas Cage in various states of distress.
Print out inspirational quotes...but attribute them to the wrong person. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Confucius (probably).
Step 4: Ambiance is Everything
Lighting can make or break a room. Ditch the harsh fluorescent lights! Embrace the warm glow of string lights, lava lamps, and salt lamps.
Scent is also important. Invest in a diffuser with some essential oils. Maybe avoid "old library" scent, though. Let's try for "inviting jungle" or "freshly baked cookies" instead.
Don’t Forget Sound
Music is key. But maybe lay off the death metal at 3 AM. Unless, of course, that's the theme you're going for. In that case, rock on!
A white noise machine can also be a lifesaver, especially if you have noisy neighbors. It can also help drown out the sound of existential dread.
Step 5: Games and Entertainment
No rec room is complete without games! Think board games, card games, and maybe even a dartboard (if you're feeling adventurous...and your RA approves).
A TV is also a must-have, for watching movies, playing video games, or just having something on in the background.
Don't forget the snacks! A well-stocked snack bar is essential for any successful rec room gathering. Chocolate is mandatory.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and create a space where everyone feels welcome. Even if it's a slightly chaotic, slightly weird, and definitely unforgettable space.
