You’ve been in college for a whole month now, but on the real, your dorm room still looks, well, basic. Trick out those cement walls, cover up those bland tile floors, and create a space you’ll actually like living in.

9. Add Pictures

Not only will surrounding yourself with pics of your fam and your besties help with any homesickness, but it will also help add more life and color to those boring walls. Don’t forget to include snapshots of your new hallmates, roommates, and classmates in those photo collages, too. You can also hang posters of your favorite movies and celebs — waking up to a 27×40 print of MB’s All Around the World movie poster is a great way to start any day.

8.  Add Your Fave Colors

Dorm rooms are notoriously tiny, but don’t let that stop you — cover whatever space you have in your favorite colors and patterns. Really into zebra prints or boldly colored patterns? Outfit your room with swag that matches your chosen theme or color palette. You can even rep your school spirit with team-colored bedding, area rugs, flags, and more.

7. Hold on to the Past

Display some of your favorite mementos from home — whether it’s a childhood teddy bear or ticket stubs from a movie date, these fun keepsakes are sure to bring some good juju to your new spot.

6.  Have an Open-Door Policy

A home’s not a home without good company. Invite friends, classmates, and floor mates over to help christen your new place. Whoever said you couldn’t have a dorm-warming party? And if you happen to not be in when friends stop by, invite them to leave nice notes for you by hanging a wipe-off board on the front of your door.

5. Remember: One Size Does Not Fit All

Rearrange the furniture in your room and add some new pieces to make the space work for you and your interests. Have a walk-in closet? Stow one of the two chest of drawers in there and you’ll open up the space to add more butterfly seats for friends. You can also save space by choosing to bunk your twin beds against one wall.

4. Get Organized

Nothing says home like having a designated place for all your belongings. Stock up on inexpensive, but cute, shelving and storage bins that match your decor at stores like Target and Wal-Mart.

3. Make it Comfy

When classes are over and you tire of parties, you’re going to need some place to relax. Fit in a plush chair and lots of warm blankets and cushy pillows to cuddle with on those cool fall and winter nights in. Top it all off with a mug of hot chocolate you make with your brand-new hot pot.

2. Keep It Inspirational

Cut out quotes, pictures, and anything else that make you feel motivated and at ease. A simple corkboard collage will be enough to make the room energizing; you’ll feel ready to conquer your dreams all day, every day.

1. Keep It Stocked

Fall break is approaching and you know the best thing about vacays at home — besides seeing your family and friends, of course — is the food! Come ready with plastic containers you can fill with all the leftovers, freeze them, and then when you return to dorm life, you can easily recreate that home-cooked taste by just reaching into your mini fridge.