As we all know, living in a tiny box with cinder block walls all year isn't the definition of "homey," but over last year and this year, I have discovered many things that can help to change that feeling.

1. Christmas Lights

Now, I know it's a total cliché, but when I turn on the Christmas lights in my apartment and shut the rest of the lights off, I instantly get in the mood to relax. It feels super comfortable and looks really nice, and it's also a cheap way to decorate.

2. Throw Blankets

I'm a sucker for blankets to begin with, and I use them all of the time at home, so bringing a couple to school was such a good decision. Even when I'm doing homework, a nice soft blanket lightens the mood, and keeps me warm and cozy.

3. Your Favorite Coffee Mug

Being able to drink coffee or tea (or even make soup in it like I do) makes school feel a little more like home because it reminds me of sitting on my couch with a nice cup of coffee in the morning. Having something that I always use at home gets me excited to use it, and makes me look forward to having coffee even more.

4. A Body Pillow

A body pillow for my bed was one of the best things I brought. Because we live in little boxes, the beds are almost always up against the wall, which means we spend our nights face-to-face with cold cinder block. I got a body pillow and a soft plush case and put it against the wall, and it made a huge difference. My bed instantly got comfier and more homey.

5. Candles (if you live in an apartment)

My roommates and I are always lighting candles. It makes the room warm and great-smelling, and the idea of a lit candle reminds me of home and the holidays, and it's super inviting.

6. A Rug

In my dorm last year, we had a huge, white fluffy rug. I used to sit on the floor to do homework, or watch movies, and my dorm became the one everyone hung out in because everyone had a place to sit. It also made the room look a lot nicer, and we never had to step out of bed on to a cold, tile floor.

7. An Extra Chair/Cushion for Your Desk Chair

Having a comfy place to sit and do homework is a lot more important than you may think. Being able to be comfortable is something we're used to at home, and having the ability to be comfortable at your desk at at school can reduce some of that stress.

8.Holiday Decorations

My roommates and I decorated for Halloween and fall, and we're already planning on decorating for the winter holidays too. It's festive and it leaves a whimsical and happy vibe in the room, and it really feels a lot more like home when it's decorated.

9. A Television

Even if you don't have time to watch TV at school, watching a show or two before bed is really relaxing. Even having the TV visible makes me feel like I'm at home in my living room.

10. A Mattress Topper

A lot of college students may go home for the weekend just craving a good night's sleep in their own bed. Of course, I feel the same way, but once I put my mattress topper on my bed, I never wanted to leave it. It makes those rocks they call "mattresses" ten times more comfortable, plus it's a lot more sanitary.

11. Pictures From Home

I look at my pictures every day, and I'm so happy I took the time to print them and put them up. It's really nice to be able to look at those good memories whenever I want.

All of these things are completely worth doing and I know that my apartment now is super homey and I love being there. It's hard to be away from home, but by doing a couple simple things to spice up your dorm/apartment, it really helps that homesick feeling.