It’s that time of the year- summer is coming to an end and all of the upcoming college freshman are scrambling for dorm room décor and necessities. Of course no one wants just the basics, you want the chicest dorm room out of everyone on your floor. You want your room to be the one you and your new best friends watch movies and binge eat junk food in. Your décor is the first impression you give to the person you’re going to be living with for the next nine months, so obviously it has to be just as cool as you are. Here are a few essential things you’ll need for the ultimate pad.

1. Tapestry

Now this one is a given. Every boho gal has a tapestry hanging in their dorm room. Heck, maybe you even have two or three. However, your tapestry can look even better all depending on how you choose to hang it. Rather than just hanging the tapestry to the top of your wall, try something else out; I think the best way to hang a tapestry is to hang half of it on your wall, and half on the ceiling. It sort of creates a canopy- this makes it super cozy and allows you to show off the entire canopy, rather than just the half that can be seen above your bed. I know us college girls are always looking to save some bucks so here are a few places to get inexpensive tapestries: Amazon (this one is a given) ,http://www.trippystore.com (the designs are pretty self explanatory), https://www.royalfurnish.com (they have just about everything, I highly recommend taking a look).

2. Light Fixtures

For most people, lights seem to be an afterthought. You buy a lamp to put on your desk and thats the end of it. Well get up of your couch (once you're done reading of course) and go buy some lights or search through your christmas storage. They may be "basic" but they're a necessity nonetheless. But this isn't even the end of it, there is one light fixture you absolutely NEED to have a good time.

I don't really think an explanation is needed. Find this one here.

3. Throw Pillows

Decorating in such a small dorm room can be very difficult. With limited wall space (which is taken up mostly by your tapestry) you have to be creative with how you choose to accessorize. I'm sure your comforter is super cute, but I think its okay that we put some pillows over that ripped up stuffed animal you've had for the past 18 years. You can still keep it, maybe just hide it behind the pillows... ya know? Dormify.com always has a great selection of pillows, and I picked up most of mine from Marshals.

4. Speakers

No one wants to hangout with their friends in a silent room. When you're all getting ready to go out together, you're going to want to listen to some music to get you pumped up for the night! Also, playing some music with the door open is a great way to get to know people on your floor during the first week or two. So although you are about to be on that broke-college-girl budget, good speakers are a necessary investment, and they really don't have to be that expensive. I have the JBL flip which is great, it's small and compact but still gives off a great sound. JBL in general has some great speakers for dorm room living. Pioneer also produces some very good speakers if you're looking for something a little less portable. It all depends on what you like, so put some research in and find out what exactly you want, but make sure to go ahead and buy some speakers before you get to school!