My family has always been big into Halloween. We were the house in my neighborhood that would give out big fistfulls of candy outside our decorated yard. As this is my first year in college, I’ve been thinking up ways to compact the holiday cheer into something that can fit in my dorm room without breaking the bank. Below are some small and cost-effective ways to turn your dorm into a Halloween paradise. 

Lights and Garlands
Everyone knows the big overhead light is one of the most atrocious parts of the dorm room. That fluorescence is doing no one any favors. However, that gives you a chance to go crazy with some alternative lighting. My favorite way to add some fall fun to my space is through the use of mini string lights. Walmart currently sells spooky-themed lights for less than six dollars. A brilliant orange or haunting purple can truly turn your room from bland to glam. 

Small Decor

The space in the dorm is so limited, so when picking out decor for the holidays, you need to maximize whatever space you have. Small desktop or shelf decor are some of my personal favorite things to add a little something related to the holidays. Places like Michaels currently sell tons of little, affordable objects that will fit right at home beside your books. Nothing like a tiny ghost friend to make you smile and feel the Halloween spirit!

Blankets and Pillows
Instead of buying entire new comforters and sheets for every season, you can always add fall accents! Everyone needs blankets and pillows in their room, so you might as well give them some spice. TJ Maxx has an incredible selection of throw blankets and pillows that are perfectly cozy and add the most delightful touch of Halloween to any dorm. Nothing is better than snuggling up under a plush Peanuts blanket to watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.

Stuffed Animals

Maybe this is a hot take, but I still love having stuffed animals in my dorm room. They’re a cute decor item and something nice to have when the horror movies get too scary. Items like festive Squishmallows can bring a touch of the season to your bed. Or if you happen to be lucky enough to have the elusive Pumpkin Kitty Build-A-Bear plush, which I totally am not insanely jealous of, that would be a perfect addition to your Halloween bed.

The Scent

The dorms smell musty sometimes! The scent you choose, whether through an air freshener or essential oils, can greatly add to the fall ambiance of your room. The Glade scented oils are a delightful addition to dorm decor, any time of the year– but the autumn ones are especially wonderful. Walking into a room that smells like Grandma’s apple pie is the perfect thing to add to your space and give it the fall atmosphere. 

Wall Decor

Wall decor is one of your best opportunities to add some fun to your space. Maybe it’s a tapestry or a painting, or even these cute bat wall decor found on Amazon, but it can add a fun ambiance to your room that captures the spooky vibes of Halloween. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can get some fall leaf garland and string it across your walls to give your dorm some extra finesse. 

Commentary Writer Emma Hardesty can be reached at [email protected].