Leaving home for the first time can be exciting and overwhelming. For many freshmen, this is the first time they’ve slept anywhere other than their childhood bedroom for more than a few nights. The key to easing that transition is making the dorm feel like a true home-away-from-home. Bring items that hold personal meaning—photos of family and friends, a favorite blanket, or a keepsake from your hometown. Surrounding yourself with familiar things helps create comfort in a new space.

Decorating for the First Time

Decorating your first dorm room is a rite of passage. It’s the moment when a blank, cinderblock-walled space becomes your personal sanctuary. Peel-and-stick wallpaper, removable decals, and fabric tapestries are all great ways to bring color and personality without breaking any housing rules. Cozy rugs, plush throw pillows, and string lights can turn even the most basic dorm into a warm and welcoming retreat.

Small touches go a long way—layering bedding for texture, mixing patterns for personality, and displaying books or plants to add a lived-in feel. Your room should reflect who you are while still being functional for everyday student life.

Top Dorm Decor Trends for 2025

Designer Mood Boards – Affordable kits that include color palettes, style guides, and inspirational prints are making it easy to create a cohesive room design without hiring a professional.

LoveShackFancy-Inspired Romance – Soft pastels, scalloped bedding, rattan mirrors, and floral prints are giving dorms a whimsical, cozy feel.

Bold Accents – Cheetah print, cobalt blue, and emerald green are being used as statement pieces in rugs, throw blankets, and wall art.

Ambient Lighting – LED strips, fairy lights, and portable projectors are turning dorm rooms into multipurpose spaces perfect for studying or winding down.

Comfort Core – Cozy, lived-in style is trending across campuses. Think oversized comforters, plaid bedding, chunky knit throws, and farmhouse-inspired touches. It blends practicality with a sense of warmth that feels very “home.”

Essentials for Comfort and Function

To make the most of a small space, multifunctional furniture is a must. Loft beds with desks underneath, storage ottomans, and rolling carts maximize every inch. Under-bed storage bins keep things organized, while noise-canceling headphones or a sunrise alarm clock can make daily life more comfortable.

For a cozy feel, invest in a good mattress topper, soft bedding, and an area rug. Even a few real plants can boost your mood and make the space feel more inviting.

Making It Yours

A dorm room should tell your story. It’s the first place that’s truly yours, even if you’re sharing it with a roommate. Display your passions—sports memorabilia, art prints, or DIY crafts. Hang photos from home alongside new college memories. The more your room reflects you, the more it will feel like a place you belong.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Image created with Canva AI

Comfort food isn’t just about taste—it’s about the way it makes us feel. From creamy mashed potatoes to gooey mac and cheese, these foods bring a sense of warmth and familiarity that’s hard to match. But have you ever wondered why certain meals feel like a hug in edible form? The answer lies in psychology, biology, and even our personal history.

What Counts as Comfort Food?

Comfort food is typically defined as dishes that evoke nostalgia, emotional warmth, or a sense of safety. While the actual foods vary from person to person, they usually share common traits—they’re rich, hearty, and often tied to family traditions or happy memories.

In the United States, comfort foods might include fried chicken, chili, biscuits, or casseroles. For others, it could be a dish from childhood or a recipe passed down for generations. The key factor is the emotional connection we have with the food, not just the flavors on the plate.

The Brain’s Reward System

When we eat comfort food, our brain reacts as if we’ve just accomplished something rewarding. Foods high in fat, sugar, or salt trigger the release of dopamine—a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. This creates a temporary boost in mood, which explains why we might crave these foods after a stressful day.

Some research also shows that comfort foods can stimulate serotonin production. Serotonin is the “feel-good” chemical that regulates mood and helps us feel calm. This connection between food and brain chemistry is a big reason why we reach for these dishes when we need emotional support.

The Role of Nostalgia

One of the most powerful elements of comfort food is nostalgia. Many of our favorite comfort foods are tied to childhood experiences, family gatherings, or special occasions. When we eat them, we’re not just satisfying hunger—we’re revisiting a memory.

Psychologists call this “associative learning.” If your grandmother made chicken and dumplings every Sunday, your brain may now link that dish with love, safety, and connection. Years later, even smelling those ingredients can trigger a wave of comfort.

Cultural and Regional Influences

Comfort foods often reflect cultural traditions and regional flavors. In the South, for example, biscuits and gravy or cornbread might be considered comfort staples. In New England, it could be clam chowder. These dishes tell a story about where we grew up and the people who shaped our tastes.

Even within the same family, comfort food preferences can differ depending on individual experiences. That’s why your favorite “warm and cozy” meal might be completely different from someone else’s.

Stress, Emotions, and Cravings

Stress plays a big role in why we crave comfort food. When we’re under pressure, our bodies produce more cortisol, a hormone linked to increased appetite. Comfort foods, with their rich flavors and satisfying textures, provide a temporary escape from that stress.

In some cases, comfort eating is a coping mechanism. While it’s fine in moderation, it’s important to be mindful. Using food as the primary way to handle emotions can create unhealthy habits over time.

The Social Connection

Comfort food is rarely just about the food itself—it’s often about who we share it with. Eating a favorite dish with friends or family can amplify its emotional benefits. Research has shown that communal meals can boost feelings of belonging and happiness.

This is why certain holidays or gatherings center around beloved recipes. The food brings everyone together, strengthening relationships and creating new memories.

Why We Keep Coming Back for More

In the end, comfort food is a combination of biology, psychology, and tradition. It triggers pleasure chemicals in the brain, taps into nostalgia, and often connects us to others. That’s a powerful trio—no wonder we keep reaching for these dishes when we need a little pick-me-up.

So next time you dive into a bowl of creamy mac and cheese or take that first bite of peach cobbler, remember—it’s not just your taste buds that are happy. Your brain and your heart are, too.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.