There are plenty of must-haves when moving into on-campus housing. Since students spend a lot of time outside of class in their dorms, it is important to have items that make your room feel comfortable and homey. Here are a few suggestions from current Shockers on how to boost your dorm room's aesthetics.

For Nataleigh, a freshman studying entrepreneurship, lighting is the most essential thing to make her dorm feel comfortable. This includes semi-blackout curtains for days she doesn't have class and can sleep in; a sunset lamp for when she gets tired of white or yellow light; and a star projector.

"Sometimes it’s hard to see the stars here in Wichita (light pollution) so it’s nice to have something to mimic that feel," she said. "Plus they look cool!"

A cubed shelf also helps keep all of Nataleigh's books, knickknacks and Lego sets organized.

 
"When I see those in my room, I feel more at home," she said.

Sophie, who studies integrated marketing communication at Wichita State, also found several small tricks to brighten up her room on a budget.

"Shop for picture frames and frame your photos," she said. "It makes the space feel cleaner and more put together. Frames from Walmart are super cheap.

"Peel and stick wallpaper and wall stickers are a great way to make dorm space feel unique and homey."

Feeling too confined? Sophie notes mirrors help make small spaces feel larger.

Sophie adds there are a lot of ways college students can save money and still have a comfy living space. She has found many great DIY decorations on Pinterest.

"I make a lot of my own holiday decorations," she said. "It saves me a lot of money over time because I'm not overspending on decor that is only out for a month or two.

"I also painted a lot of things I currently own to transform them into something that was more of my current style."

She also has some great shopping suggestions including 5 Below for items under $5, Target for their college student discounts, Facebook Marketplace and thrift shop home decor.

Target has a college student program in their app that you can sign up for," she said. "They give you exclusive deals just for college kids and it saves a lot of money over time.

"Facebook Marketplace has a lot of hidden gems. I found most of my furniture from there or from family friends."