Dorm Room Decor Psychology: How Your Walls Affect Your Productivity (And Your GPA)
Why Dorm Room Decor Matters More Than You Think
Your dorm room decor isn't just about aesthetics; it's actually affecting your grades. Have you ever found yourself struggling to study and zoning out, staring at your blank walls? A change of scenery might help, but you don’t want to waste time walking all the way across campus to the library. You can’t seem to focus no matter how hard you try, and you accept your fate for your exam tomorrow. This might seem like an endless cycle every time you have an exam, but it doesn’t have to be like this. Once you understand how your walls/environment affect your brain, you will be able to make the changes needed and thrive academically.
Most students don’t realize the importance of the environment they are in when it comes to their studies. According to studies, 87% of students say their space affects studying ability" (Princeton Review, 2023). When you aren’t in the right environment, chances are you won’t be able to focus or retain any of the information you are studying. This is why your decor is way more important than it seems. It’s not just about having a well-decorated living space, it’s about succeeding and doing well in college.
Why Your Dorm Room Decor Actually Matters: The Science
To state it: your brain responds to what you see. Blank walls can create an institutional feeling, which can cause stress and anxiety. On the flip side, personalized spaces can evoke control and comfort, which will only boost your productivity in studying. While this may seem intimidating at first, small changes can make a big difference. It’s not necessary to do a complete remodel; a few thoughtful details can create a personalized space that you will feel comfortable in. When you are comfortable, you’ll be able to put forward your best work and stay focused while studying for those hard exams.
In addition to this, students in bare dorms report an increased feeling of homesickness and find it harder to adjust to college life. If students are not able to adjust and feel comfortable at school, this will affect their schoolwork and grades, which can become an endless cycle. Starting with a personalized space can set you up for success in more ways than one.
Color Psychology: What Works For Studying
Now that we have established the importance of decor, it's important to acknowledge the way that colors can affect your mood and productivity. Here is a simple breakdown: blue equals productivity, green equals less anxiety, yellow equals a creative boost, and neutral colors can make you feel clean and focused. With this, it's important to choose prints in colors that align with your goals. In a dorm, you are often doing your school work and sleeping in the same space. So, it might be beneficial to add calm and cool tones, which can improve your sleep and study quality. You will feel your best in a space that caters specifically to your needs and helps you put your best self forward in college.
Pick the dorm room decor that is going to best represent you!
Dorm Room Decor by The Numbers
This infographic shows some important data points that students might find interesting to know. Many students might not know the significance their space holds or know the steps to take to make a difference. This provides some quick action steps to take, as well as some reminders that this should be a fun and enjoyable process. The decorating process will go much smoother when you enjoy looking for prints that will make you happy. Decorating does not have to be difficult, but it’s important to be intentional, considering the effect it can have on many different aspects of your life. One more note is to make sure to hang your prints carefully, as ripping the paint off the wall can lead to unwanted repair charges at the end of the year.
What Types of Prints Actually Boost Productivity
When choosing prints, it is important to pick ones that will actually help boost your productivity. One option could be motivational quotes that could inspire daily positive reinforcement. When you are surrounded by positivity, it can help you feel motivated to continue working and making strides towards your goals. Another option could be nature and landscape prints, which, according to research, reduce cortisol levels and improve sleep quality. Even if it is just a picture, it can reduce stress in those particularly hard weeks. Minimalist and abstract art causes less visual clutter, which can help with focus, and academic prints can reinforce the subject you are learning. These are just a few of the examples you can choose from that will actually have an impact on your habits and work.
How To Set Up Your Space For Success
To start, placing prints above your desk will be the most important spot. Here, you can put motivational or focus-enhancing prints, as you might spend a lot of time doing work and studying in this space. Above your bed, you can put calming and restful imagery, as this will help you wind down at the end of the day and help you sleep better. It’s important to match colors to your goals and mix different styles for personality, as your space is ultimately a reflection of you. Campus Canvas has multiple different styles, colors, and aesthetics to choose from, so you can craft your dream dorm!
Strategic dorm room decor is a tool for better grades and less stress. Your productivity will be boosted, you’ll stay focused for longer, and you’ll see an improvement in your grades! Outside of academics, customizing your dorm will help you settle in and feel more comfortable in your new environment. While it might seem like little changes, it can have a big impact on multiple aspects of your life. If you are someone who gets overwhelmed by decorating, start small with one wall! Browse the Campus Canvas shop for prints that are sure to strike inspiration.
