As summer slowly draws to a close and the first autumn breeze blows, millions of students prepare to return to school. Many college students look forward to living in a college dormitory or apartment. Living on your own for the first time is exciting and daunting at the same time. By creating a comfortable, inviting space for themselves, students can alleviate some of that stress. If you add a little decor and a great rug, even the most uninviting room can become a cozy haven. No matter if you're heading out on your own for the first time or just want to switch up your look this year, our guide to dorm room rugs has got you covered.

Take a look at the space

Rugs come in all shapes and sizes, but not all of them are useful for college students. Dorm rooms are multi-purpose, so they have some unique considerations you wouldn't see in other rooms. When choosing a rug size, you should first look up the floorplan of your dorm or apartment online.

Dorm rugs 170 x 230 cm

The most popular size for dorm rugs is 5' x 8'. This size rug will likely not reach under your bed, but it will cover most of your floorspace, where you are most likely to walk or sit. Compared to larger rugs more commonly found in homes, these rugs are relatively inexpensive because of their smaller size.

Dorm rugs 120 x 170 cm

You may want to consider a 4' x 6' rug if you don't know your roommate well or prefer your own style. By your bedside, these will fit perfectly without taking up too much space. You can maintain your own style while your roommate has theirs, which means you'll still have a comfortable place to step out of bed.

Be true to yourself

Fashion and comfort are rarely considered when designing dorms. You can expect concrete walls, linoleum or tile floors, white paint, and fluorescent lighting. Students' housing might seem stark to some, but it can also be viewed as a blank canvas. Add decor that reflects your personal style, some new lighting, and of course a rug to tie everything together. Consider your room's colors while you're at it.

When it comes to rugs, color can be viewed in two ways. Due to its large size, some people choose neutral colors and simpler patterns that serve as a backdrop to other more interesting décor. Nevertheless, since dorms are typically temporary and furniture is drab and utilitarian, don't be afraid to experiment a little with your style. To make the rug the focal point of your design, choose bright colors and loud patterns. To contrast the more modern elements of your style, consider distressed traditional patterns.

Sit back and relax

Imagining waking up in the morning. Swaddled in your duvet, you feel warm and comfortable. There is nothing better than this. The first thing your foot hits when you step out of bed is the icy cold tile floor. It might wake up some college students for an early morning class, but most would rather avoid it.

Area rugs serve more than just a decorative purpose in a linoleum-floored dorm room. Rolling out an area rug is one of the quickest and easiest ways to warm a room and avoid that early-morning shock. Consider the type of rug you choose to maximize your comfort! Dorm dwellers seeking more comfort should consider high-pile, plush, or even shag rugs. Longer fibers in these rugs will insulate you from the floor and provide something to sink your toes into.

Make sure it's clean

Think about how you're going to clean your rug before buying that luxurious, wall-to-wall shag rug. Dorms are not like houses, where there are separate spaces for living, sleeping, and working. As a result of all that traffic, dirt will inevitably find its way inside, and rugs have the unfortunate habit of holding onto it.

The pile height of a rug determines how easy it is to maintain. It is generally true that low-pile rugs show very little wear and don't retain dirt as much as high-pile rugs. Even a low-cost stick vacuum or electric broom should keep it looking great all semester long with an occasional once-over. On the other hand, high-pile and shag rugs are more likely to show marks where they are crushed by furniture and will require a more powerful (and more expensive) vacuum to clean. Consider buying a small rug that can be taken outside and shaken instead of a vacuum if you can't afford one.

Be careful not to overspend

Buying a rug for your dorm room involves a lot of factors, but the final decision often comes down to your budget. It's okay! College is a time of rapid personal growth, so student housing is often temporary. It's likely that your taste will change by the time you graduate, so don't spend a lot of money on a rug you'll hate when you move out. Consider a lower-cost rug that lets you experiment with your style.