How to Design a Virtual Dorm Room

Use the space in your dorm room as efficiently as possible.

Before you load up and move into your dorm, design a virtual dorm room to figure out whether your desk, bed and bureau will take up all the room. If not, there might be space for more of your things. Many online programs are available for those who wish to design a virtual dorm room. The Residential Life program at your university can help you figure out the dimensions of your room and the supplied furniture. With exact figures, your virtual dorm room will be as close as possible to reality.

Instructions

1. Choose a program to design your virtual dorm room. Programs include FloorPlanner, Plan Your Room and 3Dream (see Resources). Unlike the other two, Plan Your Room doesn't require registration unless you want to save your virtual dorm room; 3Dream comes with software you must install. All the programs are free.

2. Sign up for an account, if required. Include your name and email address; you may need to click on a confirmation link that is sent to your email address.

3. Choose "Create a room" from the options in the program. Usually it's the main option when you open the website.

4. Enter the dimensions of your dorm room. The program will create a space sized like your dorm for you to decorate.

5. Use the drag-and-drop tool to place your furniture and decorations in the room. Don't forget the items belonging to your roommate. Arrange and rearrange items until you have a virtual dorm room that suits you.

6. Save and print your room to use as a schematic for setting up your dorm when you move in.

Tips & Warnings

• Most sites offer tutorials to help you design your room. If you're having trouble, take a quick spin through a tutorial.

References

• Floor Planner: Moving Furniture Around
• Brown University, Office of Residential Life: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Floor Planner
• Plan Your Room
• 3Dream
• Seattle Pi: Tips for Setting Up That Dorm Room