UT Austin Dorm Room Reveal

Hi friends, welcome to my UT Austin dorm room! I’m so excited to show you around the 12′ x 8.5′ room I lovingly call “home”. As a third-year at The University of Texas at Austin, the idea of moving back into a dorm was comforting. I loved my dorm for the last two years, and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving just yet.

After long days of engineering classes, study groups, and meetings, I wanted my room to be a place I could relax. The goal was to make the room feel bright, open, and inviting. When I first entered college, I looked up lots of DIY projects on my College Dorm Room Pinterest board. I’ve since learned that the “less is more” approach goes a long way in a small space.

UT Austin Dorm Room: Bed

Upon entering the room, this is the view of the left side. As always, I have to have my bed raised up with sturdy bed risers. Under-bed storage is a life-saver with these clear stackable drawers! I love these bed risers from Breed & Co, because they’re made out of sturdy PVC pipe.

For fun pops of color, I brought my favorite pool blue PB Teen monogrammed pom pom pillow and DIY garland. My brass floor lamp is within easy reach from my bed and makes for perfect reading light at night.

Get dorm inspiration from #thebellainsiderdorm on Instagram

This pom pom throw was a fun addition to the bed to add some color. I had my heart set on this NULOOM pink rug and my DIY donut hat as well! This little thing has been with me since my senior year of high school. It’s a fun accessory to wear, but it also makes a fun wall decor piece!

Dorm Decorations

One of the best things in my space is the warm and bright light. A bright space really makes me feel so happy and at home! I hung up sheer curtains on a gold tension rod for more privacy.

I can’t forget about the string lights with these trusty and removable clear ceiling hooks. The string lights add extra light to the room at night, but also make the space feel cozy! The balloons are a temporary addition from my Teen Vogue Party, and I found a perfect little corner for them.

Read: 7 Simple Dorm Organization Ideas

UT Austin Dorm Room: In-Room Sink

I love having a sink in my room, so I can get ready on my own time. I also hung up a DIY painting I made of Texas with a heart in my hometown of Houston, TX.

I also have a handy wall of shelves to keep my products, including my skincare and my favorite monogrammed mug.

UT Austin Dorm: Desk Area

My desk area is right at the foot of my bed and doubles as my vanity. I wanted to make the area looked as clean as possible, so I could feel extra productive.

First, I swapped out the dorm chair with a teal colored seat from Target. I also covered my desk with marble contact paper to make the space feel more cohesive. Above, I keep pictures, a jewelry organizer, and battery-operated flickering candles.

Apologies for the slight mess on top, y’all, but I actually live here. This dorm fridge has served me well for the last two years. I highly recommend a Brita filter water pitcher. It’s so convenient, and it’s saved me so many trips to get water. I like placing my shower caddy on top of a Home Depot tile sample, so it doesn’t ruin the carpet!

I feel really fortunate to have a cozy space to call “home” while I’m away in college. Find me on @sarah_thebella for more inspiration.

Conveniently shop my entire dorm room under The Bella Insider Shop in the navigation bar or down below.

Thank you to H-E-B for sponsoring the second installment of this year’s college dorm series! To check out dorm organization tips from the H-E-B dorm series, click here.