Whether or not it’s your son or daughter’s first time away from home, the first look at college digs can be daunting. Many dorm rooms give “small” a new meaning.

Here are some tips on how to help your child maximize and organize dorm room space, select linens and accessories, and most importantly, create an environment where he or she will be comfortable.

Maximize and organize your space
Many college rooms today have built-ins—beds, desks, dressers and bookshelves. In some cases, the twin beds can be made into bunk beds, which are a huge space saver, or can be “lofted” to a height where a desk and/or dresser can actually fit underneath.

[Image: www.doimocityline.com]

Closet space is key. No matter how large or small the wardrobe, the closet is never large enough. Thankfully, there’s a host of products that can be utilized to almost double your closet space. It’s probably a good idea to purchase these—either in local stores or online—after arriving on campus because you won’t know the closet size or configuration until you see it.

The Container Store has a best-selling set of drawers that easily fit under a bed, as well as tools to maximize closet space like double rods, shoe racks and space-saving hooks for all areas including the bath and shower.

Image: www.containerstore.com

Organize.com has charging stations for computers, iPods and mobile phones, and an entire category on the website called “Back to Campus.”

[Images: www.organize.com]

Choosing linens and accessories
Color is a nice way to define one’s own space, especially since dorm rooms are usually occupied by more than one student. An online resource called olioboard.com is an interior-design mood board application. You and your college student can mix and match items and experiment with favorites to help create his or her favorite style.

[Image: www.olioboard.com]

It’s a good idea to purchase several sets of linens that are easy to wash. Many companies offer what’s called a “bed in a bag,” which includes one set of sheets, pillow shams, a comforter and sometimes a duvet cover. It’s a practical, attractive and well-priced purchase. Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, pbteen.com and home-decorating-co.com are great resources for dorm twin extra-long beds and have many matching accessories such as lamps, storage boxes and desk accessories.

Here, for the navy color scheme from olioboard:

[Image: www.pbteen.com]

[Image: www.pbteen.com]

[Image: www.pbteen.com]

Here, for the pink and black color scheme from olioboard:

[Image: www.pbteen.com]

[Image: www.pbteen.com]

[Image: www.home-decorating-co.com]

Creating a personal environment
The dorm room isn’t just for waking and sleeping. It should be a peaceful space in which to play, learn, dream and entertain, and a doorway to adulthood’s independence. Every student should bring a piece of home to this new environment; family photos, music, books, posters are all personal items that help define one’s identity.

Our tips wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t add a non-decorating staple: Check to see if your homeowner’s insurance covers your student’s property. Remember, your child is leaving home with valuable personal possessions, including computers and other electronics.

As you say good-bye and good luck to your children, take solace in knowing they’ll be home for their first break before you know it!

[main image: Jupiterimages | Comstock | © Getty Images]