Decorating Your College Dorm
There are two big moving days when you are a college student. When you move in and when you move on. For students coming to Gainesville for college, there are numerous resources. And when you graduate and are ready for the next chapter - there are just as many resources, many of which help future incoming students. Read on and find ways to prepare for your new life!
MOVING IN
Decorating your dorm room or college apartment has opportunities to be creative especially in Gainesville. If you are moving into a dorm at the University of Florida, take look at the detailed diagrams on the housing page of the UF website. The room photos include helpful measurements of the closets, beds, and bureaus.
From bare-bones to beautiful - transforming your dorm room can be a creative opportunity to express yourself.
HGTV writer and HomeGoods' spokesperson @JennyReimold designed this dorm room for her daughter.
While the bare-bones image of the dorm room may look a little daunting, take a peek at how beautiful @kennedy__chambers (photo by @JenLovesDustin), @itsliddystyle and @janasialanay made their spaces. Janasia has a YouTube video on decorating her UF dorm room (watch it here) and Liddy has a helpful Pinterest Board on dorm room decor ideas (see it here).
Once you know what dorm you will be in be sure to connect with your roommate to collaborate on the decor of the space. Dorm rooms are small and simple efforts will create a more elegant space. Work with your roommate to have the same comforter set (less visual noise makes a small space more relaxing). Gainesville has a Bed, Bath & Beyond which allows you to shop in your hometown and pick-up in your college town store. If you and your roommate want something a little more creative but want to order before arriving to college, there are dozens of Etsy shops including Prana V Handicraft which features beautiful bed linens.
For a more unique, creative look that supports local Gainesville business, explore these great stores (and make friends with the locals!):
Agapanthus
Located in the Butler Town Center shopping area, Agapanthus sells upscale finishing touches for your room including pillows, blankets, gator gifts, and candles.
ShopAgapanthus.com | Agapanthus_Gainesville Instagram
Atomic Ark Gallery
For the very hip and creative, this is a must-see. Atomic Ark Gallery specializes in mid-century modern furniture and art. They focus on American Design (1930's-1960's). We love their Instagram feed - it has a very #AccidentallyWesAnderson vibe.
It is open by appointment Sun-Fri and on Saturdays 12-5pm.
(Call to double-check).
Atomicark | TheAtomicArkGallery Instagram | TheAtomicArkGallery Facebook
Sandy's Savvy Chic Resale Boutique
In business since 1982, Sandy's has grown from a 500 square foot shop to 15,000 square feet (and 40 employees!). Bar stools, lamps, lounge chairs and more, you can find just about everything you need to outfit an apartment our ad a splash of personality to your dorm at Sandy's Resale.
Sandy's Resale | SandysResale Instagram | SandysResale Facebook
The Repurpose Project
The Repurpose Project is a non-profit community-based effort to divert useful resources from the landfill. Desks, tables, chairs, shelves, rugs, frames, paints, sports equipment and so much more can be found in their shop (and in their Craigslist page). This is a perfect Move In and Move Out place to support. Check out their Zero Waste Project - it may just change the way you live, shop and work. http://www.repurposeproject.org/zero-waste-initiative/
(352)363-8902
RepurposeProject | TheRepurposeProject Instagram | TheRepurposeProject Facebook
Tim Strating Tattooer
Tim Strating is a tattoo artist at Anthem Tattoo here in Gainesville. His designs are often featured posters and several pieces celebrate the stunning birds of the area. Our favorite is the Sandhill Crane archival print (20x30, $80). From miniature pieces to larger prints, your parents will be relieved when you hang his art on your walls (and not on your skin).
TimStrating | TimStrating Instagram
UF Surplus
UF has items available for purchase including laptops, iPads, desktops, monitors, and furniture. The items are listed on the Buy Now page and on Craigslist and allows customers to come to UF Surplus and purchase and take home items using a credit card at the advertised price.
UF Surplus | UFSurplus Instagram
Uniquities Consignment
Located across the street from the historic Duck Pond, Uniquities Consignment is an upscale, high-end consignment shop. Quality lighting, art and furniture including dinnerware can be found at this women-owned business.
Uniquities Consignment | Uniquities_Consignment Instagram
If you want the help of an expert, always a good idea if you have rented or bought a house, check out some very talented local designers including @kerry.spears, @kaelynschmidtdesign/ (https://www.kaelynschmidtdesign.com/), Sarah Cain Design and Studiomd. For custom woodwork, be sure to check out Jason Straw and his team at StrawWoodwork (StrawWoodwork Instagram).
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MOVING ON
Congratulations on your graduation! No doubt a lot has changed in your time here in Gainesville including your home decor tastes. What to do with all that furniture and more? Here is a list of places that accept donations in Gainesville. Because hours of operation change as do their needs, please call before going to the locations.
Alachua Habitat for Humanity
Donations to the Blue Donation Boxes help clean out your closets, divert waste from landfills, and helps people locally and internationally.
Alachua Habitat for Humanity Website | Alachua Habitat Instagram
CDS Family & Behavioral Health Services
CDS offers a youth shelter, safe place and more. They accept clothing, linens, and furnishings donations. Call in advance.
CDSFL Website | CDSFL Facebook
Goodwill Industries of North Florida
There are three Goodwill locations in Gainesville.
(352) 340-2361
Haven Attic Resale
Humane Society of North Central Florida
The Humane Society of North Central Florida's Thrift & Pet Supply store serves as a primary source of funding to support their mission and the homeless pets they serve. Their thrift store is located on the southeast corner of the HSNCF North Campus at 4205 NW 6th Street in Gainesville, Florida. 100% of all sales from the thrift store go directly toward their life-saving efforts.
Humane Society NCF website | HSNCF Thrift Instagram | HSNCF Facebook
Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network
Peaceful Paths provides a 24-hour helpline, emergency shelter, support groups and much more. They accept clothing, household items, linens, and furniture. General donations are accepted Mondays and Thursdays between 9:30-4:30 at their Outreach Office at 2100 NW 53rd Ave Suite A Gainesville. General donation drop-off requires a reservation (call 352.377.5690) so can let you know if they have space for what you would like to donate.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
The Repurpose Project
A creative reuse center that diverts useful resources from landfills, redirects these items to the public for art education
(352)363-8902
Repurpose Project website | TheRepurposeProject Instagram | TheRepurposeProject Facebook | TheRepurposer Pinterest