BYU–Hawaii students said using exciting and inspirational decorations can help students feel at home in a dorm room, but the key to feeling closer to home is getting to know their roommates.
Claire Parsons, a sophomore from Australia majoring in business management with an emphasis in human resources, said, “Sometimes a space is space, but the people in the space are what make it.”
She said getting to know her roommates helped her settle in. She got to know her roommates by being friendly and communicating with them, and she shared they have become like a second family to her.
“Although people come from all different backgrounds and are different culturally, it is important to get to know them and have a good relationship with them,” Parsons explained.
Noah England, a sophomore from California majoring in conservation biology and ecology, said one way he got to know his roommates was cooking for them.
“One thing that has really helped me feel comfortable and happy in my home was cooking for my roommates,” he said. “I have been trying to learn how to cook, and so I would cook for them or buy them food. It helps me feel closer to home and them.”
Alex Mortensen, a junior from Utah majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said since she will be in Laie for four years, it is important for her to buy things she is excited to use every day.
For example, she said getting sheets and blankets she loved helped her feel at home. She said she also brought photos from home to hang in her room and a stuffed animal to remind her of her mom.
Parsons added unpacking and decorating her room allowed her to express herself and feel content in her space. She said using the corkboard in her hale to hang up photos and inspiring quotes was important in making the space her own. •