In conclusion, this ethnographic study of dorm room styling at Wesleyan University has illuminated how college students use their living spaces to express identity, foster social connections, and engage with their cultural and personal histories. These findings resonate with Sian Lincoln's research on teenage bedroom culture in the UK, which highlighted the bedroom as a private space for identity construction among youth. Both studies emphasize the bedroom as a critical site for the expression of self and the maintenance of social relationships. However, while Lincoln's research primarily focused on the bedrooms of teenage girls, exploring how these spaces serve as sanctuaries from patriarchal constraints and sites for forming gender identity, the Wesleyan study expands this perspective to a more diverse university context. The dorm rooms at Wesleyan not only serve as reflections of personal and cultural identity, but also as functional spaces adapted for academic work, creative pursuits, and social gatherings. This highlights a dynamic interplay between personal space and communal life that is less pronounced in Lincoln's study, where the focus is more on individual expression within the privacy of a home. 

 

Much like Sian Lincoln's findings, all students use their dorm rooms as canvases to express aspects of their identity. Decorative choices reflect personal interests, cultural backgrounds, and connect students to their life at home. For example, Vansh’s use of traditional Indian art and Mia’s Hungarian magazines connect their dorm spaces to their heritage, and Isaac’s display of Chinese cultural media connects him to his cultural upbringing. Moreover, students view their dorms as sanctuaries from the chaos of campus life. Whether Lucas’ creation of a calm green space that reminds him of Virginia’s nature, or Calvin's use of soft lighting to make his dorm feel homely, the need for a personal retreat is a strong recurring theme. Each student has tailored their space not just for relaxation or sleep, but also for other functional uses like socializing, studying, or engaging in hobbies. Tyler’s setup for gaming and Evie’s use of her space for movie nights, for example, underscore how the dorms are decorated to facilitate social connection. 

 

The functional use of the space varies, and influences its personalization. Moreover, there was a wide range of aesthetic approaches, from Tyler’s utilitarian setup to Evie’s maximalist and sensory-rich decor. These choices reflect individual personalities and needs, such as Evie's need for a stimulating environment due to her neurodivergence. Evie, Tyler, Lucas, and Isaac drew inspiration from Pinterest, using the platform to find aesthetic inspiration that they can adapt to their own spaces. Students use Pinterest as inspiration and material for collaging, curating a visually pleasing mixture of posters, photographs, and fabric elements that narrate their personal experiences and preferences. in popualar media. Additionally, the use of personal items as decor is a common theme. Students thrift, make, and collect decor that reflects their interests and connects them to their family and friends. Items such as concert setlists, vintage magazines, and mementos bring a sense of nostalgia to students’ living spaces. Artistic students often display their own creations, adding another layer of personalization; for instance, Vansh, Mia and Calvin incorporate artwork they have personally crafted. 

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This study, by examining these styling practices, enriches our understanding of the spatial dimensions of identity construction in contemporary settings. It underscores the role of personal living spaces in facilitating not just individual expression, but also in fostering a sense of belonging and community among youth.