Suite decorating

Turquoise and orange towels piled up high, a picture collage, bed sheets and cookware are scattered across the floor of Ami Halfacre’s living room.

These are just some of the things the 19-year-old sophomore is taking with her to the University of the Permian Basin this fall.

Halfacre begins classes Aug. 27.

But she won’t move into her dorm until Sept. 14 because construction on her campus apartment won’t be completed until then.

Halfacre says she has spent the entire summer gathering her things that she will need while staying on campus.

“My mom got me a big poster board frame and put little pictures on as a collage thing. My roommate and I got a couch cover and a painting to put in our living room,” she said.

Bringing your own personality to a room is what most students say makes their room a home away from home.

UTPB sophomore Trenton Davis says he brought all his accomplishments and awards from home to hang up in his new campus home.

“Kids should bring stuff that will help them be comfortable in their environment,” he said. “This is your place. You should have something that makes you feel at home.”

UTPB’s Manager of Student Housing, Leta Blewett said making the housing a home is a good idea.

“They generally make it their own room,” she said. “They hang up their pictures from home. Make it more homey.”

She did have some advice for those who have never strayed from home.

“Buy cookware for the kitchen, dishes, pots and pans, dishcloths, dishtowels and potholders,” she said.

And for college students still getting those last-minute details taken care of, one suggestion is to shop around.

Target Sales Associate Joshua Willis says the store has been busy from back-to-school shoppers — especially college students.

“Over the last two weeks we’ve had a tremendous increase in back-to-school sales. Over the next two weeks we’ll have the big push,” he said.

Both Willis and Halfacre agree that waiting for the last minute to buy your room supplies is the best way to go.

“Target has a lot of stuff that goes on clearance and if they wait at the right time they can get something good on sale.” Willis said.

“We waited for sales. It’s a lot cheaper if you wait for everything.” Halfacre said.