But despite the size, there's no reason your room has to be ugly too.
Why not spruce it up a bit?
Libby Jeter and Zoe Manickam have done just this. By adding personal touches and flair to their Alderman Residence Hall room, the UNC sophomores have made their living conditions unique.
"Our main focus was making it feel homey, like we're in an apartment," Jeter said. "Everything's kind of sectioned off."
In order to fully utilize the space they have, Jeter stressed the importance of using existing furniture. "Definitely if you want to get the most space out of your room, you've got to bunk your beds," Jeter said. "The furniture that was in here you just kind of have to deal with."
To save more room, the women also try to use things they need for dual purposes, like the refrigerators as tables and book shelves for both books and dishes.
Jeter said the room did not cost much to furnish and decorate. "Most of it was free," Jeter said, referring to their posters and other decorations.
Jeter said the American Way thrift shop in Raleigh, sponsored by Vietnam veterans, is one inexpensive place to shop.
The two women have an off-white couch and an orange chair and Ottoman in their room. The furniture is second-hand, and the women cleaned it themselves -- Jeter even sponged leaf patterns onto the chair and Ottoman.