Not just for the aesthetic: Students share the significance behind their favorite dorm decorations

From family connections to favorite artists to niche interests, The Chronicle has compiled submissions of Duke students’ dorm decorations.

Courtesy of Tess Redman

“These are puzzles of vintage Disneyland posters that I gave to my grandma for Christmas two years ago, and she had them framed for me for my 18th birthday. She lives in California, so I would go with her [to Disneyland] a lot when I was little,” sophomore Tess Redman wrote.

Courtesy of Alex Leo-Guerra


Courtesy of Alex Leo-Guerra


Courtesy of Alex Leo-Guerra

“People know me as "the burger guy"—I'm a wholehearted believer in their power to build bridges, and consider them to be an amazing means of connecting with others. It's odd to say that I'm defined by a sandwich, but it's given me so much!” junior Alex Leo-Guerra wrote. “I wrote my Common App on burgers, run an Instagram account dedicated to sharing the ones I eat (and other foods), and even gave a TED talk about them in 2020. Because of this, I felt that I needed burger-inspired decor in my room.” 

Courtesy of Arianna Dwomoh


“For the past few years, I have created this memento wall every time I move into my new room. It’s just a way for me to really turn the room into a home, and it’s a great conversation starter whenever people come in!” sophomore Arianna Dwomoh wrote.

“I absolutely love my dorm space. I don’t like to study in the library—and with the pandemic that’s become even more risky—so I tried to curate an environment that was cozy and stylish but also allowed me to be productive,” senior Elizabeth Loschiavo wrote. 

Courtesy of Elizabeth Loschiavo

“It doesn’t hurt that I have this gorgeous half-bay window and another single window on the side of my room. It’s a beautiful view in the fall and spring especially when the sky is super blue. I actually had this single last semester and was really happy when I got assigned to it again for my senior year!” Loschiavo continued. 

Courtesy of Elizabeth Loschiavo

Madeleine Berger profile
Madeleine Berger | Editor at Large

Madeleine Berger is a Trinity senior and an editor at large of The Chronicle's 119th volume.

Discussion

Share and discuss “Not just for the aesthetic: Students share the significance behind their favorite dorm decorations” on social media.