The transition from home to a college campus isn't easy for young adults. Not only are there social and academic adjustments to make, but there is also the physical transition to a dorm room.

Even if your college-bound student was lucky enough to find a single room on campus, he or she has still had to face the design and storage issue of downsizing.

"Tuition increases every year, but the size of the average dorm room does not," says Catherine Gentile, public relations manager for Bed Bath & Beyond. Yet the small area available in most dorm rooms doesn't require a sacrifice in personality and style. It only means you have get a little more creative when choosing décor and storage items.

"Think over, under, above and multi-use," Gentile says. Consider items like mirrors and shoe racks that you can hang over a door. A big storage area that can easily go ignored in a dorm room is under the bed, and bed lifts can increase this area's size. Shelving space above can be accessorized with colorful storage totes to complement any décor theme chosen for the room, Gentile adds. Lastly, multi-use items like a rolling storage cart or ottoman are must-haves.

Although many items may have to be left at home when transitioning to a dorm room, photographs shouldn't be one of them.

"It's really important to bring photographs as a personal way to bring family and friends into the space," says Patrick Baglino Jr., ASID designer and founder of Washington, D.C.-based Patrick J. Baglino, Jr. Interior Design. And pack a trophy or two. Things like that are "great conversation starters," he says. "They're personal and unique to the environment."

In the small space or a dorm room, the bed "sets the décor tone," Gentile says. Bedding that's complementary to the student's personality brings individuality to the space. Mattress pads and tops can offer comfort that's a bit more reminiscent of home.

"You just have to be creative," adds Rebecca Hubler, ASID member and designer for Virginia-based Designed Interiors, Inc. She adds that putting personal touches like photographs in a dorm "brings a sense of home, and that's important for students away from home for the first time."