The Dangers of Over-the-Top Dorm Decor: A Call for Authentic College Experiences

The College Dorm Dilemma: Are Extravagant Decor Trends Robbing Kids of Life Lessons?

Moving into a college dorm can be a monumental event for both students and their parents. The thrill of newfound independence mingles with the anxiety of being in a new environment. As parents scramble to make their child’s transition as smooth and comfortable as possible, a growing trend is raising eyebrows and sparking heated conversations: the extravagant dorm decor.

In a viral video, GenX mom Kelly Manno—a candid voice with a sizeable following on Instagram—took to social media to voice her concerns. With a playful yet serious tone, she called out parents who go overboard with dorm decorations, suggesting that this could rob their kids of essential life experiences.

The Cost of Comfort

Manno’s video features alarming clips showing parents decorating dorms with luxury items and extravagant themes that often resemble Instagram-worthy rooms rather than the traditional, utilitarian spaces most students occupy. From cozy couches to designer bedding, the dorms of some students now look more like a Pinterest board than a humble abode.

"Bring back bullying!" Manno declared, only to clarify that it’s not the kids she feels should be bullied but rather their parents. She argued that the college experience is the first real opportunity for kids to step into the world on a level playing field—where backgrounds, wealth, and high school roles no longer matter.

Manno stresses the importance of shared grit among students. "You are all living in the same concrete prison of stinky dorms," she said. She reminisces about how college can bring together the "weirdos, smart kids, and popular kids," facilitating friendships that might never have formed in other social settings.

A Question of Growth

Hosting a beautifully decorated dorm might make students feel more at ease and may even help them settle in faster. But at what cost? Manno asserts that by furnishing these lavish spaces, parents could be interfering with their child’s ability to learn how to adapt and grow. For her, the lessons learned through discomfort are just as valuable as the comfort of plush bedding.

Manno makes an important distinction: it’s not about how much money you have to spend. If you want to invest in plush sheets or cozy blankets, go ahead. But don’t create an environment that allows your child to bypass important life lessons—like forging connections with roommates who may differ greatly from themselves.

The Community’s Reaction

The online community quickly rallied around Manno, with many sharing personal stories and affirming her stance. One user poignantly commented about their college experience, contrasting their current lives with that of today’s lavish dorm setups. Their poignant reflection brought to light how college challenges can lead to lifelong friendships—often formed in the most uncomfortable of situations.

Another user described how their differences with a freshman roommate turned into a beautiful friendship over the years, underscoring the concept that life experiences are often richer when shared among a diverse group rather than curated for comfort.

A Call for Reflection

As college students head off to their next big adventure, it’s important for parents to reflect on how their well-intentioned actions might impact their child’s growth. While it’s natural to want to ease the transition, it’s essential not to overlook the potential benefits of facing challenges.

In the end, the college experience is about much more than cute decor or fancy bedding—it’s about learning, growing, and making connections that can last a lifetime. Perhaps we should let kids experience the discomfort, the mess, and the chaos of dorm life, where awkward introductions can lead to the best friendships and life experiences.

Why not let them shape their living spaces, grapple with the unfamiliar, and ultimately discover themselves? At the end of the day, memories made in those shared, imperfect spaces can be far more meaningful than anything a few pieces of furniture can provide.

For more content like this, follow Kelly Manno on Instagram, and let’s keep reflecting on the importance of the college experience together!