Fire, Wood, Water, Metal, and Earth. (flickr /Anna Hape)

Finding balance and understanding the flow of energy through the universe is the basic essence of Feng Shui. The practice of Feng Shui dates back to ancient Chinese culture, but it is still relevant and increasingly prevalent in modern society.

Although the art form has morphed from its original practice to incorporate people’s own interpretations and habits, the core nature of Feng Shui remains the same: increasing order and decreasing disorder.

If you live in a cramped college dorm or apartment, Feng Shui can be a real issue. Read these easy tips to keep your energy in harmony.

Bring only what you need

College dorms and apartments can get cluttered extremely quickly. Unfortunately, there is just no room for that extra coffee-stained raincoat that your grandmother gave you for Christmas.

A great way to determine which clothes you should and should not bring to college: put all of your clothes on hangers that face away from you. After you wear a certain article of clothing, return it to the hanger, but this time turn hanger towards you. After only a month or two you will be easily be able to see which clothes you actually wear. Bring only those to your tiny new closet.

Less is more

College is the time to truly express yourself and discover your role in society. The first time a college student walks into his or her room, there is a wealth of possibilities as to what form and shape the room could take on.

Decorating a room that will meet their desires while still feeling open and free is one of the biggest struggles for students. When it comes to adorning, less truly is more. The room will feel less overwhelming and more balanced. Choose one poster or pillow that really pops, then use more subtle decorations to frame that one focal point.

Just clean

It is truly amazing how much better a dorm room or an apartment looks, feels and smells without that giant trash bag lurking around the corner. Often, you don't even notice how negatively a messy living space can affect you until you've cleaned it all up.

Be open-minded

College is the time to try new things. Don't limit yourself to classes or internships that only line up with your major. Go to cultural events, take a painting class or take that interesting internship opportunity. A balanced knowledge base is one of the greatest assets one can attain: it is better to know a little about a lot, than to know a lot about a little.

View more helpful tips in the Feng Shui Your Life article by Janice Berkowitz.

Reach Staff Reporter Niki Hashemi here or follow her on Twitter.