Open the windows. Before doing anything, allow fresh air to get into your dorm room by opening as many windows as possible. If the door to your room leads to outside or to a hallway that has fresh air, prop open the door.
Inspect the room. Walk around the room and look for any items that may be a source of the smell. For example, the student previously living in the room may have failed to remove food from the room. During the inspection, also look for mold, mildew or bacteria. These causes of smell may present larger health issues, and require repair by the college's administration. Remove any smelly items.
Prepare and use a vinegar cleaning solution on surfaces. Vinegar, which is inexpensive, is a nontoxic room cleaner. Make a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and vinegar. Apply the cleaning solution to all of the room's surfaces, including the floor, windows, walls, closets and any furniture. If you have carpet in your door room, vacuum the floor and use a store-bought carpet cleaner to remove any lingering smells.
Use an air freshening product. Once your dorm room has been aired out and clean, use a room spray or light a candle in your favorite scent to introduce a new smell into the room. Refrain from using an air freshening product without cleaning beforehand as this will only cover, and not remove, the bad scent in the room.