Dorm rooms arent exactly known for their good looks.
But that doesnt mean they have to stay boring, even if you dont have a lot to spend.
However, it might be worth a little extra work to make your first home-away-from-home truly unique.
Drowning in Expenses?
Maybe youre scrambling after your car broke down.
Or you got a medical bill you werent expecting.
Or inflation has finally pushed your budget over the edge.
You dont need to go it alone.
When money is tight,these resourcescan help you manage unexpected expenses without stress.
These creative solutions combine creativity and a little ingenuity.
As an added bonus, lots of them are handy, functional solutions to maximize your small space.
Using the right colors has extra benefits, too.
If you need help choosing colors that go together, try playing with a freecolor palette generator.
Add a Pop of Personality with Wallpaper
Wallpaper is having a moment.
You dont have to wallpaper the entire room, either.
Pick one wall and let it be the focal point of your space.
it’s possible for you to save the extra wallpaper and use it where youll actually see it.
A word of caution: some removable wallpapers are less removable than others.
Thats why we have the classic bulletin board.
Heres how to DIY an adorable bulletin board on a budget.
Trim your fabric to cover your board, plus a few inches.
Fold the fabric over and hot glue it to the back.
Hang your board with ribbons or adhesive strips.
you’re able to add extra ribbons or use fabric to make pockets for more storage.
For a heavier-duty solution, check out your local hardware store for foam board.
Check out thiseasy tutorialfrom Bon Bon at Farmhouse40.
It comes in large enough sheets that youll want to split it with some friends.
Turn it into a fun friends night project.
Adding some ambiance with fairy lights can turn your dorm into an oasis from the stress of school.
We like theseplug-in fairy lightson Amazon for less than $7.
Another great time to scoop up some lights on a deal is after the holidays.
Put Your Cereal Boxes to Work
Cereal is a staple college meal.
Breakfast in a flash?
Why not use those cereal boxes for more than your favorite go-to meal?
These work well for getting that paper clutter off your desk or whipping your drawers in shape.
There are tons of ways you could get organized with a little creativity with cardboard.
You brew coffee at home, you dont walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
This is where a little creativity can come in handy.
One top per hanger is fine, but what if it could hold 8+ shirts?
If you have lots of leggings and tights, this next ones for you.
Lana at Lana Red Studio came up with the perfect budgetlegging storage solution.
All you need is a yardstick or ruler, clothespins and hot glue.
Go to a wooded area to pick some flowers to press and dry.
The drying process can take a couple of weeks, so dont use a textbook you need soon.
Youll want to use a little glue to keep your arrangement in place.
Patti from Hearth and Vine has agreat tutorial.
Now you have a beautiful piece of art made by you!
Small plants like succulents and herbs are low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Theyll bring life to your dorm and give you something to focus on besides school.
Some college campuses may even have greenhouses where students are selling plants for cheaper than retail stores.
Use this tutorial fromModge Podge.
Its easy, creative and gives your space a little extra flair of sophistication.
Use smaller ones to store change.
Use one on the bathroom counter to hold your toothbrush.
The options are truly endless.
Check out thesemason jarsfrom Sam at Color Made Happy.
Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting?
If it’s crucial that you wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge.
Take inspiration from expensively curated rooms you see on social media.
Then, DIY your own cheaper dupes.
