As students anticipate heading back to school in the fall, they will likely have to move dorms or move into a dorm for the first time. While things may look different this year, many students will continue to see this as an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a space and make it their own. But, redecorating a room can be expensive. So, to ensure you don’t break the bank, here are a few ways students can create a cool space without spending a lot of money.

GETTING THRIFTY WITH FURNITURE
Everything you buy doesn’t have to be brand new. Shopping at a local thrift or consignment store may help you find unique furniture or decorative pieces that you can spruce up and make your own. For example, if you find a unique coffee table, you may want to add removable wallpaper to the top to give it a little pizzazz. 

FIND CREATIVE STORAGE TACTICS
It’s often challenging to find an abundance of storage in a dorm room. That’s why it’s important to use your creativity to find areas where you can store your items. For example, you may want to try small stacking bins or cabinets, which can fit under the bed. You can store everything from styling products to personal hygiene items to clothing, simply by adding a little extra storage under the bed.

You may also want to add small hanging cubbies from closet hangers or install wire baskets in the closet to increase the storage capacity. You can usually find these items at affordable prices at places such as Dollar Tree.

USE REMOVABLE PEEL-AND-STICK WALLPAPER
Using removable wallpaper can brighten up even the most boring white walls. You can place it behind your bed, dresser, or desk, depending on what suits your style and décor needs. Chasing Paper makes a variety of designs that will suit any student’s style, and it’s easily removable at the end of the school year.

FIND SOME BUDGET-FRIENDLY LIGHTENING
Adding any additional lighting will help create an ambiance within your room. You can try adding electric tea lights in some mason jars for a nice subtle glow. Or, perhaps, you can add a few lamps around the room to create a cozy space. 

CONSIDER LIVE PLANTS
Plants are a great addition to any dorm room décor. Not only are they beautiful but they help purify your environment from certain toxins and fit perfectly in smaller spaces.

MIX IN ITEMS FROM HOME
Going off to college is a big transition for any student. Therefore, incorporating items from home into the new dorm room décor can help you feel at home. Whether you bring a pillow or posters, any touches of your home may help you feel more comfortable. And, since you have already purchased the items, you won’t have to dip into your dorm budget.

LAYER INEXPENSIVE RUGS FOR WARMTH
Some college dorm room floors are simply concrete, which leaves the room feeling cold and drab. By adding a couple of inexpensive rugs, you can transform the room while adding warmth. Look for indoor-outdoor rugs that are durable and can weather any college student storm.

ILLUMINATE YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS
Using photos to decorate your walls is a great way to not only keep your memories alive but also bring a little bit of home with you to college. To illuminate your photos, hang them on some string lights so you can see them any time of day or night. The light will also add a little warmth to a cold dorm room setting.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Decorating a dorm is a fun way for you to ease the transition of going to school. Remember, as you decorate the dorm, make sure all items are easy to pack up when it’s time to come home for a holiday or at the end of the semester. You can use the items you pick out for your dorm in future rooms, apartments, and beyond, so be sure to put a little TLC into the items you choose.