The shopping list for a freshman going off to college is long before adding to dorm dcor is even considered. Once essentials such as tuition, books and meals are paid for, there usually isn't much left in the budget for the creature comforts of home. Thankfully, there are ways around breaking the bank in the name of interior decorating. First off, call your roommate-to-be and compare notes about what you each have to offer. Once you are clear on what remains on the shopping list, make sure that you take care of your needs before your wants. All that's left to do is get creative.
1. Don't drive all over the place in search of deals. Shopping online not only saves you precious time, it also saves gas. You can comparison shop all you want with just a few key strokes. Then if you still have things left on your list to pick up, go no farther than the Salvation Army or thrift shop that is nearest to campus. Resale shops are a treasure trove of belongs from students who have graduated or moved into furnished apartments.
2. Cover bland dorm walls. Since a simple coat of paint isn't usually an option in dorm halls, students need to get creative when it comes to adding some depth to the four walls around them. Tacking a sheet of fabric to the ceiling and draping it against a wall is one good way to bring color to the room. On another wall, hang a big piece of cork or foam board and let a collage evolve over the course of the year. By spring you'll have a three-dimensional collection of newspaper clippings, photos and notes from friends to show for your efforts. If you have an art major for a friend, why not see if (s)he will come up with a painting or drawing for you?
3. Don't buy carpet when you can save with throw rugs instead. Think about it -- you pay for carpet by the square foot, so why cover areas under furniture such as beds, desk and dressers? Instead, buy a few strategically placed throw rugs to soften and warm the floors for months of spreading out on the floor to study.
4. Misc. items. How about a hand-decorated trash can? Simply buy a plain heavy plastic one and use paint and sponges to create your own look. For soft lighting, ask your parents for some old table lamps that they aren't using anymore and simply buy a new lampshade instead of an entire lamp. If you're using milk crates for storing items, weave wide ribbon or raffia in and out of the openings to soften the look and add color.
Chances are, once classes start you won't have much time for decorating. So get busy before you leave home and create your own ways of making a comfortable place to call home for the next year.
1. Don't drive all over the place in search of deals. Shopping online not only saves you precious time, it also saves gas. You can comparison shop all you want with just a few key strokes. Then if you still have things left on your list to pick up, go no farther than the Salvation Army or thrift shop that is nearest to campus. Resale shops are a treasure trove of belongs from students who have graduated or moved into furnished apartments.
2. Cover bland dorm walls. Since a simple coat of paint isn't usually an option in dorm halls, students need to get creative when it comes to adding some depth to the four walls around them. Tacking a sheet of fabric to the ceiling and draping it against a wall is one good way to bring color to the room. On another wall, hang a big piece of cork or foam board and let a collage evolve over the course of the year. By spring you'll have a three-dimensional collection of newspaper clippings, photos and notes from friends to show for your efforts. If you have an art major for a friend, why not see if (s)he will come up with a painting or drawing for you?
3. Don't buy carpet when you can save with throw rugs instead. Think about it -- you pay for carpet by the square foot, so why cover areas under furniture such as beds, desk and dressers? Instead, buy a few strategically placed throw rugs to soften and warm the floors for months of spreading out on the floor to study.
4. Misc. items. How about a hand-decorated trash can? Simply buy a plain heavy plastic one and use paint and sponges to create your own look. For soft lighting, ask your parents for some old table lamps that they aren't using anymore and simply buy a new lampshade instead of an entire lamp. If you're using milk crates for storing items, weave wide ribbon or raffia in and out of the openings to soften the look and add color.
Chances are, once classes start you won't have much time for decorating. So get busy before you leave home and create your own ways of making a comfortable place to call home for the next year.
About the Author:
Julie Clark Robinson is a highly prolific higher education writer. Her special interests include online college degree programs for adults, and financial aid opportunities for students enrolled in online degree programs.
