Going to college is an exciting time for many students, and setting up your dorm room is part of the fun. Whether you’re starting your first year of college or moving off-campus for the first time, decorating and furnishing your dorm room can be a pricey hassle if you’re not careful. The following simple tips will help you furnish and decorate your dorm room without breaking the bank! When you have a deadline to move in and not much time or money for shopping, follow these tips and be amazed at the outcome.
Plan Ahead
First, plan the layout of your dorm room before you buy a single pillow or poster. Knowing what you need and how much space you have to work with can prevent your room from becoming a space full of unnecessary items. Measure the dimensions of your room first and make a list of items you need before you start shopping. This can help you avoid getting things you don’t need or can’t even fit into your space.
Shop Secondhand
Buy as many dorm essentials as you can on sale, using deals, discounts, or special offers. Check out local thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, and online marketplaces for cheap and cute items. These items may include furniture, décor, desk supplies, and storage pieces. Shoppers can find many items, such as bookshelves, lamps, and chairs, that are well-used but still in good condition for a fraction of the cost of new goods.
Try DIY Decor
DIY Home decor is a great way to showcase creativity and get truly unique pieces for your dorm room. Creating wall art, photo frames, or organizers is not only fun but also a cost-effective solution for making your own decorations. You can use materials from craft stores or repurpose items lying around your house, which means not only saving money but also creating a custom piece that fits your style.
Use Multi-functional Furniture
Go for furniture that serves two functions. These are a few examples students will find useful:
- Futon: Serves as a couch during the day and folds out into a bed for sleeping or hosting guests.
- Storage Ottoman: Offers a seating option while providing storage space for books, blankets, or other essentials.
- Lift-Top Coffee Table: Functions as a coffee table and lifts to become a work desk with storage inside for study materials.
- Loft Bed with Desk: Elevates the sleeping area, freeing up space underneath for a desk or lounge area.
- Bookshelf with Fold-Out Desk: Acts as a bookshelf for storing textbooks and folds out into a study desk when needed.
Split Costs with Roommates
If you’re rooming with someone else, invest in a single mini-fridge, microwave, or TV: if your roommate buys one, you can split the cost, but you’ll get to share the items instead of owning two of them. Another way of saving money as a student while still having a good experience is hiring research paper writers from service like academized. They write cheap papers so students can relax without academic and financial stress.
Look for Student Discounts
It may go without saying that many retailers offer student discounts, especially during back-to-school season. Before purchasing, check to see if your favorite store offers student discounts, and keep your student ID on hand. You may also want to sign up to receive emails from retailers, which often include coupons and sales only available to subscribers. As a student you can also get the best essay writing services at a lowered price. Whatever you do and wherever you go, inquire about student discounts – it will allow you to save a hefty sum at the end.
Reuse and Recycle
Before buying anything new, take a moment to see if you can reuse anything from your home or an old dorm setup. Many bedding sets, laundry baskets, and desk accouterments are good to go year after year, saving you money and reducing waste in the process. Your wallet will thank you later.
Choose Durable Items
It may sound like improper logic, but cheaper can sometimes mean more expensive. Purchase quality goods when you’re buying things you’ll use daily. If you’re looking for a chair or a backpack, it’s smarter to put a little extra money into it than to buy a cheaper but less durable version. That way, you won’t have to replace it every year.
Decorate with Removable Items
Don’t waste money on things that won’t be permanent or that may damage the dorm walls. Your college may issue you a damage fine for damaging the walls, which is not worth it. Instead, use removable hooks, washi tape, and removable wallpaper.
Smart Savings for Stylish Spaces
Here are some easy, inexpensive ideas for making your dorm room a place where you can happily crash at the end of the day – all without breaking the bank. College is expensive enough, so why not make your room an oasis of comfort for a limited sum? This mini home will be not only where you eat, sleep, attend classes, complete your homework, text your friends, and organize your social outings but also the place where you develop many of the habits that will carry you into the next chapter of your life. And part of that learning is becoming good with money. By following these guidelines, you will not only create a comfortable living space but also acquire some vital money skills that will serve you throughout your life.