We all know "that kid." His dorm room looks exactly the same as it did pre-move-in: The beds are bunked and the walls are bare. The only inkling that suggests a human being lives in this space is the pile of dirty clothes and the half-highlighted Econ book awkwardly positioned between a Macbook Pro and an empty bottle of Smirnoff. In many a sense, all of us are that kid. Sure, we tried to spice the place up half-way through Fall quarter with that John Lennon poster conveniently sold at Norris, but who are we kidding?
We may occupy our dorm rooms, apartments, and Greek life housing for only less than the duration of one year, but it's still about the only place we can call our own throughout the hustle of college life. So, forget the poster sale. Use these tips to bring a taste of “you” to any place you inhabit, on a college-student budget after two quarters of the same old, same old.
Polaroid chandelier
Many of us print out countless pictures of ourselves from high school graduation and Prom in order to prove to visitors that yes, we had friends in high school. I will be the first to admit that I too have a collage of pictures on my own walls. In fact, this is a great way to decorate your space with memories as opposed to items. At $0.15 a print, this is the cheapest way to deck your walls.
But, consider more creative options. Instead of relying on double sided tape, purchase colorful ribbons, tacks, clothes pins, and Command tape. Attach ribbon to your walls with Command tape for easy removal at the end of the year. Order pictures of your choice and attach them to the ribbon with tacks or clothes pins. Those same ribbons can also act as adhesive picture frames with a little TLC from a ruler and tape. This little project will cost you under $10.00 and its a great way to display pictures. String with holiday lights to add a little sparkle. Just make sure to hide them when your CA strolls by.
Scotch brand Double sided tape, CVS: $3.79
Ribbon Assortment, 40 yards, Blick Art Supply: $2.50
3M Command hanging strips, CVS: $3.99
Helping Hand Thumb Tacks, Assorted Colors, CVS: $1.99
Whitmor Natural Wood Clothespins, CVS: $5.89
DIY Quote Posters
There are quotes that inspire us, the ones that make us laugh, and the ones that remind us to keep going when we feel like we can’t go any further. Yes, you can probably find a nice print out on Google or Amazon. However, Weinberg sophomore Angelina Keating advises that you can also accomplish the same effect by “taking brown craft paper and writing sayings on it.” If your handwriting isn’t up to par, consider using old magazines to cut out the pictures and letters that strike your fancy. Best of all, it’s practically free.
Caliber Construction Paper, Assorted Colors, CVS: $2.99
Chartpak Vinyl Letters, Blick Art Supply: $3.70
Wall Murals
Fall quarter, sophomore Brian Reilly created a life-sized poster of his suite mate. "We then stuck it on my door so that he had to look at it every time he exits his room,” Reilly says. If that doesn’t make a statement, I don’t know what does. If you’re looking for something a little less. out there, try making murals of another sort. Try local Evanston thrift stores or Amazon for a few vinyl records. Many of these range anywhere from $0.99 to $15.99. Although you’re probably not going to bring a record player to college, you can hang these records up as staple wall art. If you’re into more modern music, try arranging CD covers in a collage to add some color to your room while simultaneously expressing your musical tastes.
Vinyl Records, Amazon.com: $0.99-$15.99 per record
20 X 30 Poster, CVS Photo: $19.99
Liquor bottle vases
Coat some of those empty liquor bottles with paint and splurge on some fresh flowers from Whole Foods or Jewel. These are a great way to recycle the bottles of vodka you’ve spent several hours attempting obtaining while adding a lively touch to your desk or dresser. If you’re feeling really creative, try chalkboard paint (8 ounces for around $11.00) in order to switch the style anytime you desire.
Krylon Chalkboard Paint, Blick Art Supply: $6.69
Crayola Sidewalk Chalk, Blick Art Supply: $5