by J.L. Potter

Created on: August 14, 2009

College or University is a time of great transitions. Parents must adjust to their offspring being on their own for the first time, allowing them to fend for themselves. For most, it is about gathering knowledge and managing life lessons. For many, it is also about managing money. Formal education does not come cheap, and neither does interior design.

Making the transition to a seemingly bland dormitory room life can be easy with a touch of creativity and a little thriftiness. It is the first time that you will have complete control over how you adorn and present your private space - and it is beneficial to your mental and emotional health to take some initiative. Decorating is an investment and there are two very important details to consider when updating your dorm room on a budget:

1) What are you allowed to do? Normally painting walls and/or wallpaper is not acceptable, nor is excessive holes in the walls. Refer to your student manual or check with your student representative.

2) How long will you be there? If you're planning on transferring schools, or are on a wait list for an apartment, it may be wiser to save any decorating for the long-term location.

Once you have established these two things, you can begin to design your ideal dorm space! In addition to penny-pinching advice, there are three areas of decorating that this article will elaborate on: colors, textiles, and lighting.

Seriously consider the mood you are trying to achieve, and use that as a cornerstone to your theme. To avoid a crowded and unprofessional look, always pick one dominant color that will be used throughout the entire space (fabrics, paint and accessories). Primary colors are more readily available, usually much less expensive, and easier to compliment. Make sure you are comfortable looking these colors everyday - you will be spending a lot of time in your dorm room.

Be prepared to do a lot of the work yourself. Purchases that require assembly, or are refurbished or slightly damaged will save you money. Don't underestimate thrift shops, liquidation stores and yard sales - they are excellent places to find dirt cheap items you need, and they can be refinished to match your dcor. Make a trip to the local hardware or department store and investigate the clearance areas. Look

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