We all know that living in a 2x4 tiny white-walled box with another person is hard. Forget that college dorm room you saw on Pinterest or the one in the Target ad.

Not just that, but it seems that everything cute is way too pricey for the average college student. So the question everyone seems to ask themselves before leaving for college: How am I going to live here for nine months without breaking the piggybank?

Here are some cheap ways to give your dorm room a little more edge, without worrying about your budget.

Put picture collages on the wall.

I love having stuff to cover up the white boring walls that seem to enclose you when you are in your room. The easiest way to do this is with corkboard sheets. They are only a few dollars and you can even get colored ones! Hang them up over the wall and pin up pictures to them. This way you can make those walls your own!

http://www.bangorcork.com/products/cork-products/cork-sheets

Get a couple of throw pillows.

Having some cute accents pillows on your bed are not only adorable, but sooo comfy when you crash after a long day of studying. Some of these can be a little pricey, but Home Goods always have a great selection, and for only $10 or less! Also check out local thrift stores for some other good pillow finds. You can even design your own online.

Put up a plain mirror and decorate it.

Mirrors are always a necessity in dorm rooms, but no one wants to look at a plain one. Buy a plain over-the-door mirror (http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-over-the-door-mirror-white/-/A-13191932) and then get some fake flowers from Michael’s or even The Dollar Store. Hot glue them to the sides of the mirror and then admire your creation and your beautiful self.

Make a simple headboard.

This is a super cute way to add another interesting aspect to you room. The best way to do this is to take a piece of cardboard and cut it into the headboard shape you want. Then take a piece of fabric that you want to cover it with, put it around the cardboard, then tape or glue it down. After that, hang it at the level of your bed and push your bed up next to it!

http://www.starsforstreetlights.com/2012/09/how-to-make-simple-headboard.html

Get some potted plants to put around the room.

People always turn away to this idea because they feel like they don’t have a green thumb and can’t do it. However, there are some plants that require little to no attention at all for them to survive and grow. Check out plants like cacti (colored ones too!), Peace Lilies, African Violets, and Pothos. All of which are cute, and very hard to kill.