Welcome to the blog about everything. This blog will cover a variety of topics written by a variety of bloggers.

>>By Crysta Crum, Guest Blogger

What’s the major difference between a dorm room and a jail cell? It’s only what the walls look like and the adjustments you’re allowed to make. With all the other expenses that come with a college lifestyle, you may find yourself struggling to decorate on a budget.

Luckily for you, this is my third year in a dorm, and I’ve made my space feel like home each year. To get started, here are some tips on how to go shopping for almost anything:

 

  1. Make a list of the items you need and avoid impulse buying as much as possible.
  2. Compare items and brands by price, quality and availability.
  3. If you can make it or replicate it more cheaply, don’t buy it.

 

Now that you have some shopping tips, here are some budget-friendly decorating ideas. When trying to cover up the wall, bigger is better; always try to buy large posters instead of small pieces of art. This covers more wall space for less money. Also, don’t buy wall art at specialty stores. Buy cheap dollar store frames and print or make your own art. As a bonus idea for anyone who collects comic books, the covers are an easy way to make wonderful framed wall art. Photos of family and friends add a lot of personality to a room and are reasonably cheap to print.

For an extra touch, kill two birds with one stone by buying storage baskets and containers that have the design or color to match your bedding.

An additional way to stretch your dime is to shop at places that give college students discounts. Amazon offers student accounts that allow free two-day shipping on various items. Many Clarksville Goodwill stores give a 10 percent discount to student shoppers when they present their APSU IDs at checkout.

Be sure to check out our photo gallery of budget friendly décor and share your money-saving tips in the comments below. Also, if you’re interested in guest blogging for The All State, email us at theallstate@gmail.com. TAS