So, you have found a room.
Fantastic!
Chances are, you might have been lucky, and your room is a sublet, which means that it is perfectly ready for you to move in, with all lamps, shelves, curtains, and even posters in place. Bring your own bedding and you are set!
But perhaps... you weren't so lucky and all you are facing are empty walls of a cold white box. That's your room.. and it is not cool at all..
No matter if you are staying here for 3 years, or just a couple of months, your room must feel like home, nicely decorated.
But, after all, being a student, how can I afford this?
1. buy secondhand or .. go to IKEA
There are tens and hundreds of students, who just like you, move in or out. Which means that there are plenty of used desks, bed-frames and closets to go around.
Join a facebook group for 'buy and sell' at your university, and I guarantee you won't pay more than €40 for a bed and matress !
In the Netherlands, have a look at:
http://www.marktplaats.nl/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/141823225905822/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/175091759292824/
2. get a plant
Having a plant in yout room, gives it a whole new atmosphere.
'Oh look! She has a plant, how sophisticated!' or...
'Oh, I love your plant!'
3. make things yourself
Recently my housemates found some old furniture on the street. And look at us now, we transformed it into two tea tables, and a shelf for my room!
4. find new use for old things
Who says a person needs a drawer, when we have so many suitcases? Or why can't an old perfume box become a pencil holder?
The possibilities are limitless!
5. use drawings as posters
Do you have a younger brother or sister? A friend who wants to become an artist?
Well, then why do you still have those cliche Audrey Hepburn posters on your wall?
Put up some drawings! They cost nothing, are unique and look much cooler, artsier than any poster could ever be. And people would be like:
'Oh, wow! Who's drawings are those?'
and you would have a perfect conversation starter about your students in China, or your younger sister, a budding artist.
