College Girl on a Budget

for the first time, or maybe going back, here’s some cute ideas and tips I collected!

wall art stickers are cheap and cute, and since you usually can’t make holes in the wall they’re perfect.

these wire shelves are at target, walmart, whatever- they are a MUST HAVE. seriously. many of them just click together without screws and can hold a ton of stuff for cheap, I bought one for my dorm before, and kept the microwave, food, pots&pans and what not on it. It’s a great space saver.

might seem silly, but CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. buy a shit ton, they’re cute- homey and much more pleasant than the harsh fluorescent lights that are in most dorms, and they’re cheap. Plus hey, you’re not paying a utilities bill,  keep those bad boys plugged in as long as you want! just don’t burn down your dorm…

this rolling hand cart saved my life and I plan on bringing it next semester even though i’m not in the dorm. Everyone thought I was nerdy at first but soon I had every girl knocking on my door to borrow this. It’s AMAZING for dragging groceries up to your room from the parking garage, helpful when you’re going home for the weekend, or taking a bunch of stuff to class or the library. target, walmart, bed bath and beyond- all these places probably have them. I promise you won’t regret it! I always used it to bring my laundry & detergent to the laundry room too, that bag gets heavy when you ignore your dirty clothes for too long ;)

I’m working with a budget of around $500 for furnishing the house and decorating.

Thrift Stores, garage sales and consignment shops are AMAZING places for cheap furniture, with prices you can haggle down. Since you get it for a bargain, you can spend a little extra money personalizing it and making it yours too! I scoured my hometown thrift stores for some goods and found these pieces…

pink picture frame (haha excuse my button in the background :] )

glass lamp

iron table for outside

this is a terrible shot but, two regular and one lounging chair + cushions for outside

dining room set and chairs ( only three hehehe but i only have two roommates so it works)

service for 6, plates- small plates- bowls- tea plates & cups

vintage dresser w/ 6 drawers

two of these matching nightstands

I also got a plain wooden desk ( you can sort of see it above, under the nightstand) with a hutch that goes on top

In total, I got all of this for $224. 53, add $100 for paint and supplies and I’m at a grand total of $324.53. The only furniture I need still is a bedframe and mattress! 

Another great thing to do is check your craigslist for free curbside pickup items and make sure you ask your friends and family if they have any “donations” ;) My roommates mom donated a large tan couch, and a friend gave us a  bamboo TV stand!

here’s some pictures of the house I took when we decided to sign the lease, sorry some of them are horrible but it’s all I have since I’m not in tallahassee at the moment! I’ll be updating with how-tos and pictures of how I decorate the house, check back soon :)

my cute roommates^ ^ follow the one in jeans @ lucywanderlust.tumblr.com

As per usual with most college kids, I’m broke. Broke as hell. So doing fun things, making delicious meals, having a good time and looking great while doing it just isn’t easy! I was inspired today by my attempt to furnish my new rental at school on a budget- but still make an awesomely cute room. So I’m starting this ongoing blog in order to post and upload pictures and videos of ways I achieve what I want, without breaking the bank.