You needn’t break the bank to spruce up your student halls or dorm room, here’s 9 ways to do it on the cheap ahead of moving in day.

So if you’re going to a University fresher in 2015, listen up and start planning NOW!

Pinch as much as you can from home

This first one goes without saying really: Take as much as you can from your home for free. Probably best to ask first of course.

Beg your parents

Be cheeky and ask your parents to pay for a bit, such as your first week’s shopping to take with you when you move in. Or again, pinch it from home.

Make savings by buying in advance

If you start planning in advance you can make savings by picking up bits when they’re cheap in the sales, especially in January/New Year sales.

Do it yourself!

Upcycle and make your own stuff on the cheap, such as pillows from jumpers.

Get FREE stuff

Check out websites Freecycle.org and ilovefreegle.org, they offer completely FREE stuff that people in the local area want to give away (or rather would like to get rid of). Also see Gumtree’s Freebie section.

Compare prices online

While it may be tempting to hit the highstreet and buy everything you need at once, take your time to compare prices online to find the cheapest deal.

Use Shoe organisers for EVERYTHING

via luxtica.com
Get a super cheap shoe organiser (or make your own) on the back of your door and use it to keep in EVERYTHING. Shoes – obviously – stationary, cleaning products, toiletries and even food. Seriously useful.

Turn cereal boxes into draw dividers

via blogspot.co.uk
Another cheap and thrift dorm hack: Organise your draws with just some old cereal boxes, or toilet/kitchen roll tubes.

Keep takeaway containers

Keep takeaway containers and clean them out for future use, either for packed lunches or storing anything else you feel like. Also, you can store your spaghetti in an empty pringles can, it’s the perfect fit.