Decorating Hacks For Your New University Room

One of the highlights of rocking up to uni during freshers' week is finding out where you'll be living. But in can be pretty underwhelming setting your bags down in a tiny room with a threadbare carpet, and old blu-tac all over the walls.

So, to solve this sorry state of affairs, we have come up with 19 things you can do to make your uni room totally awesome, and the envy of all others.

1. Get a giant map and scratch off where you have been

This is an amazing idea beautifully executed. These maps are painted silver, and then you scratch countries off when you've been to them - like you would a scratch card - to reveal the colour of the country underneath. You can either buy one or make one.

2. Create a cool cork board, with actual corks

If you're someone who appreciate literalnes, then you will definitely appreciate this cork board made of...corks. Perfectly quirky. Plus an excuse to drink loads of wine. Find out how to make one here.

3. Blackboard paint / sticker

For an awesome twist on the traditional blackboard, invest in some blackboard paint or a blackboard sticker (yes, they exist!) Perfect for writing notes in strangely shaped places or when space is tight. Or painting old furniture in it to create awesome, original decoration.

4. Use coloured and patterned tape as photo frames

Framed pictures look amazing but who has loads of money to spend on frames? It's often quite cheap to pick up prints you love, but the frames themselves take a hefty chunk out of your student account. Instead, try using coloured and patterned tape to form frames. It's simple and easy to do and looks great.

5. Install an 'invisible' shelf for your books, so they float

We are in love with the concept of these shelves. They just make your books appear as if they are floating, which is pretty much the nearest we are ever gonna get to Harry Potter. Find out how to make your own here.

Or just buy one.