Art, and all the lesser subdivisions of the subject, seems to be one discipline that cannot be taught via online classes.  However, there are many different parts to the art world, expanding to graphic design, fashion, art history, etc.  These are all courses that appeal to the more “artsy” student, while still keeping the degree well within the realm that makes art, art.  Online classes in these disciplines have now begun to be offered through many online colleges, even developing some degrees that can only be earned through online education.

The worlds of fashion and graphic design are certain programs which appeal to a specific type of student who has developed both an interest and a passion for the subjects.  Fashion is not a subject that you can jump into without a previous notion of what it entails, but is something that many fashion students have strived years to earn.  Many fashion degree programs are now offered through online art institutions and teach students the basics of fashion, fashion design, and merchandising (for retail stores).  While degrees in fashion do not always lead to careers in the fashion industry immediately (they mostly give students a background in fashion that is appealing for luxury retail management), it does give you the background that future careers in fashion require down the line. 

Graphic design is another similarly popular degree that appeals to students who are interested in the art world, but have developed an interest in the more technical aspects of modern art.  This type of art has become incorporated for careers in the web design industry, as graphics are a major part of any web site.  Additionally, many companies now require graphic designers who are in charge of marketing and public relations.  Many of the graphic design courses allow students to participate in an artsy degree (of sorts) while still striving for a career that is more set in stone than many other degrees in the art industry.

There are many other online classes that relate to art and the arts in general, ranging from music to painting (yes, art classes can be taken online!).  Depending what has drawn you into this world, chances are that you will be able to find a class that suits your interests throughout the many art institutes.  Many courses additionally allow you to delve into the courses slowly, through open classes that the school may offer, which is essentially a free look into what the course and the school will offer you as the student.  These open classes will not give you any credits, but can help you make a decision on attending certain online classes.  Regardless of the path your art career decides to take you, there are countless amounts of options for students of any genre interested in delving into the artsy aspect of education. 

If you’re looking for some reading material that isn’t as dull as the stuff for your college courses or that will really inspire you to excel, become a better person or even change the world, then look no further than the books on this list. Here you’ll find reading material that has inspired millions to live the best lives they can and make the most of their innate talents. With titles that fit into every category from self-help to classic novels, you’re sure to find something that works for you.

Classic Inspirational Works

These books have made a big impact on people and are some of the most classic inspirational works. Pick one up today to see what all the hype is about.

1. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey: This book has been a top seller since it was published in 1990, offering advice on how to improve your leadership and get ahead in business.
2. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: First published in 1937, this book aims to help people of all ages understand human nature and use that understanding to garner enthusiasm and improve leadership.
3. Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale: Those who are looking to make their lives happier, more satisfying or who simply want to learn to believe in themselves and their abilities have a lot to gain by reading this popular title.
4. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen: This short book will help you realize that you’re only as good as you think you are and help you change the way you see and imagine yourself.
5. Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman: This story may be fictional, but it offers powerful lessons in being strong in mind and spirit rather than in the body.
6. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay: Check out this best-selling book to learn how Hay thinks we are all responsible for our own happiness or illness and ways that she advises overcoming our negative thoughts to heal our bodies and minds.
7. The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck: In this text you can learn how the path to self-discovery is a tough one, but one well worth following.
8. Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach: No matter what you believe in or what your goals are in life, this book aims to show you the importance of having a higher purpose.
9. The Art of War by Sun Tzu: This ancient military treatise is still useful today and has become the go-to manual for inspiration on leading and getting ahead in business.
10. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra: Learn about karma, potentiality, intention, desire and more in your quest to become a more spiritually connected person through this text.
11. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: This may be a children’s book, but its lessons are still powerful at any age, inspiring you to give and love freely.
12. How Proust Can Change Your Life by Alain de Botton: This book uses the writings and life of Proust to offer insightful lessons that can improve your life and make you a wiser, happier person.

Inspirational Novels

These novels, both old and new, offer inspiration through the trials and tribulations of their main characters.

13. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Voted as one of the most inspiring books, this title touches on issues of race, justice, class and growing up.
14. Siddhartha by Herman Hesse: Those hoping to learn more about Eastern philosophy will find insights and inspiration in this beautiful journey of enlightenment.
15. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery: This French classic is a touching fable about love, loneliness and the many trivialities of adult life.
16. Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein: A book that many believe defined the sci-fi genre as being noteworthy may be dated in it’s themes, but you will still find tales of morality, love and what it means to be human.
17. Ishmael by Daniel Quinn: This unusual novel addresses some of the big issues in society, documenting problems but also offering solutions.
18. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: If you were ever a cynical youth (or an adult) this story documents one young man’s frustration with the phoniness of the adult world and the alienation it can cause.
19. What is the What by Dave Eggers: Based on the real-life experiences of Valentino Achak Deng, this touching novel exposes human resilience, evil and kindness in an engaging story that will keep you glued to the pages.
20. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky: While the main character of this story at first feels no remorse for his crimes, readers will see his conscience catch up with him as the story progresses offering true insights into human morality.
21. Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: For anyone who spent their formative years being shy, or who’s still waiting to come out of their shell, this story about growing into yourself is a must-read.

Health and Fitness

Those looking to lead a healthier, fitter and ultimately happier life and who are in need of a little motivation to do it should check out these titles.

22. Anatomy of the Spirit by Carolyn Myss: This book blends religious doctrine with human anatomy, showing readers how their thoughts and health may be connected.
23. French Women Don’t Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure by Mireille Guiliano: This author explains how people can still eat the foods they love (cheeses, indulgent chocolates) without packing on the pounds by following this European regimen.
24. Once a Runner by John L Parker: If you want to start running or are already a devoted jogger, this fictional novel will inspire and educate.
25. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan: Learn to navigate the food choices you make with more aplomb in this book.
26. Never Give Up by Richard Simmons: Whether you love or hate Richard Simmons you won’t be able to deny the motivation the stories in this book offer.
27. Hungry: Lessons Learned on the Way from Fat to Thin by Allen Zadoff: Anyone who has ever struggled with dysfunctional ways of eating will appreciate this honest portrayal of the emotional roots of eating disorders.
28. Eat to Live: The Revolutionary Formula for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss by Joel Fuhrman: This book isn’t just about losing weight–it teaches readers about food so they can made educated choices about what they consume and can make sustained lifestyle changes.
29. You on a Diet by Mehmet C. Oz and Michael F. Roisen: The authors of this book believe that the best tool for losing weight is knowledge.
30. Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors by Barbara Delinsky: If you have cancer or another illness, these stories of strength and survival are sure to raise your spirits.
31. Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry Lodge: Check out this book for advice and information on staying young well into your golden years.

Career and Business

Get some insights into improving your business acumen or finding a career that’s right for you in these books.

32. Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino: This short book offers a wealth of advice on being better at sales.
33. The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman: In this most recently updated version of this book you’ll learn just how the world is connected and what you can expect in the coming years helping you get a leg up in business.
34. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson: Learn to flourish with change in work, careers or your personal life with this motivational book that’s been a bestseller.
35. What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles: Job hunters can get classic advice from this manual and even tips for those struggling to find work in hard economic times that can be especially relevant to today’s job market.
36. Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need by Harvey Mackay: Use this book’s lessons to inspire you to become a better networker.
37. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss: Who wouldn’t want to have mobility, free time and enjoyment in their career? This book offers some ideas on how to get there.
38. Think Better: An Innovator’s Guide to Productive Thinking by Tim Hurson: Find some inspiration for your business or startup plans in this book’s tips on making the most of how the mind works.
39. Startup Guide to Guerrilla Marketing: A Simple Battle Plan for First-Time Marketers by Jay Conrad and Jeannie Levinson: If you’re embarking on your first business you don’t need to be afraid–use this book as a guide to promoting your goods and services successfully.
40. Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi: Learn how improving your relationships with those around you could lead to greater career success in this book.
41. The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley and Jonathan Littman: Take a page out of IDEO’s book, the world’s leading design firm, on how to make innovation and design work for you.

Biographies

These biographies and autobiographies tell the story of individuals who overcame great obstacles or changed the world, offering inspiration for those who want to do the same.

42. A Child Called "It" by David J. Pelzer: Read this autobiographical story to hear this man’s tale about the bizarre tortures his mother enacted on him as a child and his will to survive and escape.
43. Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank: While she never intended to see her words published, this diary is a touching and telling tale of the horrors of the Holocaust and the strength of those who struggled to find normalcy within it.
44. A Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela: In this amazing autobiography you’ll hear about Nelson Mandela’s journey to fight against apartheid from jail to becoming the president of a nation.
45. The Story of My Life by Helen Keller: Get inspired by this well-known woman’s tale of overcoming her disabilities to become a writer and activist.
46. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway: This book will remind you that even if you can’t be in a place you love, you can carry the memory with you as a "moveable feast."
47. Odette: World War Two’s Darling Spy by Penny Starns: Read about the life of this female spy who was awarded many honors and miraculously survived imprisonment in a concentration camp.
48. Alun Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges: Despite being discriminated against for his sexuality, in this story you can read about the amazing inventions of this man that set the stage for modern computing.
49. Reach for the Sky: The Story of Douglas Bader by Paul Brickhill: In this book you’ll read about one man that, despite losing his legs, went on to become a air battle hero–not to mention learning to dance, swim, play tennis and more.
50. The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Alva Edison Invented the Modern World by Randall E. Stross: While Edison invented many amazing things, in this story of his life you’ll see how he was met with many failures in his pursuit of success as well.
51. Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments With Truth by Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi: Through his non-violent methods, Gandhi was abel to enact great changes in his homeland of India, stories which you can read about in this book.

Personal Reflection and Improvement

Learn to look inside and get inspired to make changes, push yourself or just see what you’re really capable of on your own through these books.

52. The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama: Take a look at the philosophies of the Dalai Lama and studies done by scientist Howard Culter in this touching, inspirational book.
53. Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins: This classic self-help book aims to get you to take control of your life and start making changes that will change your emotional, financial and physical well-being.
54. Gift from the Sea by Anne Morror Lindbergh: As a women who faced many challenges in her life, Lindbergh is in a unique place to offer advice on marriage, peace and contentment as she does in this short but impactful book.
55. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch: Pausch may have been dying as he gave this last lecture, but at its heart is a guide on how to live not to die, offering advice on how to fight for what you want and achieve your dreams.
56. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer: What motivates someone to trade a privileged life for one of isolation? This story follows the rea- life exploits of Christopher McCandless as he takes off into the Alaskan wilderness.
57. Walden by Henry David Thoreau: Ever want to learn to live more simply and embrace the natural world? This classic novel offers a model and brilliant insights into the relationship between man and the world around him.
58. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell: Read this book by Gladwell to learn how the littlest things in your life can make the biggest difference.
59. The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir: This classic book questions why women must always be defined in terms of men, asking women to think about their place in the world and to question their own empowerment.
60. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson: Do you find yourself worrying about every little thing? In this book you’ll learn what to let go so you can spend less time fretting and more time enjoying life.
61. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Cziksentmihalyi: Learn how to make your experiences more genuinely satisfying through this book.

Relationships

From friendships to dating, these books will inspire you to improve your relationships with the people in your life.

62. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom: Check out this famous book to hear the touching story of a man and his mentor and the lessons he offers even in his dying days.
63. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray: Perhaps one of the best known relationship books, this text aims to highlight some of the differences between men and women so that better, stronger relationships can be built.
64. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger: If you’re looking for a heart-warming story about love throughout time, obstacles and against great odds, check out this popular novel.
65. Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood: Learn how to break your pattern of destructive relationships with this authoritative and gripping self-help book.
66. He’s Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt: This dating guide will help you learn when to give up and move on.
67. The Missing Piece Meets The Big O by Shel Silverstein: No matter your age you can appreciate the lessons offered in this book about finding friends who fit your personality and becoming a whole person on your own.
68. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman and Nan Silver: Whether you’re married or not, this book offers some great advice to inspire you to improve your relationship.

Finances

Those struggling with getting control of their financial life can find some inspiration and advice in these great books.

69. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: Learn how the way you think about business and money could be holding you back with this book.
70. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley: Check out this book to learn some of the simple and inspiring rules that can help you become wealthy.
71. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon L. Lechter: This book will highlight some of the different lessons about money that both rich and poor parents teach their children.
72. Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin: Read this book to learn how to keep money from ruling your life.
73. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker: Learn how to think like a millionaire from this best-selling book.
74. Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason: These classic parables will help you learn the basics of working with money.
75. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey: If your financial life is a mess, use this guide to learn how to renovate it.
76. Real Money: Sane Investing in an Insane World by Jim Cramer: You don’t have to love Jim Cramer to take away some valuable lessons from this investment-focused book.
77. Smart Couples Finish Rich by David Bach: Read this book to educate you and your partner on the basics of finances and to set you on the road to changing them over time.
78. The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom by Suze Orman: For those who feel they need inspiration and help to get out of debt and get control of their money, this book offers the basics to smart finances.
79. I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi: Geared towards Gen-Y professionals, this book offers sound wealth-building advice for any age.
80. It’s Not About the Money by Brent Kessel: Learn about money from a holistic, Buddhist approach in this spiritual and financial book.

Passion, Purpose and Motivation

Get a little help finding where you belong in life and how to get there with these texts.

81. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: Use this inspiring fable to get guidance and inspiration to follow your dreams.
82. Getting Things Done by David Allen: If you’re a consummate procrastinator, this book offers you a solution on how to create a system of getting things accomplished.
83. The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer: Take some lessons on how to be successful from the only man to ever have seven books on the New York Times’ Bestsellers List simultaneously.
84. Shoeless Joe by WP Kinsella: This is the book the movie Field of Dreams was based on, offering readers a chance to see their own inspiration in the game.
85. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren: Those who believe in God will find this book inspiring, offering them advice on finding their own divine purpose and fulfilling it.
86. Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck: This book helps readers to harmonize their internal needs and direction (often those that lead us to greater happiness) with social webs to find an ideal balance.
87. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E Frankl: The author of this book shares how he made it through imprisonment in Auschwitz in this novel, offering hope and a path to search for meaning in life.
88. The Purpose of Your Life: Finding Your Place In The World Using Synchronicity, Intuition, And Uncommon Sense by Carol Adrienne: Unsure of your purpose in life? This book will give you some guidance on using your own skills to uncover your true purpose.

Spirituality

Delve into your spiritual side with these books designed to inspire you to get in touch with God, yourself or the philosophy you believe in.

89. The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes: This book marks the beginning of the religious science movement and offers food for thought no matter what you believe.
90. Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East by Baird T. Spaulding: In this collection of books you can learn about some of the great spiritual teachers of the East and the wisdom they have to offer.
91. The Bible and The Qu’ran: These religious texts have inspired people around the world to change how they think and act.
92. Power Through Constructive Thinking by Emmett Fox: In this text you’ll learn how your destiny is in your own hands and how to use thought and action to find happiness and contentment.
93. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig: In this philosophical novel you’ll learn how to reconcile Eastern and Western beliefs and gain a few pointers on living a mindful life.
94. The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff: Read this book to understand how Taoism isn’t a foreign concept, but one that we encounter everyday in our lives.
95. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand: Whether you love her or hate her, there is no doubt that this book offers some insights into philosophy and your world view.
96. Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh: Read this book to learn to live a more mindful, respectful and interconnected life.
97. The Prophet by Khalil Gibran: Get insights into marriage, friendship, joy, sorrow and many of the things central to human existence in this poetic text.
98. The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav: In this book, you’ll learn how to become more closely aligned with your soul and use its power to become a happier, better person.
99. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle: Use this spiritual guide to help you live more in the moment.
100. No Greater Love by Mother Teresa: Inspired by her faith, Mother Teresa explains how she believes people should love, give and sacrifice for others.

Despite the significance that we can now earn masters and doctorate degrees through the internet, the looming future remains as to what we will end up doing with such a liberal arts degree.  Philosophy is one degree that is difficult to directly place into the work place, making it harder to attract students, especially during a recession.  Furthermore, during an era where degrees in engineering and business reign supreme, the question remains what can be done with a masters in philosophy?

Philosophy is one niche in the liberal arts community that attracts a specific type of student, one who is typically not as concerned with the future state of the economy as other students tend to be.  While this is not to say that all philosophy students are lackadaisical about their studies, it instead means that they do not succumb to the pressures of the state of the economy as easy as their colleagues tend to do.  Additionally, earning a masters degree in philosophy online allows many students the flexibility to participate in internships and other related job opportunities without the worry of their school schedule. 

Many students who enroll in graduate programs in philosophy aspire to enter the world of academia upon their graduation.  This is one of the more common approaches toward getting a masters or doctorate degree in philosophy: it tends to lead to a lifelong career in the field, either as a professor or a researcher (although research opportunities are typically slim in this field).  However, for those not entranced by the teaching world, the New York Times had a brilliant quote for t hem: “For all the jokes about them [regarding their future careers], philosophy majors appear to do remarkably well.”  The article goes on to account for a number of positions philosophy graduates have earned since the 1970s, including many high-level career positions.  As a result, the credit given to philosophy students has risen in recent years, as the number of students enrolled in such programs has risen as well.

Online education has opened even more doors for philosophy students, as it now presents many with the opportunity to earn their philosophy masters from home.  A philosophy degree now screams out “well-rounded” to potential employers, and as a result, many online universities have added the degree to their programs, including masters and doctorate programs as well.  While a masters in philosophy may not garner the respect that an MBA may earn, students should rest assured that their time and effort in the field are just as widely recognized by future employers and can lead to a prosperous career life. 

Between stressful college classes, extracurricular activities, homework and part-time jobs or volunteer projects, you probably rarely make it back to your dorm just to relax. But even though you have to share it with one or two other students, your room should be a safe space for you to rest and recuperate from your crazy days. With a little love and DIY-fueled attention, you can turn your boring, industrial dorm room into the perfect spot for studying, sleeping, and socializing. Here are 50 practically free ways to decorate your dorm room, even on your poor man’s budget.

Walls and Windows

Turn your walls and windows from jail-like cells into colorful expressions of your personal style.

1. Make a magazine collage: Save your music, fashion, art and travel magazines to make collages all over your doors or over an entire wall.
2. Christmas lights: Christmas lights are pretty cheap, and you can keep them up all year to bring in a festive, welcoming atmosphere to your room.
3. Postcards: Save postcards that friends and family send to you to make a collage hang in an artistic arrangement.
4. Bulletin board: You can use your bulletin board for reminders, phone messages and notes, but you can also use it to hang up photos, charms, and postcards.
5. Wire Photo Wall: Turn your dorm room into a photo gallery when you take on this simple project.
6. Make your own curtains: You can make curtains out of any fabric you want, even old patterned or newly bleached or tie-dyed sheets.
7. Sponge paint: Paint is relatively cheap, but just remember to paint it back to its original color before you move out.
8. PCB Collage Screensaver: Makezine shows you how to make a collage screensaver from your Flickr feed to make your computer screen pop against white walls.
9. Ask retailers and theaters for old posters: Movie theaters, music and movie retailers, and even clothing or accessories retailers are usually willing to give away old signs and posters, so don’t be afraid to ask.
10. Just use the frames: Get a bunch of decorative art frames from a vintage store and hang them up (sans pictures) for an interesting art project.
11. Colored chalk: Write all over your walls with colored chalk, which should wash off easily.
12. Frame your cards: Casasugar recommends hanging all of your holiday or birthday cards in a framed corkboard display.
13. Ribbon board: Similar to a bulletin board, this easy-to-make memo or photo board looks way prettier with some extra fabric and ribbon.

Door

College students never neglect to decorate their doors, and here are several easy ways to turn it into a creative addition, inside and out.

14. Blow up a photo of you and your roommates: These roommates took a picture of themselves standing in their doorway, then blew it up to life-size proportions and taped it to their closed door.
15. Full-length mirror: Unless you know how to cut glass, you’ll have to actually buy a full-length mirror, but they aren’t that expensive (and are definitely worth it). Mirrors bring more light into the room, and you can decorate the borders with paint pens.
16. DIY Whiteboard: Follow John Murch’s instructions to make your own whiteboard for your door. You can leave different messages or designs and invite others to draw on it as well.
17. Silhouettes: Make silhouettes of you and your rooommate to hang on the outside of your door out of wrapping paper.

Furniture and Bedding

These decorating tips encourage you to make your own furniture and accessories, be strategic when it comes to picking out bedding, and more.

18. Build a loft: Instead of buying a new futon or loft bed, make your own with 2×4 boards.
19. Make a throw pillow out of an old t-shirt: If your favorite t-shirt is getting too raggedy to wear, turn it into a throw pillow for your bed or couch.
20. Corner shelf: You can make a pretty corner shelf in an urn shape with wood, wood glue and wood screws only.
21. Bean bag chair: Threadbanger’s video tutorial shows you how to make your own colorful bean bag chair, a dorm room must-have.
22. Scavenge for free furniture: You’re in college, which means there’s no reason to be ashamed of picking up free furniture left on the street (as long as it’s in semi-good condition).
23. Get a reversible comforter: When shopping for dorm bedding, ask your parents to buy a reversible comforter, so you can switch it (for free) any time you get bored.
24. Bed risers: Bed risers make your room look larger. Paint them a fun color to make them fit in with the rest of your room.
25. Switch up your sheets: If you get board with your bedding, it will be cheaper to buy new sheets, so buy an extra set in a bright color or unexpected pattern. You can also try dyeing them for a more economical solution.
26. Give your night stand a makeover: If your night stand is cheap and ugly, sand and paint it so that it’s something you’re proud to show off.
27. Feng shui your bedroom: Rearranging your furniture is 100% free, and if you apply feng shui principles, you’ll promote the free flow of positive energy.

Parties and Holidays

When you throw a party or study group session in your dorm room, you want to make sure everyone is impressed with your style and creativity. Here are simple hacks to improve lighting and create the perfect party atmosphere.

28. Spray paint pine cones and branches: Clean up your quad by picking up random branches and pine cones, and then spray painting them gold or silver for a winter arrangement.
29. Sun Jars: These four sun jars create very cool lighting for a party, and cost under $20 to make (if you have basic tools).
30. DIY Wine Rack: Impress your friends by pulling wine from your own homemade wine rack out of recycled belts and wood.
31. Make your own beer pong table: There’s no limit when it comes to decorating a beer pong table. Check out 33 of the best designs ever, right here.
32. Laundry line: String up a laundry line and clip Christmas lights, ticket stubs, photos and other knick knakcs for extra decoration that you can easily take down.
33. Lava lamp: You can make the Poor Man’s Lava lamp with mineral oil, rubbing alcohol and water.
34. Use candy: Buy colorful candies like M&Ms or Sour Patch Kids from your dining hall, and pour them into clear bottles or bowls for extra color.
35. Make your own ornaments: This pretty ornament was made from a plastic bottle.
36. Disco ball: This guide explains how to make a disco ball out of a coat hanger, clear plastic cups, Christmas lights and an iron.
37. Use shot glasses as votives: Whittle down a small candle until it fits inside a shot glass, and then put them up all over your room. Just make sure you keep them clear of curtains, papers and other flammable items.

Functional Decorations

In a small space, decorations should also be functional. These decor tips will keep your keyboard in place, insulate your floors, and separate closet space.

38. Wooden Keyboard Enclosure: This design is a little random, but if you hate the industrial look of most dorm rooms and want something a little more rustic or homey, make a wooden case for your keyboard.
39. Duct tape projects: This list contains 100 awesome ways to use duct tape in your dorm room for decorations, organization, accessories and more.
40. DIY Cardboard Hipster Frames: Switch up your picture frames every once in a while with these hipster designs.
41. Get a rug: Find a decorative rug at a consignment store to add color to your room and insulate the floors so you’re warmer in the wintertime. Just make sure you wash it first.
42. Magnets: This guide explains how you can make your own refrigerator magnets out of magazine cutouts, photos and more.
43. Dividing curtain: Use sheer fabric or a pretty shower curtain (hung up properly) to divide space, close off an open closet, or over your windows.
44. Book stacks: Instead of leaving all your textbooks and library books in a heap on the floor, arrange them in an architectural stack like these.
45. Wrap your storage containers in fabric: Turn ugly storage boxes into pretty, stackable decorations when you wrap them in fabric.
46. Glow-stick lamp: Fashion a reading lamp out of glow-sticks you’ve collected at holiday parties and concerts.
47. Turn wine bottles into vases: Clean empty wine bottles or interesting beer bottles, and then use them as candlestick holders or flower vases.

Miscellaneous

From freshening up your room to keeping things simple, here are even more practically free ways to make your dorm room more stylish.

48. Get a plant: Plants add color and life and can even improve air quality.
49. Scented candles: Candles can get expensive fast, so try making your own to brighten and freshen up your room.
50. Remember, less is more: If you have a very small space, you may need to streamline your decorations and use cooler colors to make it look cleaner and more relaxing.