As we all settle back into college this fall, we are faced with the daunting task of decorating our new place. While this is fun, it can also be stressful, especially financially. Over the years, students collect these decorative items so that they don't have to keep buying them.

1. Do a poster/wall art/decor swap with your roomates and friends

This one is a lot of fun. From one year to the next, many of us change our style. By the beginning of a new school year, many of us aren't feeling recycling the same decor that we had from last year, for this year. Have no fear, I'm sure others in your life feel the same AND have some rad decor pieces that they're looking to swap. Best part, zero cost and zero waste.

2. Use cups as decor pieces

Have a favorite cup? Turn it into a pencil/pen cup or something to hold tiny hair accessories. Wine glasses can even make for even fancier ones, just make sure you're 21 and following your campus ' rules.

3. Drape your desk chair w a pretty scarf

This tip is extra fun and still costs nothing. Take your favorite circle scarf and drape it over your boring college desk chair to make it more awesome. You can even get creative and use a beach sarong that you have, or a pretty towel. Just make sure that whatever you put on your chair won't make it hot or uncomfortable to sit in.

4. Spice up a lampshade by putting pretty necklaces on it.

Boring desk lamp? Kick up the cute factor with stuff you've already got. Keep some pretty necklaces on it. The best choices are pearl strings abd gold necklaces. Just make sure that you don't use anything too nice that you have to worry about getting swiped.

5. Re-use last year's calendar pictures as posters

Once again, you can swap and share pictures with friends. These will be fun, small and thin so they should be easy to tape or tack to the wall. And once again, the best part, is that they won't add to your college costs.