Buy a "bed in a bag" at a discount store if you need a new set of bedding. A "bed in a bag" often includes a comforter, sheets, pillow cases and a bed skirt, and the cost is often much cheaper than buying all those things separately.
Put several inexpensive throw pillows on your bed or buy floor pillows to add color and comfort to your dorm room. Many dorm rooms don't include much more than desks and beds, so pillows can help your bed double as a sofa by day and create an inviting place on the floor to sprawl out.
Shop at dollar stores, which can be a great source for laundry bags, hangers, photo frames and plastic storage containers.
Use posters to liven up the dorm room walls. Posters are typically cheaper than framed paintings and photos. Save even more money by placing the posters inside poster hangers instead of traditional frames.
Get a large bulletin board. Not only are bulletin boards inexpensive, they also can serve as a message center and project organizer, and they offer another place to display mementos.
Add colorful potted plants to your dorm room. Smaller potted plants will be cheaper, require less watering and be easier to move around the room.