It's the middle of July, which means before we know it it'll be the middle of August, and we will be loading up our cars and heading to campus, either as a returning student or a freshman. Living away from home can be so exciting, but the drab dorm rooms don't really give a homey feel. Here's 18 ways you can add a little bit of life to your dorm or college apartment:

1. Heart shaped collage

Nothing makes you feel more at home than pictures of your family and friends! If you don't like the heart idea, then put them in any shape you like! Just having personal photos will make your home away from home more welcoming.

2. Paint Chip Dry Erase Calendar

This one is super easy and affordable! Just buy a picture frame (16"x11" would probably be the best), take some paint chips from your local hardware store, and a dry erase marker! Just use tape or very little glue to secure the chips!

3. DIY Dry Erase Board

This is probably one of the cutest DIYs I've ever seen. You can pick up a frame like this at Target or Walmart for fairly cheap, and the possibilities are endless with the scrapbook paper! This is such a great way to keep up everything you need to do!

4. Glitter Mason Jars

Unfortunately, these bad boys are no longer available for sale but I'm sure they would be fairly easy to replicate! Just pick up some mason jars (Walmart has bundles for cheap), some spray paint, and glitter. Once the spray paint is dry, cover the bottom in glue and dip them in glitter! Your best bet is to finish with modpodge over the top to ensure the finish stays nice! These could work as makeup brush holders, pencil/pen holders for your desk, or even a vase!

5. Color coordinate with your roomie!

Now this one may seem a little silly, but having some coordination in the room can make both of your lives much less chaotic! Now I'm not saying buy the same comforter, but buy colors that compliment each other, or different patterns with the same color scheme. Your room will look amazing!

6. DIY Seating

We all know dorm rooms are small and we have a hard time fitting our friends in when they come to hang out. This solution is perfect for not only having extra seating space but the cushions can be taken off and you can use them as storage too! Now who doesn't love killing two birds with one stone?

7. DIY Headboard

Unfortunately, the original tutorial I found is no longer active, but if you really wanna make your own headboard there are hundreds of pins on pinterest! It's an amazing way to give some personality to your room, and really brings a room together!

8. Dress up those plastic drawers!

We all end up bringing one of these with us on campus. They're great for storage but can be super ugly. Grab some scrapbook paper and give those drawers some personality!

9. Magnet make-up board

What better way to keep your makeup organized then to make it wall art? Save yourself some time and stop digging through drawers to find your favorite blush!

10. DIY Key Holder

Never leave your room without your keys again by keeping this by your door! It's a great way to make sure you and your roomie keep track of those keys so so you don't accrue any unnecessary charges to your student account.

Now go have the cutest room on campus!