50 Under $50: Dorm Room Essentials

Instantly dress up even the ricketiest of Ikea bookshelves.

Gold Pig Bookends, $29.95 for a set of two, Cb2.com

Stash the standard issue, blocky pale wood desk in storage and work from this sleek, compact station instead.

Computer Workstation, $49.99, Bedbathandbeyond.com

For the Charlotte York-loving roommate.

"Madison" Pillow, $50, Blissliving, Nordstrom.com

Might even make writing your to-do lists a little bit fun.

Scoop White Chalkboard, $24.95, Crateandbarrel.com

The grown-up, Jonathan Adler-y alternative to the bean bag chair.

Silver Moroccan Pouf, $39, Ekenoz.com

Most school fire codes don't exactly allow candles, so opt for pretty diffusers instead.

Essential Oils Fragrance Diffuser in French Lavender, $24.95, Williams-sonoma.com

A little something to aspire to, so you don't get caught in a wave of North Face fleeces and Ugg boots.

Ralph Lauren Resort 2013 Illustration, $50 for a 13 x 16" print, Sunnygu, Etsy.com

The most important TV Night accessory.

Favorite Throw, $29, Westelm.com

The best (or at least most creative) way to leave passive aggressive notes for your roommate.

Scrabble Refrigerator Magnet Set, $15, Fredflare.com

Give your bed a hint of prep, instead of a total pink & green Lilly Pullitzer-palooza.

Flamingo Decorative Pillow, $20.99, Kohls.com