It’s that time of year again. You know, the one where you start freaking out about buying gifts for your friends and family due to the fact that you’re a poor college student who barely makes enough to go to the bar a few times a week, let alone buy presents for a gazillion people.

So, in an effort to take the stress out of the season for you, U Chic will be providing you with some great gifts, clothing, decorating tips, and edible goodie suggestions for $25.00 and under throughout the month of December. Yes, this will be a daunting task, but no worries – we’ve got your back!

First up, some easy decorating tips for your dorm. Now, given you’ll probably only be able to enjoy it for the next few weeks anyway, we say keep it simple and don’t go overboard:

What’s you’ll need:

– Colored construction paper

– Popcorn

– Aluminum foil

– Cardboard box

– Needle, thread, and glue

Your biggest purchase will be finding a mini tree to set everything off. We like these 3.5′ pre-lit ones from Walmart for $20. Choose a pink, purple, or turquoise one depending on your dorm room style. Cut the colored construction paper into long thin strips (no more than two inches wide) and glue them together to make colored chains of garland for your room and tree. Pop the popcorn then grab a needle and thread and string them together for a similar effect. Need a star on the top of your tree? Trace one onto a piece of cardboard and then cut it out and wrap it aluminum foil. Feeling extra crafty? Buy some fishing wire and cut out stars of varying sizes to hang from your ceiling to create a “starry night” effect.

Bonus: Almost all these materials are recyclable, so make sure you do your part and toss them into your dorm’s recycling bin before your head home. You can even take the popcorn garland outside and string it through the trees on campus for a special holiday treat for the birds and squirrels!