Cinderblock walls, fluorescent lights, and plastic mattresses be damned.
Make your own wall photo mural.
A printable wall mural makes your room feel much larger without the permanence (or cost) of paint or wallpaper.
Instructions here.
Source: hgtv.com
Line your bookshelves with washi tape.
Washi tape (colored paper tape) is your new best friend when it comes to dorm decorating. Like painter's tape, it removes without residue, meaning it's perfect for temporarily decorating lackluster dorm furniture.
Learn how to line your shelves with it here.
Source: auntpeaches.com
Build a simple, temporary headboard.
This super easy headboard is made from stuff you probably have lying around and makes a standard dorm bed look much more luxurious.
Learn how to make it here.
Source: starsforstreetlights.com