Decorating can always be a challenge, but college students living on a budget need not worry.

There are plenty of options, and with the help of local merchants and Penn State students, you'll soon be on your way to creating a new look for your apartment or dorm.

And just remember, pictures and posters rule in good dorm décor.

Farrah Farnese (sophomore-public relations) said posters are a good way to decorate without spending much money.

"The poster sales are always good," Farnese said, referring to the annual poster sales at the HUB-Robeson Center that bring students flocking to find posters depicting popular movies, paintings, musicians and photographs.

Farnese also suggested that rearranging furniture is a free way to achieve a new look in an apartment or dorm room.

"An easy way [to change the look of your room] is to change the orientation of the room [by moving furniture]," Farnese said.

Local merchants can also aid students who want to decorate their rooms by providing a variety of low-cost options.

Penn State students who want to distinguish their rooms by including Penn State items have several options at local stores.

Ben Wells, general merchandise coordinator at Wegmans, 345 Lowes Blvd., said Wegmans permanently carries Penn State merchandise in its seasonal aisle, such as Penn State fleece blankets that are $9.

"[Fleece blankets are] typically $20 any place else," Wells said.

While fleece blankets are especially good for cold winter weather and a nice decorating touch, Wells said the store's most popular items are three-tier bookcases and papasan chairs.

Wells added that all of the folding furniture is very popular with students.

Todd Mianulli, a manager at Target, 315 Lowes Blvd., said beanbag chairs and office chairs are top items among consumers.

Mianulli added that students also typically buy bookcases, wooden shelving units and computer desks.

They also offer selections of desk chairs and sphere chairs, he said.

"We sell more desk chairs than we do the sphere chairs," Mianulli said.

Barry Boob, a department manager for homelines at Wal-Mart, 373 Benner Pike, said beds-in-a-bag are popular among college students living in apartments.

"They like to have everything together," Boob said.

He said price varies according to the thread count of the sheets. The higher the thread count, the higher the prices of the sheets go.

"People are interested in thread count. They seem to be more interested in the content [rather than price]," Boob said.

He said pillows are among the most popular student items sold at Wal-Mart.

"Bed pillows and decorative pillows are very popular," he said.

Caitlin Middleton (sophomore-advertising), however, said she shopped at IKEA for a new comforter and pillows.

"It added color without having to spend a lot of money," Middleton said.

Tara Wurzler (junior-finance) also used home wears to decorate her off-campus apartment.

"A tapestry takes up a lot of room. You don't have to buy as many things," she said.

Additionally, Wurzler uses Christmas lights year round as an added touch to her apartment décor.

Caitlin Middleton (sophomore-advertising) also went with a seasonal touch in decorating her dorm last year.

"We got washable window markers. It gave it a little bit of originality," she said.

Middleton also said she used her closet doors to display pictures.

This year, Middleton said she used black and white post to decorate her apartment.

But while many students move in with other students with opposite decorating tastes, Wurzler said college students shouldn't worry about coordinating their things with their roommate's because in college, a more relaxed look can work well.

Despite recommendations and advertisements, a student's room is a reflection of the individual's style and taste.

Julie Spata (senior-economics), who also lives off campus, said she decorates with posters and pictures.

"It depends on everyone's individual personality. You should do whatever makes you happy and comfortable," she said.