DIY Dorm Renovation Experience at Autonomous University of Madrid
When I first moved into my dorm near Autonomous University of Madrid last September, looking at those four white walls and basic furniture was honestly a bit disheartening. However, after a few months of simple DIY renovations at Madrid University, this small space has now become my favorite place to be. Today I want to share my renovation experience, hoping it will help those preparing to study at UAM or anyone looking to improve their dorm environment.
Budget Planning and Material Sourcing
Renovation Budget Control
As a Madrid University student, budget is definitely the first consideration. My entire renovation cost around 150 euros, mainly purchased from IKEA, Leroy Merlin, and some local shops. I suggest making a list first, distinguishing between necessities and optional decorations. Below is my budget allocation table:
| Category | Budgeted Amount | Actual Spending |
|---|
| Wall Decoration | 40€ | 38€ |
| Lighting Equipment | 35€ | 42€ |
| Storage Items | 50€ | 48€ |
| Other Miscellaneous | 25€ | 22€ |
Practical Renovation Tips
Walls are the easiest way to change the overall atmosphere. I bought some removable wallpaper stickers and photo wall frames that won’t damage the walls and are easy to remove when moving out. I especially recommend Flying Tiger’s small decorative items - affordable and stylish. For lighting, the original ceiling light was too cold, so I added two warm-toned LED strips and a floor lamp, which makes studying or relaxing in the evening much more pleasant.
Storage is another key point. With limited dorm space, I used vertical storage solutions like wall hooks, under-bed storage boxes, and stackable plastic drawers. IKEA’s SKUBB series storage boxes are really practical and can fit into closets to organize various small items by category. The previous chaotic state of piling everything together has been completely improved.
Money-Saving Tips
Not everything needs to be bought new. I found many second-hand treasures on Facebook Marketplace and Wallapop, like an almost brand-new bookshelf for only 15 euros. Campus bulletin boards often have information about seniors selling furniture, especially during graduation season.
Visit Asian supermarkets and discount stores more often - many small decorative items are half the price of European brands. I frequently visit those shops in the Usera area for plants, picture frames, and desktop organizers with great value.
Final Advice
Renovating a dorm doesn’t require spending big money or having advanced DIY skills - the key is patience and creativity. I suggest starting to plan before the semester begins so you can shop gradually and take advantage of sales. Remember to keep all receipts in case you need to return or exchange items.
When you live comfortably, your mood for studying and daily life improves significantly. If anyone has great DIY ideas or has discovered nice home stores at Madrid University, feel free to share in the comments below!
