Whether you can read an analog clock or not, a funky timepiece is a great way to fill a blank wall instead of hanging another painting and poster. Plus, you can find a bunch of unique ones on online marketplaces, like Etsy and eBay. If your vibe is vintage, opt for a charming grandfather or a retro, art-deco clock. For a more modern look, aim for a sleek, geometric clock. For those with an eclectic aesthetic, a timepiece can easily bring even more interest to your room — think a clock that looks like a vinyl or a fruit slice. Though it may be an investment, it’s guaranteed to make a statement in your apartment.

If you spend close to an hour in your bathroom between showering and doing your skin care routine, your in-house spa should have some pizzazz. For a small apartment bathroom with minimal surface area, the easiest way to include some color and personality is with a decorative shower curtain. Instead of a plain color, go for a curtain that is bright or patterned, like flowers or fruit. You can even use it as a theme for the bathroom if you want to match it to a bath mat or toothbrush cup.

Mementos, keepsakes, souvenirs — whatever you want to call them — you should always keep a collection of the things you love most in life. No, this does not mean you should hoard your hundreds of Littlest Pet Shop figurines from when you were little. Rather, create a display of knickknacks that are not only characteristic of but relevant to who you are today. Whether you’re a Texan with a wall full of cowboy hats or an avid theater kid with an impressive stack of Playbills, your space deserves a sentimental touch, especially if it’s going to be the place you call home for a few years.

Fujifilm photos are their own basic aesthetic at this point — but we’re not judging. For those who love flexing a disposable camera any change they get, it’s time to put it to use and get your film developed. Once you have your film stack, pick a blank wall and get creative with the layout, arranging the photos in the shape of a heart, hexagon, dinosaur or whatever shape you want! A photo wall acts as a great conversation piece when friends come over, especially if you’re a natural introvert who struggles to come up with things to talk about.

If you like to think you’re a pretty responsible person, try putting that to the test by maintaining a plant collection. Take it a step further than just putting the bouquet of Trader Joe’s flowers you got from that one date in a vase — we’re talking about cacti, heartleaf philodendrons and aloe vera galore! Plants not only add a pop of green to your space but also breathe life into your apartment — something we all need more of as stressed college students. But if you think they might die after a week because you forget to water them, opt for plastic ones instead.

This is a refined coming-of-age investment from hoarding Smirnoff bottles atop your fridge. Purchasing a compact bar cart adds character and style to your apartment. You not only get to boast your favorite selections of liquor in neat rows, you also have reasons to invest in bar accessories like a shaker and a muddler. Adorn your cart with cute trinkets like mini succulents or a mixologist book to truly elevate your cart from a piece of furniture to an artistic ornament in your home.

Record players have long been a hallmark of vintage-loving New Yorkers’ homes. Not only can record players elevate your listening experience with old-timey charm, they also add plenty of character to your home and give you an excuse to visit the many vinyl shops around the city.

Nostalgic reminders are what makes a house a home. Whether it’s your fifth-grade drawing of a sun and mountains, certificates or pictures of friends and family — a decorated fridge is what makes your living space complete. From random grocery items scribbled on sticky notes to funky souvenir fridge magnets, having pieces of you and the ones you love in places you can see every day can help make an often lonely city and school feel much homier.