There's nothing worse than having a dorm room that looks like a prison cell without bars on the windows (we hope. If that's the case, you might want to reevaluate your college choice....). Nothing can make a room more homey than a few potted plants and you might be surprised at how easy they actually are to care for. Even if you're the kid who overfed and killed your goldfish less than 24 hours after getting it, you can still take care of some basic plants and really improve your room decor.

Lots of plants might seem immediately appealing because they are flowering and very attractive. Keep in mind that approximately two thirds of the year, the plant might not have flowers at all. Instead, consider getting a leafy green plant that stays green all year long. Some good options are Aspidistra (a plant so hardy that it occasional goes by the name "Cast Iron Plant") and Spider Plants (which usually does well in artificial light). Both are happy with a very little attention. The Spider Plant grows much more quickly so may require some pruning if you decide you don't want as much vegetation in your room but cuttings can be easily repotted and will start growing a new plant.

When you buy your plant or seeds, be sure to ask the gardener or store owner for any watering recommendations as different plants require different amounts of water. A good rule of thumb is to entirely saturate the soil with water once a week.

You might also consider growing some more "useful" plants if you get a lot of sun in your room. Tomatoes, string beans and sweet peas grow quickly and can provide fruit for you to snack on in your room.

Regardless of which plants you choose, plants in your dorm room can be a great addition to the overall vibe in your room!