For people interested in hydroponics or more generally for those who always wanted to grow their own basil, parsley, etc. without messy and expansive pots, here is an interesting little project:
http://www.windowfarms.org
It won't cost you much to set up and be customised to look really good I think. A wonderfull project for anyone living in a (small) unit. I am sure students and the likes will adhere to the concept.