The desk in the photo is dark which is going to look cluttered in any small space. Your walls where you rent are probably white/light color, so you should paint this something light. I would spray paint that desk a pale Scandanavian blue gray. Make sure the paint is matte, not glossy.

First use a spray paint primer that sticks to anything, then pick your color. I find a lot more range of spray paint colors at big art supply stores (Utrecht or Dick Blick) rather than places like Home Depot.

that hutch seems rather tall for the size of the desk. if yours is that tall i might consider something a bit shorter. because it will take over the room.. but i agree with above.. paint it so it fits better in your area.. it will blend it better instead of taking over.

If you are going to paint the desk anyway, consider removing the hutch part completely. Then fill in the holes and paint.

You might be able to mount the hutch sections on the wall above the desk for more storage. If you can remove the bridge connecting them, I could see them on their sides holding papers and office supplies. Or fasten them together and use them on the floor as a printer stand or something.

For your age you must need something bright so i would suggest that you paint it white and the inside of the hutch can be painted in a bright color to match your room or you could use patterned wallpaper for the same

Ditto on the paint - find something else in your space that you like the look of and go for a color that matches or coordinates (I'm not advocating white because it's likely that your walls are white). Light grey with brightly colored paint inside the shelves could look really good.

Change out the hardware - it's not expensive and will update the look.

Consider hanging a mirror inside the hutch - it doesn't even need a frame, you'll use the hutch as the frame.

Alternately, use the space in the hutch to hang small shelves to hold books, references, etc and transform the whole thing into a mini library/work space.

If you're inclined to be handy or crafty, and want to embrace a somewhat kitschy feel - sand it down and paint it some really bright color, the decoupage with a theme you like (travel stickers, 1950's style tiki lounge stuff, etc). Then accessorize to match.

I assume you are going to keep the hutch part? It looks like it would be useful, and I can see where it would come in handy in a small space.
I would paint the whole unit a soft but vibrant color that goes with the furnishings and style of your place. I'm thinking a muted turquoise, a buttery yellow, a toned-down lime-y green, a soft tangerine or coral, etc. There are many possibilities.

I saw this on Nate Berkus once, and I think it would be good for your hutch. They had an old bookcase - just a plain one. They had painted it. They had cut foam board to fit the inside back part, and covered it with a bold print fabric. You could also do the trick with wrapping paper, contact paper, or wallpaper. Then they just fitted the covered foam board into place. It looked easy-peasy.

Change out the knobs, too. When you do a few changes, it will look entirely different. Some are saying to get rid of the hutch; practical soul that I am, I say keep it and use it for your supplies and items you'll need for studying.

Ok, I'll say it - don't paint it! Take off the hutch, use those pieces on the floor of elsewhere for storage, and you won't even notice the dark desktop, it'll be covered. Or just cover the desktop with something laid on top of it if you don't like it. Mine would be so covered with papers and books and electronics that you wouldn't see any of the desk at all.

Paint it light blue, and add a bunch of different knobs from Anthropologie!