I have the pots, but what to plant??

Hi there.
I am completely new to this forum, and though I've looked after a few things, I pretty much don't know a thing about growing plants. I'm at uni and I want something to brighten my room. I found these pots online: http://www.gardenworksltd.co.uk/range.html
I'm looking at the set of 3 herb pots, but don't know what's suitable to grow in them. They seem pretty small to me so I presume I want something that grows very slowly, and not very big (or can be trimmed back heavily). I bought myself some Japanese maple small leaf seeds (acer palmatum) the other day to start a bonsai. That is definately a long term project. I haven't yet bought the pots but like them because they look mess free + I wont need a tray or saucer underneath.
I was thinking about maybe getting an african violet, or a desert rose (adenium obesum) as well, but don't know if they could be kept in pots that small for very long. Ideally, I want to be able to keep whatever I grow in them for a fair few years without worrying about them (so long I don't kill them first), and I also don't want to end up with a great big bush growing everywhere (i need something really small).
I was also hoping that if they're not really suitable for a small pot like that, you could recommend something that is? Anything colourful and pretty will do.
Kind regards,
Seb.

Oh yeah, something worth mentioning, I don't get any direct sunlight in my room at the moment, but I may have a room with different light conditions from one year to the next, so anything which can take differing conditions would be a bonus.

This is a rather touchy subject. As they said, try everything in moderates - don't go overboard.

Ciao allens12....you deserve an A+ for trying and thinking about getting involved with the plant world...good for you. You will have a few
"problems" to overcome, before you start, however....the pots you saw online are designed to give your plant a steady source of moisture,
which is fine..but steady moisture is not what a lot of plants crave....you won't be able to use them for the succulent or cactus families, for
example...and there are several things you will want to consider...care when you are on vacation...lighting...temperature....I don't recommend you start with the Acer family...these are trees needing a completely outside life...they need the change of seasons, sunlight...many things you can't supply right now.....I recommend you go see your neighborhood nursery or plantsman, explain the situation,
and take his advice....African violets will fill the bill nicely, give you color, and are not demanding...some of the fern family will tolerate the conditions you have....tiny ficus will....and by starting with the easy ones, you can then "graduate" to the more demanding plants.....good luck...and welcome to our world!!!
PS....the adeniums are very demanding as far as growing situation is concerned...sun especially..and under stress, they get attacked by
scale insects...lovely as small plants...but in the "intermediate" class...wait awhile before you go there!