One of the most exciting things about moving to uni is being able to decorate your room in your own unique way. Throughout the years, there have been lots of things on the student trend from LED strip lights and wall tapestry to cactuses and funky candles, but what’s most important is that you make your space feel like ‘you’.
There are plenty of ways to make your room feel comfortable and cosy, and in today’s blog, we at Collegiate UK are sharing our top 10 tips to make your accommodation feel just like home.
Find Out What’s On Trend
Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok are great platforms for helping you find out what the latest trends are when it comes to student rooms, so if you haven’t already got them, get them. Diving down the hashtag of #uniroom, or following some student influencers, is a great way to see how other students have been decorating their rooms and whether there are any must-have bargains out there (run, don’t walk to Ikea). Pinterest is the best platform for this kind of thing as it allows you to save down and create a mood board of what’s on trend.
Second Hand’s A Charm
Not everything you need for you uni room has to be straight from the shops. If you’re looking to find more unique items, then knickknacks like trinkets, candles, vases, and picture frames can all be bought second-hand from charity shops or vintage stores. To decorate your room without breaking the bank, having a browse of what’s on Facebook Marketplace or Vinted is also well worth a shot.
Cosy Warm Lighting
Of course, all student accommodation comes with a main bedroom light and maybe a bedside table lamp or desk lamp too. However, investing in some additional lighting like fairy lights, LED strip lights or even some candles can completely change the vibe of your room. Soft, warm lighting will make the space feel cosy and warm, perfect for curling up with a book or your favourite Netflix TV show.
Go To The Garden Centre
Small house plants are a big hit with students. In fact, low-maintenance plants like cacti or succulents are top favourites since they only need to be watered every week or two. If you’re a plant-lover then it could be a good idea to invest in something like a small basil plant, you will need to water it every day, but it will come in handy when cooking. If you’re not overly fussed about looking after living plants, then dried flowers or even fake flowers in a vase are a long-lasting alternative that provide the same natural, calming feel without the upkeep.
Invest In Some Scents
If your room smells good, it will automatically make the space feel more homely. Reed diffusers and room sprays are easy and affordable ways to keep your room smelling fresh and clean. When you first move in, you may want to start with a classic scent like lavender or fresh linen. As the seasons change, you can then spice up your space with Christmas scents like pine or cinnamon or summery classics like rose and vanilla – whatever signature scent suits you!
Soften The Space
Nothing says ‘cosy’ like some soft furnishings. Things like cushions, throws, rugs and even funky curtains can brighten up your room and allow you to add a touch of your own personality to the space. Having a shopping day and browsing round the likes of Urban Outfitters, H&M home, TK Maxx, Matalan, Vinted and Dunelm are great for finding affordable items that can do just that.
Personal Touches
Add some personal touches to your walls with pictures and posters, whether that’s through framed photos of family and friends, polaroid’s or a corkboard of collage-style pictures. Bringing small keepsakes and photos of friends and family from back home will naturally make your accommodation more homely, which will in turn, help you settle in just that bit quicker! Remember, feeling homesick at uni is an entirely normal experience, however if you do feel like you are struggling, feel free to turn to our blog on advice for homesick students.
Have Plenty of Storage
Moving your whole home life to uni can be a tight squeeze. Invest in some under-bed storage or shelves from Ikea to avoid clutter and keep things organised. Keeping your room tidy will not only make it look nicer but will also help you feel more relaxed: tidy room, tidy mind.
Comfy Bedding Is Key
Your bed is the focal point of your room and you’ll be spending a lot of time in it, sleeping, studying, and sometimes snacking. Invest in some soft, quality bedding and a thick duvet that will last you at least the entire year. Buying a comfy and fleecy bed throw, along with some cushions, will also make your bed look warm and inviting.
Bring Some Books
Nothing makes a space feel more like home than a collection of your favourite books. Taking two or three books along to uni can add a personal touch to your room and give it that study-ready feel. Set up a small bookshelf or an aesthetically pleasing stack on your beside table to give the space some character. If you have the room, you may even want to create a book nook with a small reading chair and lamp to give you the space to unwind with some fictional escapism.
Your New Home With Collegiate UK
At Collegiate UK, we know that your student accommodation is more than just a place to sleep, it’s your new home. We offer a range of PBSA from shared to studio apartments, giving you the opportunity to choose what suits your lifestyle best. While our rooms come fully furnished, there’s still plenty of room to make the space your own.
With over 20 locations across the UK and counting, click here to browse what we offer!