Tips For Making Your Uni Room Feel Like Home

It can be an incredibly daunting experience leaving home for University. Not only are you potentially being cast out into the ‘big bad world’ for the first time to fend for yourself without the comforting safety net of your parents, but (in your first year in halls at least) your room is bound to feel a little barren compared to your bedroom at home. That’s why we thought we’d take a quick look at a few small changes you could make to help your drab uni room feel more homely and more ‘you’.

Light it up:

A favourite cheap and cheerful decoration for many poor students is to use affordable rope lighting to make the room feel a little more alive. You could try experimenting with a range of different shapes and colours and if you get bored of one design, it’s quick and easy to tear them down and try something new.

Picture this:

A rather obvious one, granted, but perhaps one of the simplest ways to make your Uni room feel more ‘claimed’ is to hang up posters and pictures that remind you of home and establish your identity. From favourite band and movie posters to framed photos of your loved ones – if it makes you happy, hang it up! We’d also recommend a notice board to help you keep track of social events and deadlines.

Looking your best:

Investing in a dressing table and dressing table mirror sooner rather than later is always recommended. Uni is, after all, just as much of a social experience as it is an educational one and how are you supposed to look your best if you have nowhere to get ready?

Follow your nose:

The ‘smelly student’ might be a bit of an outdated cliche, but there is at least a kernel of truth in the stereotype because some students are just not used to looking after themselves. Mitigate the smells of burnt toast and spilt lager by investing in a few incense candles or perhaps consider a pleasant-smelling plant (which will also give you something to look after and call your own).

Home comforts:

There will undoubtedly be a period of acclimatisation whilst you settle into Uni life and during that period, surrounding yourself with the things that bring you joy and comfort will make the process seem a little less scary. Whether that’s a favourite pillow, pyjamas or even a plush toy (we promise we won’t tell), you’d be amazed how much comfort just a little taste of home can bring.

Tiny Tips

Rearrange the furniture every one in a while to make sure that you’re making the most of your space.
You’ll also need to provide your own entertainment (TV, speakers, etc) so always keep that in mind when arranging your room.
Something a simple as a nice throw or rug can completely change the atmosphere of a room.
Never buy more furniture than you can realistically find space for. Remember, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in that room studying over the next 12 months so you need space for yourself too!

This post is in collaboration.