10 Ways To Make Your Uni Room Feel More Like Home

Your Uni room will be one of the few things you’ll have control over during your degree, so here are a few tips to make your uni room feel more like home when you need to scream into your pillow for an hour straight because your lecturer’s notes don’t make sense…again.

University is fun, however the adjustment from college to university is not if 9 am lectures, constant assessments, and crippling debt aren’t bad enough, chances are you’ll be stuck in a pretty small, dingy room in some halls building or even worse, student housing. Your Uni room, however, will be one of the few things you’ll have control over during your degree, so here are a few tips to make your uni room feel more like home when you need to scream into your pillow for an hour straight because your lecturer’s notes don’t make sense…again.

1) Memorabilia

Items such as gig tickets, festival wristbands, and group photos take you back to a happier time, a simpler time. Sticking these on your walls, or keeping them in a little box to look at when things all get a little bit too much can keep you motivated during assessment/exam season and your sanity intact.

2) Candles/Diffusers

There’s been a lot of scientific study on how different scents can affect our mood and work performance, so it’s safe to say candles are a must if your accommodation/landlord doesn’t allow candles (who can blame them, students and open flames aren’t the best combinations at times) a diffuser would work equally as well. Having a nice smelling room will not only calm you down, motivate you and help you sleep better, but will also mask the scent of the washing up that’s been sat there for 3 days and the musk of damp that comes included with every student house. There’s nothing like relaxing in your uni room with a delicious scent.

3) Pictures from home.

This is pretty similar to memorabilia, but asking your parents or family if you can take a few framed pictures from around the house, rather than just your bedroom makes your new surroundings feel a little bit more familiar and homely rather than just a small box to sleep in.

4) Bed Sheets

The bed is the feature of every room, it’s the first thing you see when you walk in, it’s also where you’re more than likely going to spend most of your time at university, which is why nice bedsheets are essential. Going for something with a bold print, or a block colour with patterned pillows is bound to brighten up your room.

5) Plants

Like scents, there’s a lot of study on how plants can create a positive environment and impact mood…that, and they also look pretty. Having plants around your room can make it seem a lot more open than it actually is, however you do have to look after them. Succulents, like Aloe Vera, only need watering very rarely and even if once in a blue moon is too much for you to remember, most places sell realistic looking fake plants that you won’t have to worry about watering and will instantly improve your living space

6) Rug

Most halls and houses tend to have either that dirty looking lino that never looks clean no matter how often you mop them or that rough navy blue/grey carpet that matches nothing else in the room. Rugs can be expensive but most places will sell small ones for £10-£15, a bright rug will distract you from the ugly flooring and provide a slightly softer landing when the World just gets too much for the fifth time this week (and it’s only Tuesday)

7) Storage space

One rookie mistake that is made by both amateur first years, and experienced third years is always bringing too much stuff at the start of the year. No matter how much you try to cut your baggage down, you will never have enough space in your wardrobe, drawers and on your desk. So make the most of your open storage space. Invest in some aesthetically pleasing storage boxes, or if you have room, an open clothes rail to make your room look instantly ‘pinterest-esque’ when really, opening and closing your wardrobe can sometimes just be Too Much.

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8) Desk

Luckily, most uni rooms come equipped with a desk, which will be your main work-station other than the library at 3 am, the morning before your last essay is due. Always make sure that your desk is tidy, invest in a desk organizer so you can have everything in one space and it reduces the risk of having to move to get something and getting distracted for another 3 hours.

9) Co-ordination

When shopping for your room, try and keep everything coordinated. Chances are, especially in student housing, furniture will rarely match, the floor won’t match the walls…and let’s not get started on the curtains. At least keeping some things co-ordinated will keep you distracted from the fact nothing else matches.

10) Layout

Feng-shui is important. Sadly, when it comes to student accommodation, there’s not much to be moved around. But even having the pillows, or blankets on your bed can make a whole lot of difference. If you’re moving into a uni room, or already have, chances are you’ll have a bit more freedom. Top tip? Keeping your furniture against the walls projects a more open space.