Off to university?
A guide to cleaning up on student room style
Heading off to college or university is when many of us have a place of our own for the first time, even if it is temporary, rented and often shared, and it’s the first step to owning your very own interior style.
The transition to grown-up living is full of excitement and offers a chance to reinvent yourself. Whether you are a first-time student looking to make a great first impression or a parent coping with your empty nest by feathering your offspring’s new one – here are some of our favourite ways to make even the smallest student room welcoming, homely and stylish
A fresher look for first-time students
Student accommodation is often tired and a little worn down, but you can lose that partied-out feel with a few decorative accessories of your own that will instantly elevate. There will be limitations on how much you can get away with – repainting is probably a no-no and flooring non-negotiable - so always check with your landlord even before you hammer a picture hook in – no one wants to lose their deposit. Instead, look to small additions that will make a big impact. A bedside rug will soften the impact of utilitarian carpet or flooring that has seen better days and make that first step of each day a pleasurable one.
A stylish welcome for friends
Basics don’t have to be bland and devoid of character. If you find yourself sharing a flat with strangers in your first year, that first mug of tea or coffee can be the ultimate ice-breaker, so make it a stylish one. Days can often revolve around the teapot between lectures - a set of matching mugs or some nice glasses will be welcomed by all.
Add personality to your student accommodation
While budgeting is a natural preoccupation of student life, a thoughtful purchase will last long beyond graduation and take you from home to home. Bleak walls are easily updated with wall art – use warm hues to lift a drab wall or opt for an abstract piece in muted tones; frames and hangings last longer than paper posters. Choose picture frames that can be propped if the landlord vetoes picture hooks. Create a wish list – the family will be delighted that you are planning a home-from-home that you intend to take care of.
Making the most of small student rooms
Rooms in halls of residence rarely have space to spread out, so look to walls and floors to stamp your personality; the introduction of greenery always lifts the look. There’s no need to feed and water faux plants and flowers - so they’re the perfect choice for busy lifestyles. Choose a space-saving hanging faux plant for impact and interest or a trailing faux plant positioned on the top shelf of a bookcase or wardrobe. To complement a vintage-inspired style, opt for a vase with a stem of faux blossom and for a boho touch, go for dried pampas stems or arrangements of dried flowers.
Adding home comforts to your student digs
Unless you strike lucky, it is unlikely you will instantly fall in love with the furniture in your student accommodation. Disguise a plain bed with a stylish throw and your personal choice of cushions. Injecting comfort and a touch of luxury will give students digs a taste of home whilst adding a cosy layer for warmth when curbing the heating bills. Classic wool throws and velvet quilts are a wise investment because they will see you through accommodation changes and bring back fond memories when student life is behind you.
Lighting that creates a serene space for learning
Set up for days of study with a trusty desk lamp - choose a stylish option you love, and it will follow you through your uni days and onto your work-from-home days. Add a statement table lamp to cut down on the harsh lighting of halls or brighten up a gloomy student bed-sit. Add extra atmosphere with creative decorative lighting; display string lights for a delicate twinkle or festive lighting, and bright festoons for a festival feel perfect for party houses.
Done! Simple and easy ways to give your student bolthole the feel of a luxury home, a place to feel good and welcome new friends. What are you waiting for? Impress that landlord!