Just moved in and need some tips on how to make your new accommodation feel like home?
When you first move into a flat or your student accommodation it can sometimes feel more like a temporary box rather than your new personal space. The white walls and sterile lighting don’t exactly scream comfort, but don't worry, there are always way to add personality, warmth and comfort to your new room/flat that makes it feel like yours!
Top tips to make your room more homely
🛏Soft furnishings
You have no idea what the power of cushions, throws and even rugs can add to the comfort of your room! From using comforting textures and tones, it can easily transform your room. There are many places to get these items from, from Primark to Home Bargains or even ordering them from Amazon to your accommodation to make things easier. Remember to always check for any discounts and do price comparisons on Google!
🕯 Lighting
Most student accommodations lighting does look, harsh and just outdated, which can be good for studying but your room should also be a place of relaxation and calm which is why lowlighting can be very beneficial! To create a cosy atmosphere in your room, fairy lights are a must-have. They're an easy way to add character to a plain space. You can string them above your bed frame, drape them over bookshelves, or even place them inside a vase for a nice effect.
🌿Plants and greenery
One of the best ways to bring a place to life is to add a plant or some fresh flowers! Not only do they add a pop of colour but some plants are known to improve your air quality as well as promoting deeper sleep, such as peace lily's, spider plants and one for those who struggle to keep plants alive there are the snake plants which can go several weeks without water if you do forget!
👃Scents & Smells
Smell play a crucial role in how comforting a place can be, and although many place do not allow lit candles they can still produce a calming effect, but for the stronger, longer lasting scents you are best with reed diffusers. (Primark have a great range of scents at student-friendly prices!)
🖼Personal touches
A big thing to make a place your own is to have either prints of your favourite film, artist or just things you find interesting! Another very popular thing students do to add comfort to their rooms is photo collages, where you can add pics of your friend's family, and of the memories you make starting in freshers week, could be your freshers band or a pic of those you meet! Express your personality and make your room feel like your own little home! (Look out for our Poster Fairs we hold at Zeros throughout the semester!)
🍵Home comforts
You might want to stock up on your favourite teas, snacks or even learning what your go to comfort meals are that make you feel at home when you start to get homesick.
🧹Tidy space, tidy mind
Finally and one of the most important tips is to keep your space clear! Set a little nighttime or morning ritual to keep you on top of things and make it feel less chaotic. We know how hard it can be when the room is small or you have shared spaces, which is why it's important to make your room your safe space and a place where you can relax.
Top Tip - Set 5 minute alarm on your phone and in that time tidy things away and wipe down any surfaces, maybe even take all those collected plates and glasses back to the kitchen to clean!
Need a bit of help getting some kitchen and cookware?
The Chaplaincy are running an event on Monday, September 1st where you can collect cookware such as pots and pans, you can also get kitchenware essentials such as plates, glasses, mugs cutlery and more depending on what was donated! It is a great scheme which allows student access to these products without having to worry about cost.
And the best part is when you no longer have use for them say when you move out, you can donate them so another student can have use of them as well, saving items going to landfill and money leaving students pockets!