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Student rooms are rarely stylish. Think breeze-block walls, tired carpets and little control over the furniture (or feng shui). However, with a few smart, non-invasive tweaks, you can transform that boxy space into something cosier and more personalised. From posters and prints to clever storage, here are 16 easy ways to make your university room feel like home.
You probably won’t see your room until move-in day, so look up any photos or information on layout on your uni’s website ahead of time – that way you can plan what’s worth packing, what there is space for, and avoid overbuying.
How to make your room feel more like home
Choose a bedding set that isn’t white
Matching bedding can make a space feel more complete. It’s also a chance to introduce fun colours and patterns to warm up the room’s utilitarian design.
Cotton linen bedding set
Terri duvet set
Invest in a throw or bedspread
They can help you keep warm in winter if the heating is too low, cover any unsightly furniture – and they’re great for movie nights with friends. A good throw should last years, so choose a colour or pattern you love that won’t date, or something reversible so you can switch things up when you want.
Eze stripe lightweight cotton quilt
Connie stripe reversible bedspread
Midcentury knitted throw
Hang art gallery prints
Framing and hanging artwork is one of the quickest and easiest ways to elevate a plain room. Art gallery shops are great places to look for inexpensive prints from an exhibition you’ve enjoyed, or try looking for paintings at markets or online.
Sardines Orange print
Cartier exhibition poster
Emily Kam exhibition poster
Two-tone photo frame
Yllevad frame
Aluminus picture frame
Create a gallery with command clips
When you’ve got the prints, you need to hang them securely. Ensure you use removable clips that won’t mark the walls when it’s time to move out. You can hang large framed prints with these strips, but keep an eye out for the weight limit. If installed properly, the large picture hanging strips can hold 7.2kg.
3M Command picture hanging kit
3M Command picture hanging strips
3M Command large picture hanging strips
Bring an alternative to the big light
Bright overhead lights found in most student rooms can feel sterile, so adding a couple of lamps can add ambience. If you don’t have space for a lamp and it’s possible to do so, try swapping the bulb in your existing ceiling light for something warmer.
Swapping shades can also make a big difference, often for little cost. A cream card lampshade, for instance, will give off a warm glow, helping create a homely atmosphere. If surface space is limited, aim for a slim floor lamp.
Mr Maria Smiley Bundle of Light
Bobbi stripe table lamp
Verdon table lamp
Globe LED bulb
Sun orange LED bulb
Hang fairy lights
The soft glow of fairy lights helps to create a warm, inviting environment. They’re a relatively affordable way to add mood lighting, and are easy to move. If you want to avoid a room that looks like a Christmas tree, try to stick to classic bulb types. Warm white LED bulbs will create a nicer ambience than cool ones. Pink and orange coloured bulbs can also add soft glow, and coloured covers do the same. You could also try light strips so you can play around with colours and light levels.
LED strip lights
Lantern fairy lights
Charm string lights
Pearl cluster lights
LED string lights
Rugs can add style and personality to a room, and more practically they provide comfort and warmth underfoot, absorb sound and reduce echoes in creaky uni homes. They can get mucky, so consider darker colours or one that’s washable.
Washable rug
Ullerslev sheepskin rug
Tufted Bengal rug
Chenille cotton ribbed rug
Naga cotton rug
Transform your room with cushions
Cushions are an easy way to add warmth: mix textures, colours and patterns. Choose washable covers and durable, natural fabrics so they last beyond freshers’ week. A couple of oversized ones can turn your bed into a makeshift sofa for when friends come round. Or try swapping your standard pillow for a continental square one to get the same effect without amassing a floor cushion graveyard.
Duck feather and down square pillow
Continental square pillowcase
Archie tufted cushion
Yarn stipe cushion covers
Feather cushion pads
Create a photo line
Pictures of your family and friends can make you feel at home more quickly. Use a pegs and a piece of string to easily display photos without too much damage to the walls.
Mini wood pegs
Multi-colour mini heart pegs
Cotton craft twine
Find an alternative to a scented candle
Most uni halls don’t allow scented candles for fire safety reasons, but aroma diffusers are a good alternative.
The Filter’s favourite electronic diffuser: Confetti glass ultrasonic diffuser
Ceramic blue ombre electric aroma diffuser
Apothecary sleep diffuser, 100ml
Essential oil aromatherapy blends, 10ml
Add a low-maintenance plant
A bit of greenery can make all the difference. Plants not only purify air, but have also been shown to reduce stress. Hardy options such as succulents or snake plants are almost impossible to kill, even for the most neglectful plant parent.
Penny money plant
Fishbone cactus
Rubber plant
Ceramic plant pot
Air Purifying bundle: Aloe Barbadensis Miller; Sansevieria Laurentii; Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Invest in a small, portable speaker
A speaker that connects to your phone is perfect for pre-drinks or just keeping yourself company with a podcast.
JBL Go 4 Bluetooth speaker
Tribit StormBox 2
Store away all your bathroom clutter
A student bathroom might not have enough space for all your things – especially if it’s a shared one. Bringing extra storage can keep things organised, tidy and harmonious.
Foldable box
Wooden organiser
Don’t scrimp on a mirror
A good size, full-length one you can lean against a wall will make the room feel bigger and lighter as well as being a practical addition for fit-checks before a night out.
Arched full-length mirror
Rectangle full-length free-standing mirror
Free-standing arch cheval mirror
Add a bedside table
Halls will usually have built-in storage, but expect it to be as inconveniently placed as the plug sockets. If room allows, adding more storage such as a bedside table can help keep essentials such as lamps, books and water (and painkillers) within reach. Something you can tuck away under the bed is ideal, and stools are a great way to add storage to awkwardly placed cupboards.
Suratto corner side table
Sculpted bedside table
Marcie round scalloped-edge side table
Babel round bedside table with shelves
Perjohan stool with storage
Tucking books, mugs or plants into small alcoves or cubby holes creates layers and texture, making even a basic student room feel snug and personal.
Flysta shelving unit
Storage boxes
Foldable storage basket
Dress up your windows
Most student halls will come with curtains, but whether they are your style is another matter. Layering curtains you like on top of existing ones can soften the room and add extra window dressing. You can also find drill-free poles and fittings – just be sure to check the measurements.
No-drill extendable metal eyelet curtain pole
Command curtain rod hooks
Deconovo extendable curtain pole
Bengsta block-out curtain
Long curtains
