In this blog post, we'll explore some unique and budget-friendly ideas to inspire you to create a familiar environment that reflects your personality and promotes a positive studying mindset.
1. Wall Decor
Blank walls can make a room feel cold and sterile, so why not add some vibrant wall decor to liven up the room? Large blank spaces can be covered by tapestries or a gallery wall with your favourite photos and prints, you can find examples of these online. This is a great tool for new people to get to know your personality when invited into your accommodation, sparking new conversations to find common interests. Finding your people and connecting is so much easier when you are authentic and present your interests from the beginning. Print pictures of your passions, things and people you care about, these can also be a great comfort if you are feeling homesick. If you're worried about damaging the walls, and you haven’t got a corkboard, removable adhesive hooks or washi tape can be excellent alternatives.
2. DIY Crafts
Unleash your creativity by engaging in do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Personalize your space with handmade items that showcase your style. Check your recycling and paint some empty cans or jars, these have great storage features. Empty alcohol bottles can be filled with lights and reused. Do you have string to make a wall hanging? Maybe you want to take up crocheting as a hobby and make some homemade touches. These DIY crafts not only add a personal touch but also serve as a fun, budget friendly way to switch off the mind and take a break. You can even do them with friends!
3. Fairy Lights and Strip Lights
Although it might be useful to have a bedside light or a desk lamp for reading, nothing adds a cosy and enchanting ambience quite like LEDs or string lights. Drape them, project them on walls, around your bed frame, or above your study desk to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Opt for soft, warm-toned lights to promote relaxation during evenings and consider colourful or twinkling lights for a touch of whimsy. These are great in windows for onlookers to see outside, around the accommodation during Christmas or house parties to enhance the mood. Their gentle glow will transform your room into a haven of tranquillity.
4. Cushions and Throw Blankets
Enhance the comfort and visual appeal of your university accommodation by incorporating an array of cushions and throw blankets. It is great to have spares for a friend to use if they sleep over. Mix and match different patterns, textures, and colours to create a cosy reading nook or a welcoming space to hang out. If you’re hit with the dreaded Freshers flu, or any other general illness, having a nice blanket to snuggle up with is an essential for a quick recovery!
5. Indoor Plants
The biggest and easiest transformation of a room is with plants! Bring a touch of nature indoors by adding houseplants to your living space. Not only do they purify the air and provide a refreshing atmosphere, but they also infuse your accommodation with life and vibrancy. Choose low-maintenance plants such as succulents, spider plants, or peace lilies, which require minimal care. Place them on your windowsill, study desk, or floating shelves to create a calming and serene environment. If you are worried about looking after them, opt for plastic alternatives such as ivy that you can drape around your room.
6. Personalised Stationery
As a student, your desk area will inevitably be needed for studying and completing assignments. So why not make it an inspiring and personalized space by incorporating unique stationery items? Remember to not get too cluttered with this, as this can be overwhelming and expensive. Have items you will use, pens, post-it notes, and a notebook for lists! Consider a stylish desk organizer and remember to leave storage for other essentials you will use regularly. To help you on the day-to-day, perhaps get a personalized calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines. You will have to have these things on display if you’re going to use them, so buy stationery that resonates with your style to motivate you into more enjoyable and productive study sessions.
Your university accommodation is not just a place to sleep and study but also an opportunity to express yourself and create somewhere that truly feels like home. You will be meeting a lot of new people who might stop by, so make your space a nice reflection of you and your personality. By incorporating these creative ideas, you can transform your room into a sanctuary that promotes productivity and offers a comfortable retreat from the demands of university life. Although you might only be in this accommodation for a year, before you may start your student house hunting, your time here can be significantly improved by embracing your creativity, exploring various DIY projects, and adding some personal touches. Best of luck with this exciting new chapter!
