Making Your Student Room Feel Like Home

Introduction: Why It's Important to Feel at Home

Moving into a student room-whether in halls of residence or a rented flat-can feel sterile and impersonal at first. With many students moving far from home or even abroad to study in the UK, creating a comfortable, familiar environment becomes essential for emotional wellbeing and academic success.

Fortunately, you don't need to spend a fortune or break tenancy rules to transform your space. With some smart choices and personal touches, you can make your student room feel like home-warm, organised, and uniquely yours.

Quick Facts About UK Student Accommodation (2025)

How to Make Your Student Room Feel Like Home: Key Strategies

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1. Add Soft Furnishings and Textiles

Your first priority should be comfort. Basic rooms can feel clinical with plain walls and furniture, so add warmth and texture:

Tips:

• Bring a plush duvet, layered bedding, and throws

• Add cushions or floor poufs for lounging

• Use blackout curtains or liners for better sleep (if permitted)

• A small rug adds colour and helps insulate hard flooring

Tenancy-safe tip: Use double-sided tape or Velcro strips for lightweight hanging textiles or fairy lights.

2. Decorate with Removable Wall Art

You likely won't be allowed to drill or paint, but you can still decorate your walls:

Ideas:

• Peel-and-stick wallpaper or wall decals

• Printed posters in clip frames

• Command strips for framed photos

• Collage wall with postcards, polaroids, and inspirational quotes

Expert tip: Stick with lightweight and non-marking decor to protect your deposit.

3. Create Functional Zones

Most student rooms are single-space studios or bedrooms, so zoning improves comfort and focus:

Use furniture placement to define zones:

• Sleep area - comfy bed setup, side table, blackout curtains

• Study zone - clear desk, organisers, pinboard

• Relaxation corner - bean bag or yoga mat, LED lights

Pro tip: A folding screen or curtain can visually separate areas if your room is small but multi-purpose.

4. Incorporate Personal Items

Homesickness is common-especially for first-year and international students. Combat this by surrounding yourself with familiar items:

• Photos of family and friends

• Cultural keepsakes or religious items

• Favourite books, posters, or a scent diffuser

• Your own mug, kettle, or mini snack station

Scent tip: Use plug-in air fresheners or essential oil diffusers instead of candles (often prohibited).

5. Get Smart with Storage

Space is tight, so organised storage creates calm and maximises use:

Budget tip: Check IKEA, Wilko, Argos, and Amazon UK for cheap student-friendly storage items.

Expert Advice: Personalising Safely in Student Accommodation

“The key is to personalise without permanent changes. Always check your contract before hanging or sticking things. And keep original furniture-you'll need to return the room as you found it.”
- Lisa Hall, Student Housing Advisor, University of Bristol

Always Check Before You:

• Mount anything with nails or screws

• Remove furniture

• Use candles or incense

• Paint or wallpaper

• Use adhesive that could leave marks

If in doubt-ask your landlord or hall manager.

Sample Budget to Personalise a Student Room

Where to Buy Affordable Student Room Décor in the UK

• Wilko - affordable storage and basics

• Primark Home - trendy soft furnishings

• IKEA - student-focused furniture and décor

• Dunelm - quality bedding and accessories

• B&M / The Range - great for budget items

Final Thoughts: Comfort + Identity = Home

Your student room isn't just a place to sleep-it's your sanctuary, your study hub, and your social space. When you take time to personalise your space with your own style, memories, and organisation, it becomes a place where you feel grounded and motivated.

You don't need to spend much-just a few thoughtful touches can make your student room feel like home in no time.

Useful Resources

• University of Edinburgh Student Accommodation Guide

• Student Minds UK - Mental Health & Homesickness

• Shelter UK - Tenants' Rights and Deposit Protection