The Iglu Guide | Blog
5 ways to make your student accommodation feel like home
While the student years are a whole heap of fun, there will definitely be times when you’re missing home – especially when those deadlines start to kick in, and the workload ramps up. It’s completely normal to have periods of time when you’re feeling homesick, but if it goes on for too long it can be a real distraction and make you lose focus. A sure way to get through that is to make your student accommodation feel as homely as possible, right from the start. Adding in some little creature comforts can make a huge difference to how you’re feeling. It doesn’t take much, and it won’t break the budget. Here’s 5 of the best ideas to make your student living feel just like home.
1. Personalise your student room
Sounds pretty obvious, but even if you’re living in the most luxurious student accommodation possible, it can still feel cold and unfamiliar. You’re likely to spend the majority of your time in your bedroom where your desk is, so focus on making that area as homely as possible. And just because you’ve moved out, you don’t have to give up every childhood relic. Make sure that favourite soft toy still comes along for the ride, and even if your student accommodation provider provides bedsheets, many students find it more comforting to bring along their own from home. As the temperature cools, you’ll appreciate that familiar doona as you doze off to sleep. Hang or prop pictures up around your room that remind you of home – it might be your favourite view, a family shot or fun memories from your school days. These little things can make a huge difference when everything else is so new. Use a diffuser that reminds you of a familiar scent or bring along your favourite room spray. If the neutral colour scheme needs a splash of something different, look for a cheap rug that you can lay down to really make the space feel yours. Don’t forget your comfy onesie, oodie or favourite chill out clothes, they will be put to good use.
2. Soften it up
Student rooms can tend to look a little sparse, with every room looking like a carbon copy of the next. Whilst functional furniture and modern amenities has many benefits, it definitely takes some work to make it feel homely. The best way to switch up the tone is to add in some soft fabric in the form of cushions and blankets. Soft furnishings can really transform and warm up a space. Bring some of your own, or head out to Kmart or Target to locate some cheap options. Cushions are great for lining the back of the bed, converting it into the perfect daybed option. Blankets are eternally multi-purpose and never go under used, whether that’s for sprucing up a boring bedcover by day, or for huddling under during a movie by night. If you bring along blankets from home, they’ll even have some familiar smells. Set up a cosy area that you can snuggle into for when you call home.
3. Let there be light
The right lighting can transform a space and really affect your state of mind at the same time. Think about how you feel when you wake up to sunshine as opposed to a dark, overcast morning. Cold, stark lighting is never an appealing option, and when you’re setting up home in your new student accommodation this aspect can make a huge difference. To make it feel more like home, invest in some strategic lamp lighting. Your student accommodation provider may supply some, but if not, you’ll definitely need one on your desk for working, and one on your bedside for reading. This type of subtle lighting is great for switching up the ambience and can help signify when studying starts and stops. Invest in some fairy lights and drape them atmospherically across your bedhead or on the walls for social gatherings or movie nights. And whilst candles should be avoided, try the electric variety as a substitute. They’re less mess, a safer option and have the same warming effect.
4. Bring the outside in
Plants are a great addition to any space. They clean the air, brighten the mood and make it feel like your very own room – what’s not to love! And if you think you’re not the green fingered type, don’t panic because they really don’t have to be hard to care for. Fortunately, there are some death-defying student-friendly types out there that require minimal attention. Try the humble peace lily, the spider plant, or Devil’s Ivy for starters, or head to the succulents’ range for a tough and hardy option. And if you really don’t want to be responsible for keeping something else alive, there’s always the artificial plant range. You won’t benefit from anything other than a splash of colour, but it will still add a touch of homeliness to your space. And don’t just limit yourself to plants, invite your neighbours into your student space, just as you would at home. Interacting with others is linked to better moods and a sense of belonging.
5. Have some fun
This might be the first time you’ve ever had your own room, making it the perfect opportunity to have some fun with your new space.
- Hang a whiteboard up where you can write daily inspirational messages for yourself – motivational wall art has amazing powers.
- Make a DIY doorstopper from some old material and fill it with beans. Us it to prop open your bedroom door as an invite to roommates and passers-by. It’s an impromptu way to meet others and can lead to new and exciting opportunities.
- Accessorise to your hearts content – whether that’s a favourite mug that reminds you of home, a framed picture of happy times or a particular ornament. This is your home so you get to choose!
- Create a designated space that you can use to pick up on old hobbies from home such as crocheting or sudoku.
- Make your student room Feng Shui friendly to help manage any anxiety or stress. That also means getting rid of any clutter to create harmony and order, so the energy can circulate freely for maximum benefit.
