The Iglu Guide | Blog
5 Tricks to decorating your student accommodation without breaking the bank
Moving into new student accommodation is the perfect time to make the space really feel like your own, right from the get-go. Putting your individual design stamp on the room and decorating on a budget can be a whole heap of fun – particularly when you might be feeling a long way from your comfort zone. So whether you’re covering up an interesting wall design, adding a splash of colour or simply improving the comfort factor, here’s 5 top decorating tips that keep the budget happy and make your new student accommodation feel like home.
1. Make it personal
Most uni students are keen to make the most of their new living space, and it might even be the first time you’ve had a room to yourself! This is a great opportunity to express your individual style and interests, and an ideal way to inject a little bit of you into your new accommodation. Some students choose a fun theme such as travel, music, animé or particular hobbies. Other students use it as a way to remind themselves of what home looks like. Whatever theme you choose, you can easily keep costs to a minimum by utilising what you already own. And they always make a great talking point – especially when you’re meeting so many new people.
- Use your own artwork or photo collages to break up empty walls.
- Stick up postcards you have collected from different places, or use the space to hang pictures from home.
- Hang a personalised cork board and customise it with your memories.
- Use removeable decals that won’t damage the walls.
2. Add some colour
If you’re finding your student accommodation design a little bland, consider that a huge bonus feature, because it could be a whole lot worse. Some places require furnishing upgrades and full paint jobs before you can even think about the finer touches. Purpose-built student accommodation gives you a great canvas to start from, with stylish furniture and modern features included as standard. So all you have to think about is how to elevate the space exactly as you would like it – which makes life a lot easier for international students.
- Head to the local op shop and pick up a colourful rug for the floor. This helps create a cosy and warm atmosphere.
- Pile some textured cushions on the bed, or make a reading corner to break up the space.
- Discover the delights of cheap wall art – pick up some prints at the local market or use magazine cut outs to refresh the space.
- Colourful bedding can singlehandedly brighten up a room, made even better by a matching throw.
- String some bunting around your bedhead or desk to mark a break-out area.
3. Include different textures
Texture is the key to making your student accommodation seem interesting, and there’s plenty of ways you can do this on the cheap.
- Use lamp lighting to throw shade and highlight different areas of the room.
- Washi tape is brilliant for making your own decals and shapes.
- Head to the op shop and pick up some interesting items that you can place strategically about your room.
- Hang some artificial vines down the wall to break up the space and add depth.
4. Bring the ambience
Creating the right vibe in your room sets the tone from the start. Ideally, you want it to be a warm space where you can relax and chill – and there’s plenty of budget-friendly ways to make that happen.
- Nothing brings a room alive like plants and greenery. They promote a calming atmosphere – and they even improve the quality of the air that you breathe. Look out for seasonal bargains at your local supermarket or Bunnings that you can pick up for under $10.
- String up some fairy lights around your bed and create a warm and cosy atmosphere every night before bed. It’s a great way to set up your routine and ensure that you’re getting enough hours of sleep.
- Pick up some bargain books at the Op Shop and use them to warm up a corner, or pile them up to use as an extra table. They add character and charm for minimal investment.
5. Create more space
Student accommodation is not generally on the huge size. If you’re really lucky there’s enough room for a bed, wardrobe and desk. Some rooms may have a bit extra to spare, but most students will have to get creative.
- Invest in some cheap mirrors that will reflect the windows and light back into the room. This trick gives the illusion of space. Some students may want to splash out on a leaning mirror to really create the illusion of grandeur.
- The right lighting can change the feel of a room – use light accent colours to create as much light as possible.
- If you have room, create a designated nook in a particular corner that you can use for reading or chilling out.
Top decorating tips:
Decorating your student accommodation doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re prepared to get creative with thoughts and actions.
- Save cash by making your own art work – it could be a textured collage of old photos, a framed photo from home or something you’ve reimagined. The beauty of art is that it needs no explanation.
- Swap and share – strike a deal with your friends to rotate round some artwork. That way, everyone’s room gets a regular glow up.
- Re purpose and upcycle wherever you can. The story behind the decoration is far more precious than a new and expensive item.
- Always shop clever. Try thrift stores, op shops and social media groups for free giveaways. One student’s trash is another student’s new decoration idea.
