Seven ways to make your university accommodation feel more homely

In the coming weeks just under three million students will be moving into university accommodations like halls, houses or flats. These properties come in many forms but all share a very unhomely and plain look. This won’t help the thousands who will be feeling homesick living in a brand new town or city.

Being comfortable where you live is crucial for successful studies, you need to be relaxed to complete coursework and revision. Living somewhere that doesn’t feel like home can make people feel lonely and anxious, which can demotivate even the most model students.

However, there are things you can do to help you settle in better at your new abode. So our experts at Household Quotes have revealed seven ways to make your university accommodation feel more homely.

When arriving at your accommodation you’ll often have some basic furniture set out for you. Before you unpack your bags, move the furniture into an arrangement which is the most beneficial for you. Try and maximise the space that you have to make your room feel bigger than it is. Doing this will make your new room feel more like your own, and not a generic design that has been set up by your university or the accommodation provider.

Adding a rug can completely change the look of a room, as they are usually a different colour and design than the main carpet. They also provide comfort for your feet giving your new home a cosy feel. Rugs don’t have to be expensive, cheaper sympathetic materials are a good choice and can look just as expensive as the pricey ones. It’s up to your own personal preference if you’d prefer a big rug that covers the majority of your floorspace, or just a small rug that covers a section of the open space between your bed and desk.

Lighting is an important factor when it comes to making a room your home, the big light can be overpowering and make the room lighter than you want it to be. Installing fairy lights gives a room a lighter feel, and therefore more cosy. They are good to put around your shelves, along walls or near your desk. Fairy lights are also very affordable, being able to be picked up for under £10 in hardware stores like B&Q.

You might be tight on space in the car when moving to university, but make sure to pack some personal items. These can include photos and sentimental items that will make you feel more comfortable in the place you’re going to be living for the next year. If you’re really tight on space, you can start collecting things in your new town or city. Alternatively, you can print out pictures from your phone, frame them and put them on your shelf.

Of course, you want your new bedroom to feel like yours, but you also want to be comfy. Good quality bedding is great for when you’re relaxing in your room watching TV or reading a book. The more relaxed you feel the more comfortable you will be, and after a while your new room will become more and more like home. Comfy bedding also doesn’t cost a tonne, it can be bought for under £50, and as long as it’s looked after it will last you the year.

After a while rooms become stale, and a bad smell can lead to you wanting to spend less and less time in the room. So instead you could add fresh flowers or plants, this won’t just give the room a fresh smell, but it will also add natural colours. Don’t worry about it breaking the bank either, you can get flowers from supermarkets for under £2, or if you go at the correct time you can get them at a significantly reduced price. As long as you look after them, plants only require one purchase, just make sure that it has plenty of sunlight and water.

We’ve already talked about the benefits flowers and plants have to a room's smell, but there are also other options. Candles and plug-in air fresheners can also ensure your room has a nice scent. Just make sure to be fire-safe, and blow out the candle when you are not in the room.

‘’Moving to a new town or city for university is scary, so creating a place that you can call home is important. Show your personality through your design, but make sure not to damage where you’re living in any way, as this can cost you your deposit. 

Take into consideration the tips I’ve given, they shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg as they are quite affordable and readily available.’’