Kitting out your student flat

Going off to college can be daunting and exciting at the same time. For several students, it will be their first time alone, away from any parental influence. This is often a chance to make the most of their newfound freedom and independence.

Once students have secured appropriate dorm rooms or flats, they are often faced with the dilemma of decorating them. Most rooms in college halls of residences are quite small, presenting a challenge when it comes to storage space. Sometimes, these flats have to be shared with other roommates, straining the limited space even further.

Regardless of the available space, student flats ought to be made as inviting and homely as possible. However, it is important to carefully read through the terms of the lease or contract to ensure that no regulations are contravened while decorating the flat. For instance, some leases stipulate that the walls should not be painted and that the room should not be altered in any way.

Decorating tips for the flat

Students who want their rooms to reflect their individuality and preferences can incorporate these simple home decor ideas:

• Tweak the lighting.

Proper lighting can transform a dull box room into a stylish boudoir. One popular idea among students is hanging up fairy lights in their flats. These give off a fair amount of light while improving the mood of the room. Alternatively, a few lamps can be scattered round the space to make it a warm place to hang out in.

• Choose a theme for the room.

Selecting a colour scheme and a suitable theme goes a long way toward personalizing a student flat successfully. Before settling on a particular colour, students need to remember that they might not always occupy the same room. It is therefore crucial to choose monochrome or neutral hues that can blend in with a variety of backgrounds.

Instead of painting the walls, individuals can instead opt to buy curtains, pillows and bedspreads in coordinating colours. Cushions and throws in contrasting tones can also be included to add a pop of colour to the room.

• Dress the walls.

While it might be impossible to paint the walls, students can dress them in a variety of interesting ways. For example, pictures and posters can be put up on pin boards to give the room a more personal touch. Paintings, artwork and other ornaments are also perfect for dressing up drab walls.

• Use mats and rugs.

Placing mats and rugs on the floor also serves to spice up an otherwise plain and boring room. In addition to keeping the feet warm, these items can be the centrepieces of the flat, providing both visual focus and aesthetic appeal.

• Keep it simple.

Student flats ought to be kept neat and clutter free, especially if they double up as study spaces. The secret lies in being creative and purchasing unique items that will enable the room to stand out without stretching the frugal college student budget. The best places to look for bargain buys include thrift stores, garage sales and discount shops.

Photo credit: University of Exeter

Tags: halls, student accommodation

Category: Featured