Gilly Ferguson
From halls to home: 10 clever ways to make your university bedroom look – and feel – a bit more you
‘Boxy, bleak, boring – with magnolia walls, if you’re lucky,’ says Charlie, 19, of her first-year university bedroom. ‘The rooms in my halls aren’t exactly known for their style!’
Thankfully, it’s never been easier to decorate your uni bedroom on a budget – and the best homeware furnishings add personality and pizazz to your room, without dipping into your student loan.
Whether you’re looking for cheap ways to decorate a bedroom or simply want to make your uni space feel more like home, there’s a thoughtful buy for every student and style.
Truly Glass LED Fairy Lights Bell Jar with Wood Base, £30
‘I added LED strip lights to make my room a bit more me!’ says Abby, 19. ‘They somehow soothe me when I’m feeling uneasy or homesick – they’re really popular with my friends too. If your uni doesn‘t allow you to stick stuff on the walls, then these little fairy light clusters are cute too.’
Umbra Exhibit Multi Hanging Photo Frame Display, £75
Photos from home – school friends, family, pets – are the ultimate spirit-lifters. They’re an essential for anyone looking to dial up the personality in their 7m x 9m halls of residence room. ‘I asked all my friends to write me a note on a Post-It,’ says Jemima, 19. ‘It helps when I’m feeling homesick.’ Perk-me-up £1 Post-Its, photos, wall planners – they’re all guaranteed to improve a magnolia wall (or four). Not allowed to plaster pictures all over the walls? You have two options: this fancy photo frame display or some clever Command damage-free sticky strips.
John Lewis Aria Modal Pyjama Set, Navy, £42
While your days are spent at lectures, seminars, libraries, (bars), university also involves a lot of lounging. Cue: loungewear – soft, relaxed, luxe, modal jersey loungewear. With a relaxed, fluid fit, the Aria PJs are like a cuddle in a co-ord. Shimmy yours on whenever you need a dose of home comfort, safe in the knowledge that it’s chic enough to lounge in your hall communal areas - and maybe even lectures and libraries too…
John Lewis Cosy Cotton Unisex Bath Robe, Navy, £50
Not convinced about wearing your PJs in public? Blame fashion. Someone set the fire alarm off at 2am? Sling on your hall gown – aka this 100% cotton, cosy little number. It’s available in 6 suits-all shades, so when you find The One, you’ll live in it for uni life, and beyond. Just add homely hoodies and snuggly slippers for a serious look.
John Lewis & Partners Washed Cotton Bedspread, £80
Love your bed at home? Missing the way your mum/dad makes it? Fake make the bed. This large yet lightweight cotton bedspread has been created for real-life moments, aka university lie-ins, and/or late starts when you need to get up and out, stat. The one-and-done of bed making, simply throw it on and you’re ready for the day, world domination or an all-day breakfast. Available in an array of tones to suit all tastes.
Beats Fit Pro True Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Sport Headphones with Active Noise Cancelling, £179.99
On a deadline? Learning through your lug holes? Just desperate to listen to your favourite, familiar-feeling podcast but surrounded by NOISE? Say ‘ears’ (that’s posh for ‘yes’) to a set of noise-cancelling headphones. Designed for sport, phone calls home and/or focused essay writing – your ears will thank you for them. They’re also great for podcasts. Plus, with selected Beats Headphones purchases, you get Apple Music free for 6 months.
John Lewis Specialist Synthetic Carefree Comfort Teflon V-Shaped Support Pillow, £32
Rest & Read Pillows, Headboard Backrests, Lumbars, Reading Pillows, Backrest Pillows, Sit-Up Pillows… the humble home comfort known simply as ‘The Pillow’ comes in all shapes and sizes, but don’t be fooled, they are the saviour of student aches and pains. The best pillows for sitting up in bed (aka supportive cushions) are designed for watching Netflix… sorry, writing your dissertation. Yes, they give serious Charlie Bucket’s grandparents-vibes. And, yes, your Nan likely has one too. But anyone who’s been to uni (and has the back ache to prove it) will tell you: ‘BUY THE PILLOW!’
John Lewis ANYDAY Synthetic Soft and Light Mattress Topper, Single, £35
Speaking of home comforts, the best university checklists will tell you to pack great bed linen, and a mattress topper. ‘I’ll do anything to make my university bed comfier!’ says Ed, 20. ‘Also, it sort of gives me the heebie-jeebies when I think about how many students have slept in the bed before me!’ Why not pop on a Pillow Protector too, for a truly decadent hotel-bed-in-your-halls feel?
Neom Scent to Make You Happy Essential Oil Blend, 10ml, £20
Want to know how to make your uni room smell fresh? Perhaps you’re longing to spark some nostalgia, boost your mood or improve your concentration? In saunters this Neom 100% Essential Oil – concocted to help inspire a positive state of mind. Thanks to a spirit-lifting blend of neroli, mimosa and lemon (said to help balance emotions), this 10ml perk-me-up is ideal for freshers looking to add a warm, homely scent to their halls. Why not go one better and get a set of scents to match your aroma to your every mood and whim?
The Little Botanical Copper Mister & Plant Set, £37
Not only is the humble Haworthia – or Zebra Snake Plant – one of the best indoor plants to keep the air clean in your home, but it’ll spruce up even the dreariest of uni bedrooms. It’s also nice to have something to talk to, eh. A smart addition to any room, this humble house plant is fuss-free and comes with a handy, and haute, copper mister – simply pop it in a light spot and water once a week.
