Starting university is an exciting but daunting new chapter and creating a personalised space can make all the difference! We’ve gathered some of the best décor ideas to help transform student housing into a true home away from home.
Icon Kingston cord classic bean bag | £59.99
Creating a cosy space will provide comfort for study sessions, lazy weekends, and everything in between. With its velvety-soft corduroy fabric and classic bean bag silhouette, the Kingston brings a perfect blend of retro charm and modern comfort to any student room.
Whether used for reading, relaxing, or catching up with friends, this plush seat invites you to sink in and unwind. Lightweight and easy to move, wherever you need a little extra comfort, Kingston’s got your back – literally.
Beanbagbazaar.co.uk
SAHIHI red check woven storage baskets | from £33
University rooms generally leave a lot to be desired size-wise, so extra storage will be key. But storage doesn’t have to be boring! These bold red checked baskets come in three sizes, perfect for everything from jewellery to laundry – they can even be used as woven planters for houseplants.
Each SAHIHI woven basket is handcrafted by skilled women in rural Kenya, who have practiced the art of sisal weaving since childhood. By supporting their work, you’re helping to preserve a rich African tradition and provide vital income during the farming off-season. Practical and makes an impact, what could be better?
Thebasketroom.com
Artwork prints by Dave Draws | from £25
Brighten up the often-dull walls of student accommodation and give the student in your life a meaningful piece of home to make their space feel more personal.
Dave Draws is an artist who captures the heart and soul of Manchester through beautifully detailed illustrations. Each print is a little snapshot of Manchester life, perfect for anyone wanting to keep a connection to the places they love while they study, live, and grow in a new environment.
Davedraws.co.uk
Warm white bead fairy lights | £14.99
Student housing lighting is often harsh and uninspiring, making it hard to relax or feel at home. That’s why incorporating warm, ambient lighting can make such a difference; using subtle additions can instantly transform a room into a cosy and inviting retreat.
Spanning 1.9 metres of silver wire, these fairy lights are evenly spaced for a balanced glow and the wire is easy to bend and shape, making it ideal for weaving around plants, draping across a headboard, lining shelves, or tucking into a decorative vase. Lightweight and battery-operated, they’re also fuss-free so are perfect for student living, where plug sockets might be limited.
Lights4fun.co.uk
SÖSDALA memo board | £12
Another thoughtful way to bring a sense of home into student accommodation is by incorporating a photo display board, like this minimalist option from IKEA. Its clean and versatile design makes it a perfect fit for any student room, no matter their style or colour scheme.
More than just decoration, it offers a way to stay connected to home and the people who matter most. Equipped with handy clips, it’s easy to hang little reminders of loved ones and special memories that can offer comfort during moments of homesickness such as cherished photographs, handwritten notes, postcards, or small keepsakes.
Ikea.com
