It's time to add a personal touch!

Moving into your first university room is an exciting step into student life, but it can also feel a little strange at first. One minute you’re unpacking your bags, the next you’re staring at blank walls and unfamiliar furniture, wondering how this space could ever feel like yours.

The good news? With a few thoughtful touches, your room can quickly transform from a plain, temporary space into a cosy, comfortable home away from home! Here are a few tips on how to make it feel like yours:

1. Personalise your space

Your university room should reflect you. Photos of family and friends, postcards from your favourite places, posters of films or music you love. Even small additions can instantly warm up a space!

Here are some examples of what you can do:

• Make a photo wall or collage with memories that make you smile.
• Hang art prints, motivational quotes or postcards, make sure you don’t damage the walls (e.g., put pictures on the whiteboard).
• Add a few decorative touches like a small mirror or a colourful calendar to make it feel lived-in.

Even subtle personal touches can transform a blank room into somewhere that feels familiar and comforting. 

2. Make it cosy 

Your university room isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s your retreat from busy days, your study space, and sometimes your social hub. Adding soft, cosy elements instantly make it feel welcoming. Here are some ideas:

• Layer your bed with a soft throw and extra cushions. 
• Place a rug to make the floor feel warmer and more inviting. 
• Choose bedding in colours and textures you love, which instantly makes your space feel more personal. 

Comfortable surroundings make it easier to unwind after a hectic day and help your room feel like a true home. 

3. Create a study-friendly corner

Even in a small room, carving out a dedicated space for studying, can make a big difference. Here are some tips on successfully making a study space:

• Keep stationery and study materials organised with small boxes, trays or drawer organisers. 
• Add personal touches such as a plant, small print or motivational quote to make the space inviting. 
• Keep essentials within easy reach, so everything you need for studying is right at your fingertips. 

By focusing on comfort, organisation and small details, your desk can feel like a dedicated study zone. Turning your room into both a productive and comforting environment!

4. Add a touch of life

Plants are an easy way to being energy and freshness to your space. If you’re not confident with plant care, you can try low-maintenance options like:

• Succulents
• Cacti
• Artificial plants (no judgement!)

Even a single plant on your desk or windowsill can make your room feel brighter and more energising without adding extra stress to your routine.

5. Keep little comforts from home

It is often the small, familiar things that make a new space feel comforting. Here are a few things you can bring from home:

• A favourite mug for a morning coffee or tea.
• Snacks or treats that remind you from home. 
• Your go-to playlist or a speaker to fill your room with the music you love. 

These little touches can make a big difference, helping you feel grounded in your new environment.

Settling in take time, and that's okay. 

It is completely normal if your room doesn’t feel like home straight away. Settling in is a process, and it takes time to make a new space feel familiar.

With personal touches, cosy comforts, and a few little pieces of home your room will gradually transform into a place where you can relax, study and create memories.

Before long, you will find yourself thinking of your university room as your home away from home!