Explore ways to keep warm and festive!

Looking to get your room looking fabulously festive for the winter season? Or are you just wanting to survive the chilly weather the best you can? You're in the right place. Today I will be exploring how you can stay cosy, safe and festive though December! 

Dos and don'ts: What's acceptable in your accommodation bedroom.

We will do anything to keep warm in the winter, but we still have to follow the rules. Luckily they're not too hard to follow! These little hacks will keep your bills low and you feeling toasty.

• Wear plenty of layers. Did you know that wearing many thin layers is better than wearing one thick article of clothing? This is because layering traps air between each layer of clothing which acts as insulation, so don't be afraid to bundle up!
• Use hot water bottles. Hot water bottles are commonly sold around this time of year in most stores, and they will keep warm all night! You can get them in many sizes. I personally picked up one from One Beyond!
• Use woollen blankets over synthetic material. The same idea goes for sweaters, the more wool, the more insulation. 
• Stop any droughts. These are nasty cold gusts of air that can creep into your room, and if you want to avoid getting the chills, you can simply roll up an old blanket or hoodie and cover up the area the air is coming through.
• Sleep with blankets and thick pyjamas. It's very tough to fall asleep when you're shivering under the sheets. Do yourself the favour and pile up blankets and throw on your warmest pyjamas. As a bonus, you can put your pyjamas on the heater as you're getting ready for bed!
• Hop into a hot shower. If you are struggling to warm up still, a small while in the shower will soon sort that!
• Do not light candles. Even though they smell lovely and will generate heat, they are not allowed in the student accommodations due to the fire risk. (But if you do want to have warm lighting, you can get battery powered LED candles!) 

Decorating for the season.

Now you know the top tips of keeping yourself and your room nice and warm, let's dive into how to achieve cosy festive vibes with some Christmas decorating! 

• String up some fairy lights. Fairy lights are a great extra source of light that'll be much less harsh on the eyes than your main light. you can find them in all shapes and colours, especially at stores like flying tiger!
• Set up a Christmas tree. I'm not saying to put up a grand 6 foot tree, but you can find smaller trees at a cheaper cost. you can even add some decor by leaving your friend's presents under there before you gift them out.
• Grab some tinsel. Tinsel can be lined up around your window, pin board, wardrobe, doors.. anywhere! they'll add a nice sparkle to any room.
• Gel window stickers. These things are cheap and mess free. They come in a mix of characters and sayings, and are easy to stick on and peel off with no mess! 
• Snowflake DIYs. Get some paper and cut out shapes after folding it. You can then stick up the snowflakes around your room! These are one of the easiest DIYs to complete, but we do have blogs exploring more experimental crafts, and Youtube and Google will have a plethora of ideas!
• Make a wreath. Christmas wreaths welcome in guests and friends with a lovely scent and Christmas spirit, you can even collaborate with friends as a fun project (Once all your revision and exams are out the way at least!)
• Visit Reslife events! Through this winter season, we will be hosting various events which you can craft something christmassy and bring it back home! And as a bonus, it's free!~
• Make sure that any larger decorations aren't obscuring doors and exits. Keeping decor strung up and out the way will be safer for everyone.

No matter what you decide to try, keeping warm and doing so safely is a top priority. Enjoy the festive season all, and have fun keeping your space snug and festive!