Image credit: Dunelm

University season is upon us as and for many this means leaving home for the first time and plotting up in halls of residence or a shared student house – often in a student bedroom with little or no character.

Sure, student rooms are typically boring by nature, but that doesn’t mean you can’t inject some personality and crank up the cosy to make drab digs feel a little more like home.   

“University bedrooms are built for practicality and durability, but can often feel bland and uninspiring,” explains interiors expert Liv Conlon, founder of ThePropertyStagers.

“However, with a few simple, affordable, and landlord and dean-friendly touches, you can easily introduce personality and make the space feel more like home.”

From going big on soft furnishings to layering the lighting, here’s our expert-backed guide to overhauling your uni room décor and turning a bland box into a stylish space packed with personality.  

How to decorate a student bedroom: add a statement rug

The carpets in your average hall of residence likely aren’t going to be a treat for your toes. Cover them up and make a design statement by introducing a cosy rug.

“Rugs can be a great way to add interest and play a pivotal role in anchoring furniture arrangements, seamlessly bringing together various pieces to create cohesion and harmony,” explains interior designer Claire Garner, director Claire Garner Interiors.

“It’s essential to ensure that the rug adequately fills the designated area, with the front legs of all furniture pieces resting on its surface. This creates a sense of unity and connection among the various elements within the room.”

Claire says a well-chosen rug can function as a captivating focal point within a room, much like a beautiful piece of artwork.

“A perfectly aged vintage rug, with its subtle fading and intricate patterns, adds an element of history and charm to the space,” she continues.

“It also has the ability to tie together the colour palette and design elements, elevating the overall design appeal and creating a cohesive visual narrative.”

Layer your lighting

Override the harsh overhead lighting you often find in university bedrooms with something a little more ambient.

“Having the right lighting can make or break the space,” explains Dan Roberts, director at Mystudenthalls.com.  “Lighting sets the tone, creates the perfect feel and mood, and having the right lighting for both studying and relaxing is important.”

Dan says the best lighting setup for a student bedroom strikes a balance between productivity and relaxation.

“For studying, go with cool blue light bulbs for your main lights,” he advises. “They mimic natural daylight, helping you stay alert and focused.”

But when it’s time to chill, he suggests switching to warm lights with lamps or fairy lights.

“The softer, warmer glow creates a cosy vibe that’s perfect for winding down and relaxing. This way, you get the best of both worlds: a bright, energised space for getting work done and a comfy, relaxing atmosphere for downtime,” he adds.

Fairy lights are a popular option for a university room but are wasted in bare areas of the room, so put them up in busy spots, for example over a wall full of photographs.

“One way to bring a bit of home with you is by including your favourite photos – either pop them into photo frames or print out polaroid’s and use pegs to clip them onto your fairy lights,” Dan suggests.

Harness the power of distraction

When challenged with existing furniture or decor that isn’t to your taste, but can’t be removed, the key is distracting the eye.

“Think accent pieces – cushions, throws, lighting, rugs, and even wall art – which will all serve to distract from the less aesthetic surroundings,” advises Sam Grieg, head of design at Swoon.

Likewise adding different textures and materials will add depth and an element of luxury to the room.

“Don’t be shy to add contrasting materials such as bouclé, velvet, suede and wood,” he adds.

Make your bed a focal point

Most student bedrooms involve a bed and basic necessities, so why not make the bed front and centre?

“Instead of getting the very cheapest bedding, invest in a better-quality duvet, pillows and sheets that will make you excited to get into bed each night,” Sam suggests.

“Layer accent cushions and throws that will add a premium and hotel-style feel to the space.”

Liv advises choosing bedding that reflects your personal taste.

“Opt for duvet covers that are patterned or have something special about them, and consider adding a textured blanket,” she adds. “This allows you to express your style in a way that’s easily changeable and adds a sense of comfort to your living space.”

Pay attention to storage

No matter the size of your bedroom, every room feels small when you don’t have a ‘home’ for all your things.

“Unpack and organise your belongings so that everything is within easy reach and do this as soon as you can after moving,” Sam suggests. “If you don’t have sufficient storage options, then stackable boxes are a great solution and come in handy for packing things away if you’re moving again in a year’s time.”

Gill Baker, head of decor at B&Q suggests considering under-bed storage solutions as these large boxes can be a great way to store shoes, books, or any of your more bulky items.

“Over-door hooks and racks are another great way to get some extra hanging space,” she adds.

Introduce greenery

Houseplants are a great way to brighten up your university space, adding vibrancy and visual interest to indoor spaces and windowsills.  

“Houseplants also offer many wellness benefits such as regulating humidity in the air, lowering toxin levels and even reducing stress,” explains interior designer Molly Woodward-Moor from Mystudenthalls.com. “Larger plants such as Monstera’s and Devil’s Ivy often make a big statement wherever they are placed and can create an illusion of the room looking bigger by drawing the eye upwards.”

If you’re concerned about keeping them alive, Liv says faux plants are a good alternative, giving you the same visual effect without the maintenance.

Maximise your university bedroom space

Maximise your small space with smart solutions like multi-functional furniture and creative storage options.

“Fold-out desks and tables are perfect for creating work or dining spaces that can be easily tucked away,” Molly suggests.

“Use vertical space with tall bookshelves above furniture and modular furniture, such as stackable chairs and nesting tables, that will provide flexible and space-saving options for any room.”

Switch out hardware

Swapping out the hardware on your university furniture can make a big impact on your student accommodation’s decor and help personalise your space.

“By replacing drawer handles with something more unique, whether it’s a novelty design, a stylish option, or simply a different colour, you can showcase your creativity and add a personal touch to your room,” Molly adds. “Just remember, keep the original handles in a safe place so you don’t lose them!”

Personal touches you can add to a student bedroom

Rudolph Diesel, interior designer at Rudolph Diesel Interiors suggests personalising your space through colours and patterns.

“One of the easiest ways to make a room feel uniquely yours is by adding personal touches through DIY art,” they advise.

“Get creative with some inexpensive materials like canvas, paint, or even old magazines. You could create a gallery wall with framed prints or your own artwork, which adds colour and personality without breaking the bank.

“Even a string of photos hung with clips can create a personalised and dynamic display. It’s all about making your space reflect your personality.”

Art prints to brighten a student bedroom:

1. Disco Ball Orange Disco Poster Trendy Aesthetic Art Print – from £12, iamfy.co – buy here
2. Cosmo In Blue Poster – from 12.19, Redbubble – buy here
3. Oui Oui – Green Art Print, from £13, iamfy.co – buy here

University bedrooms: fragrance is key

Bringing diffusers that smell like home is a smart way to add some home comforts to your university bedroom.

“Familiar scents can instantly make your new space feel more inviting, reminding you of home and helping to minimise homesickness,” Molly advises.

“These little touches can make a big difference and are a great way to help you unwind in the evening after a day full of classes.”

Upcycle

Explore your new city’s vintage and charity shops to hunt down some second-hand gems, while also getting to know your new surroundings.

“Vintage is a great way to add some inexpensive, retro charm into any stark space,” Sam explains. “A second-hand kilim rug and some quirky ceramic pots for storage will add personality.

“Plus, you can invite your new flat mates to join you on the homeware hunt for your new digs.”

Go big on soft furnishings

Look for ways to add textural layering to add depth and character into your space without making permanent changes.

“This could include layering cushions and throws on your furniture, adding large rugs, or even updating your curtain drapes or lamp shades to create focal points,” Molly suggests.

“Introduce different textures and materials where possible to offer a more inviting, richer visual impact.”

Student living accessories we love:

1. The Oodie Original in Cloud, £65, theoodie.co.uk – buy here
2. Devola Low Noise Desk Fac, £29.95, airconcentre.co.uk – buy here
3. Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ Tumbler 1.2L, £45, Stanley – buy here

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