When you move into your new student home, it’s natural to want to make it your own. However, pins, nails, even blu-tak can damage walls. In my experience, it's the little things that really make you happy - the armful of cheap glass bangles, the glittery body lotion, the stripy mug, the honey jar with a particularly jaunty bee on top. So here are some ways to customize your new digs without losing your deposit.

Mirrors

  • Mirrors are a fantastic way to make a place look bigger and lighter.
  • You can get minimalist or decorative options, and of course, they serve a practical purpose as well.

Flowers

  • Flowers are cheap, cheerful, and a great way to perk up a lacklustre mantel.
  • Make sure to grab a cheap charity shop vase and decorate it if you’re feeling crafty.

Seasonal Décor

  • Do participate in seasonal joy.
  • This Christmas, hang a wreath, stick up paper snowflakes, or even just get a small light-up tree - but do make your home feel cheerful.

Fabric

  • Fabric can simply be stuck to the walls using contact tape or pins (if allowed).
  • Some people have also created fantastic tent-like designs or ‘clouds’ using swathes of material. It’s fun and simple.

Throws & Blankets

  • Draping some blankets that can double as throws on your sofas is a sure-fire way to keep the heating off for longer.
  • It’ll also give your lounge a homey atmosphere.

Bar Cart

  • The perfect student house accessory, you can put together a pretty bar cart for very little.
  • Everyone can customize it. Just get everyone to contribute their favourite soft drink and spirit, and go!

Peel and Stick Tiles

  • A relatively new idea, peel and stick tiles can be applied over existing tiles to give the place a new look.
  • Plus, if the ‘tiles’ are ruined by any pasta explosions, you can simply peel and replace!

Window Dressing

  • New curtains or voiles can make a world of difference to a home.
  • Whether you want to brighten the place up with your favourite colour or get a bit of extra warmth in the winter.

Rugs

  • You can buy affordable rugs from discount stores, supermarkets, and online.
  • They’re a great way to cosy up bare floorboards or short pile carpets.

Cushions

  • Cushions, whether you buy them or make them yourself, are a low-cost, easy way to get a more colourful, comfortable home.
  • Pick a variety of textures in one colour for a more interesting look.

Fairy Lights

  • Fairy lights are a cute way to add light and cosiness to a bedroom, or even outdoors (pick ones designed for the weather).
  • They look amazing looped through clematis.

Washi Tape

  • Washi Tape is super versatile and can be used to bring colour and life to any part of the house.
  • The best part is that when you’re done, you simply peel off and move on. Try using it to create faux picture frames.

Beanbags

  • Beanbags are a student cliché for a reason.
  • They cost less than new armchairs, can be tucked out of sight in a moment and allow you to have all your friends over at once. Win-win.

Artwork

  • If you can’t hammer nails into your walls (likely), you don’t have to give up on artwork.
  • Canvases can be propped against walls, sculptures placed in bookcases, or paper art clipped onto strung wires.

Plates and Cups

Sometimes it’s the little things that count.

As India Knight says in her book The Shops:

“In my experience, it's the little things that really make you happy - the armful of cheap glass bangles, the glittery body lotion, the stripy mug, the honey jar with a particularly jaunty bee on top.” - India Knight, The Shops.

How have you personalised your student home?

We can offer help and advice at Mighty Student Living and have a huge choice of excellent student accommodation in locations throughout Lancaster and with a full range of prices. Please contact us, and we would be happy to help at [email protected]. Tel 01524 548888.