This week, we’ve been sharing some of our favourite ideas on Instagram for starting university, exploring ways to make student spaces feel comfortable, practical and stylish – even when space is limited.
Here, we’re taking a closer look at some of those ideas, with simple tips to help you create a uni room that works harder for you.
Starting university is an exciting time, but moving into student accommodation often comes with one challenge: making the most of a smaller space. Whether you’re heading into halls, moving into a shared house or setting up your first student flat, a few thoughtful choices can help you create a room that really feels like home.
Here are some of our top tips and must-haves for the year ahead:
One room can do it all
Student rooms often need to work as a bedroom, study space and social area all at once. Creating different zones can help make your room feel more organised and enjoyable. A small desk, like the Toby Bamboo Desk or Mirage Writing Desk, can create a dedicated study zone, while comfortable seating gives you somewhere to unwind away from your work. If you don’t already have a bed, the Napper Day Bed is a great solution for both sleeping and lounging.
If you’re in need of a dining table, why not choose an extending console like the Solari? It provides a generous workspace for one, then transforms into a dining table for four thanks to its clever easy-slide open-close mechanism – perfect for when friends come round.
Choose smart storage solutions
Clutter can quickly build up in a student room, so making use of clever storage ideas is essential. Think vertically wherever you can – the Suratto Shoe Tower is a space-saving solution with a full-length mirror on one side and 12 shelves for neatly organising footwear and other bits and bobs.
Make use of otherwise wasted space too, storing extra bedding and seasonal clothes out of sight in our under-bed Canvas Storage Suitcases. And choose furniture that works twice as hard. Our Ladder Desk combines useful shelving with a built-in desk in one compact design – and it’s great value for money too.
Add your own stamp
Your university room should feel like your own space. Photos, artwork, plants, bedding and soft furnishings are simple ways to add colour and personality without taking up too much room. A few carefully chosen home accessories can transform a basic room into somewhere that feels much more like home. A rug is one of the easiest ways to make an instant impact – our new collection adds colour, warmth and texture without breaking the student budget. Add a few favourite photos and personal touches, and you’ll soon have a space that’s uniquely yours.
Embrace folding and multifunctional furniture
Have you discovered the benefits of folding furniture? From chairs, desks and stools to our Narrow Folding Wardrobe, there are plenty of clever options that simply fold away when not in use.
When space is limited, multifunctional furniture can make just as much difference. If you’re moving into a house share, a sofa bed is a perfect example. By day, it’s somewhere to relax, watch TV or catch up with housemates, and when friends come to stay, it quickly becomes an extra bed. Our new Louie 3 Seater Sofa Bed is ideal for student living – it’s compact, easy to set up and its simple click-clack mechanism takes it from sofa to bed in seconds.
Keep surfaces clutter-free
Keep desks and surfaces clutter-free with handy desktop storage for stationery, notebooks and everyday essentials, so everything has its place without taking over your study zone. Don’t forget about your walls either – hooks and rails can provide useful homes for bags, coats, headphones or accessories without using up valuable floor space. Our Hatch Overdoor Dryer is great for towels and clothes, keeping them off the floor. Making use of every available inch can help even the smallest uni room feel organised and surprisingly spacious. Starting university is an exciting step, and for many it’s the first time living away from home. Putting your own stamp on your new space can make all the difference. With a few clever choices, even the smallest uni room can soon feel like home. For more inspiration, visit us in-store, in our app or online.
