A Home Away From Home

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that 17 years after moving to the UK to study for my Master’s, I would sit here writing this article for those leaving home to study. As an interior designer, I wanted to use my expertise and experience to help you create a familiar space for yourself in your hall of residence or student house - making a home away from home, and making your student room feel like you.

Arriving somewhere new and unfamiliar can be quite overwhelming, despite the adrenaline of new adventures. Your days may be filled with meeting new people and studying, but as soon as you say goodnight to your friends and return to your room, the emptiness can suddenly hit you.

You have packed all your belongings into two suitcases and moved into a tiny room with a bed, a desk, perhaps a wardrobe, magnolia or white walls, and questionable lighting. And just like that, you enter your home for at least the next 12 months, if not more. But there are easy ways you can improve this experience, and I wish I had known about them when I left home.

Back then, I didn’t know how much a comfortable, safe and inviting space could improve my wellbeing.

Travelling far from home, having a familiar space can help reduce anxiety, homesickness and culture shock, and improve your general wellbeing. When you have a space that is your own, it gives you a sense of belonging and satisfaction, which ultimately puts your mind at ease and brings you happiness.



Here are my top tips for creating a feeling of warmth and familiarity in your home, even in temporary accommodation.
As this is based on my personal experience, I’ll tell you that my 9 sqm room included a single bed, a desk and a small wardrobe. Luckily, it was an ensuite room, so I wasn’t worried about having to share a bathroom.

Something familiar. Apart from packing your clothes and practical things, bring something meaningful along with you. Photographs, a favourite cushion, a small object, ornament or trinket. Or even your pillow if you are attached to it, like I was. Not everything needs to be new.

Textiles. Don't underestimate the power of textiles. A duvet cover, throw and cushions can completely change the feeling of a room. You might be able to bring these with you from home. But if you can’t (e.g. if you’re travelling internationally), don’t feel obliged to use the cheap nylon bedding many accommodations provide. Investing in good-quality bedding is a game changer, as it can significantly improve your sleep and comfort. I can definitely recommend brushed cotton sheets for those cold, anxious nights when you want to cocoon yourself and get a really good night’s sleep.

Most likely, you won’t be able to paint your walls. Hanging a tapestry or patterned fabric is an easy and cost-effective way to bring colour and personality into the room, while also softening the overall feel.

Room ambience. Lighting can immediately change an ordinary space into a welcoming room. There is probably a tiny single light in the middle of your ceiling, throwing out a harsh white light, bothering your eyes every time you lie on the bed, yet somehow never being bright enough when you’re reading. Horrible overhead lighting can make even the loveliest room feel institutional.

You’ll need to have multiple pockets of light; a desk lamp, bedside table lamp, and even fairy lights around your pinboard or desk, to provide warm ambient lighting. There is now a great selection of rechargeable, battery-operated lamps available to create that cosy feel in your room without having to worry about plugs. Bulbs nowadays come in many colours, so remember to choose a warm light to soften the feel of the room.

Is this a bed or sofa? Well, it’s both. In a tiny room, the bed normally takes up a large amount of space. But rather than treating it as somewhere to sleep, make it a multifunctional piece. By adding a few cushions and a couple of throws, it can be used as a sofa and a focal point in your room. Large bolster cushions are great for this transformation. I’m sure you’ll have some visitors who will admire your ingenious way of making one piece of furniture work twice as hard.



Mirrors. Easily enhancing the feel of the room and giving the illusion of a larger space, mirrors are your best friends. Large mirrors are normally expensive. You can go to a local charity shop (a popular option in the UK, US and many European countries) and find a mirror that suits your taste. Alternatively, you can opt for IKEA stick-on mirrors that are easy to carry and install. To avoid damaging walls and protect your deposit, use hanging strips.

Plants. Being close to nature lowers stress hormones, improves mental health, and boosts physical wellbeing. There has been a lot of research on this topic over last few years and having a few low-maintenance plants in your room can make a real difference. If you can’t always be outside, bring the outside in. Just a couple of small plants at a time, I recommend snake plants, golden pothos or any succulent plants.

Storage. When space is at a premium, you need to use every inch of it. You can store plenty of stuff under your bed, including your luggage. Get yourself some fabric boxes and use them under the bed to store any clothes or bedding that you don’t immediately need. Alternatively, you can use beautiful wicker baskets as both storage and a decorative element. Use wardrobe inserts to increase the storage within the existing wardrobe. A lightweight bedside table can be used to store small personal things, while also giving you a place for your bedside lamp and somewhere to leave your water and phone overnight.

Last but not least; scent. Scent is an incredibly powerful tool for creating familiarity or provoking a reaction. Due to health and safety, candles may understandably not be permitted in student accommodation, but using reed diffusers and room sprays is an excellent alternative to create that feeling of calm, safety and belonging. More calming aromas include lavender, sandalwood, fig and chamomile.

Remember that “home” isn't about perfection. You'll be spending a lot of time in your room - studying, socialising and sleeping. It needs to be comfortable, and it needs to be "you".

Budget conscious? You don’t need to buy everything on the first day. Live in the room first and see how you use it. The way you use the room determines what you actually need to buy.

Happy New Academic Year, and best of luck with your studies!