How To Make Your Uni House A Home

Moving away to university can be both exciting and daunting - for many it means saying goodbye to your usual home comforts and adapting to a completely different environment for the first time in your life! 

Between the excitement of newfound independence and embracing lots of big changes, transforming your uni house into a home may seem like an intimidating task.

However, with a few thoughtful touches, you can create a warm and inviting space that reflects your personality and offers a comforting retreat from the hustle and bustle of student life. Here are some practical tips to help you get started…

1. Personalise Your Space

Photos and Memories: Bring a collection of photos from home and print out some of your favourite selfies with loved ones to instantly make your university accommodation feel more homely. Pin them on a corkboard, string them along fairy lights, or frame them on your desk to keep your loved ones close, even when they're miles away.

Posters and Art: Decorate your walls with posters of your favourite bands, films, or art prints. Many student unions and societies offer free or affordable posters - especially during Freshers’ Week. Keep an eye out for cool prints at your university’s Freshers’ Fair or online - we love Moonshine Prints’ range of quirky designs! 

This not only livens up your room but also makes it feel more like your own.

2. Cute Bedding

Investing in good bedding is crucial not only for comfort but for adding some colour and personality to your bedroom. Adding some colourful cushions and a cosy throw blanket can make your bed the ultimate relaxation spot, and we’d recommend having a different duvet set for each season to mix it up every few months. 

This doesn’t have to break the bank, either! Believe it or not, ASDA has an impressive homeware range - even partnering with the likes of Stacey Solomon to launch everything from cosy boucle cushions (very on trend) to chunky knit soft furnishings. 

And with TOTUM Cashback, you’ll earn 2.5% cashback when you spend at ASDA! 

3. Functional Furniture

Storage: Space can be limited in student accommodation, so we’d highly recommend using under-bed storage boxes, over-the-door hooks and shelving units to maximise your space. Keeping things tidy and organised is key to maintaining a calm environment! 

We all know Ikea is the king of all things storage solutions and makes even the most mundane storage look sleek and sophisticated - and with TOTUM Cashback, you’ll earn a generous 3% cash back each time you make a purchase at Ikea! 

Comfortable Seating: If space allows, add a comfy chair or bean bag to your space. It’s perfect for studying, reading or having friends over. As a TOTUM member, you’ll get up to 50% off selected indoor furniture from Homebase - don’t walk, run! 

4. Lighting

Fairy Lights and Lamps: Harsh overhead lighting can make a room feel clinical. Fairy lights, desk lamps, and floor lamps can add a warm glow, making your space instantly feel more homely and inviting.

With an incredible range of lighting, make sure to take advantage of your 15% discount at BHS with TOTUM! 

5. Plants

Plants can breathe life into any space. Consider low-maintenance plants like succulents, spider plants or even a small herb garden to quickly spruce up your uni accommodation! Not only do they look good, but they also improve air quality.

And with TOTUM Cashback, you can earn a generous 6% back when you shop at Dobbies Garden Centres! 

6. Kitchen Comforts

Personal Mugs and Plates: Bring your favourite mug, some colourful plates and maybe a quirky bowl or two. These little touches can make shared kitchen spaces feel more personal. Primark’s dining sets are huge over on social media thanks to their quirky designs and all at a super affordable price - shop Primark’s homeware range and earn 7% cashback with TOTUM!

7. Aromatherapy

Candles and Diffusers: While candles may not always be allowed in student accommodation, electric diffusers are a great alternative. Scents like lavender or eucalyptus can create a calming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Shop candles for less and enjoy 15% off at Candles Direct!

8. Personal Projects and Hobbies

Bring items related to your hobbies to make your home feel more 'you'! Whether it’s a guitar, sketchbooks or a few of your favourite novels, having these items around can make your space feel more like home and give you a creative outlet during stressful times.

9. Social Spaces

If you have a communal living area, make it inviting! Add some cushions, a rug and perhaps a few board games or a deck of cards to encourage a cosy social space for you and your housemates. 

10. Cleanliness

A clean space is a happy space. Establish a cleaning rota with your housemates to ensure communal areas are kept tidy! A clutter-free environment can significantly impact your mood and productivity.

Turning your uni house into a home is all about making it a space where you feel comfortable and happy. It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming; small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference. Remember, this is your space – a place where you’ll be creating some of the most memorable moments of your life. Make it a reflection of you, and enjoy… 

And remember, TOTUM is here to help make your university journey as fun and stress-free as possible - check out all of our helpful tips and tricks for students over on TOTUM Talks, and make the most of all of your membership perks, from 2 for 1 dining with your tastecard to fashion, tech and travel discounts from hundreds of brands!