Whether you’re still looking for student housing or have already found the perfect Chester University accommodation through Bed Student Rentals, you’ll be thinking about how you’ll want to decorate your new home away from home.
You’ll want to create a space where you’re happy to study and hang out, making new memories in this new chapter of your life. The chances are that you’re on a tight budget but don’t worry, you can easily and cheaply create a cosy home from home with plenty of affordable shopping options. You can shop for items online, in Chester charity shops, and in bargain stores like Primark. Here are our top tips for decorating your student housing in Chester without breaking the bank.
Lighting
Student accommodation can sometimes prove to be more functional than aesthetic, which can mean overhead fluorescent lighting. Investing in a few desk and floor lamps can help to avoid the harsh glare of these lights and create a warmer, cosier atmosphere. Plenty of high street shops sell these at a bargain price, meaning you don’t have to splurge to make your home interior more inviting. Don’t forget fairy lights either; these cheap string lights brighten up even the grimmest of spaces and are super affordable.
Artwork
There’s no better way to add personality and colour to a space than with framed posters or artwork. You can shop online or check out local charity shops to find some real bargains. To avoid damaging walls, you can prop these up on tables or shelves or use special adhesives like command hooks to hang them up.
Plants
Houseplants don’t just improve a room’s air quality; they’re also scientifically proven to lower stress levels and increase productivity. You don’t have to splash the cash to get some greenery into your home. By buying the plants and pots separately, you bypass the pricey options offered by supermarkets and plant nurseries. We recommend purchasing the plants and then checking out Chester’s charity shops for some fun pots to put them in. Although obviously without the same health benefits, fake plants can also look realistic, adding a decorative boost to any space.
Bedding
Your bed will be the main focus of your bedroom, meaning your choice of bedding will have a big impact. However, decent duvet covers and bedding sets can be expensive. So, instead of splurging on these items, check out shops like Primark and Home Bargains and purchase some cheap yet stylish blankets, throws, and cushions to put on neutral sheets and duvet covers. And if you’re into sewing or feeling creative, you can make your own using old clothing, scarves, or fabric scraps.
Trinkets
What better way to add a personal touch and personality to your accommodation than with some knick-knacks and ornaments? You can either bring some from home as mementoes or check out Primark or local charity shops for bargain items that bring a bit more ambience to your new home. Place these on shelves and side tables to personalise and brighten the areas in the house or your room.
Mugs and Coasters
Liven up your dull, communal student kitchen with some fun, colourful mugs and coasters. You can either bring yours from home or take a look around value shops to purchase ones that best reflect your personality.
Desk Organisers
You’ll probably be spending quite some time studying at your desk, so this needs to be as clutter-free and tidy as possible to improve focus and productivity. You can take simple steps to ensure this, including adding a desk organiser. Amazon has a wide selection of decently priced ones, so there’s no excuse for letting clutter overwhelm you. A tidy desk means a tidy mind – very important for getting those assignments done and in on time!
Bins
There’s absolutely no excuse to use a plastic bag hanging off a doorknob as a bin when there are loads of cheap, attractive options to keep your room and the rest of the house looking clean and tidy. Selecting colourful or patterned bins will help create a welcoming atmosphere while keeping rubbish clearly out of sight.
These are just a few of our top tips for cheaply yet effectively creating a happy, comfortable and tidy student home where you can study, rest and entertain friends and family. If you’re still looking to find student accommodation near Chester University or around the city, Bed Student Rentals is the only major independent letting agent in the Chester area providing quality accommodation for students in Chester.
Written by Kate