How to decorate your student bedroom in a practical way
Starting university is a huge step, filled with changes and lots of things to organise. So if you’re moving into a shabby dorm and would like to fix it up a bit, or if you simply want to improve your study space and adapt it to your new needs, we’re here to give you a hand. Here’s how to decorate your student bedroom in a practical, hassle-free way.
These are some of our favourite solutions for dormitories, meaning useful and affordable options for tight spaces Because when you have all the practical aspects covered, it will be much easier to make the most of all the new and exciting changes coming your way. And it doesn’t matter if your classes are in-person or online; you’ll definitely be studying and working on different projects, so you’ll need to have enough space. Let’s begin!
Make a list of everything you need
This step is useful whether you’re staying at home or moving into student halls or housing. Why? Because even if you’re at home, you’ll need to switch up your space so it’s ready for all your new study requirements.
Our first piece of advice is to stick to the phrase “less is more”. This will help you prioritise what really matters and create a well-organised space for studying and, of course, for resting. And if you're leaving home, it goes without saying that you won’t be able to take everything with you.
Once you have this in mind, the next step is to make a list of everything you’re going to need. If you’re moving, this will be crucial, so you don’t forget anything. Our advice is to also make note of the things you haven’t used in a long time and to get rid of them, whether it be by selling them, donating them or recycling them. This way, you’ll also be doing some cleaning.
Got your list ready? All that's left is to pack everything in your suitcase. So it stays organised, we recommend dividing your luggage into compartments using different bags, as shown in the photo. This way, you can organise your items by type and nothing will move during the trip. When you arrive at your destination, you’ll be thankful you did.
Look for easy-to-use accessories and furniture
Apart from what you’re bringing or what you already have, you’ll almost certainly need to buy some other accessories or furniture for your student bedroom. If so, don’t overcomplicate things! We recommend looking for simple, practical solutions so the process of decorating and adapting your space isn’t so tedious. Also, if you’re in a shared flat or residence, you’ll likely have a set of rules to follow. But don’t worry—you have options.
For example, do you want to put up curtains for some privacy but don’t have a rod? You don’t need to do anything crazy to install them. Just use a shower curtain rod like the one in the photo and voilà! All you’ll need to do is put enough pressure on it so it remains in place.
And this is just one solution. There are many other alternatives to meet all your needs in a super simple way. Need a place to lay out your projects or notes? Get a magnetic chalkboard or bulletin board, but instead of hanging it on the wall, place it on your desk. This way, you can keep everything in front of you, hassle free. Another option is to hang some string and clothes pegs.
However, our advice is not to fill up your room with unnecessary clutter and always try to always keep your workspace tidy and clear. Without a doubt, the most important things to have in your room are a desk, chair and document sorting accessories, so choose them well!
Sharing a room or flat? Save space for your things
Sharing a room or flat comes with a lot of positives: it gives you the chance to meet new people, experience what it’s like to live with others and create lasting memories (many of which you will never forget). However, for communal living to be the best it can possibly be, it also requires organisation and a bit of discipline on everybody’s part. Therefore, the key is for everyone to designate their own space and to each have their own specific areas.
For instance, having a locking wardrobe can provide a lot of security when moving into a shared space with people you don’t know. Many of our wardrobes can be combined with a ROTHULT smart lock, which easily locks and unlocks by using your phone or an NFC card, eliminating the need for a key.
Regardless of whether it locks or not, a small storage cabinet may also be useful in your room where you can keep and organise what you need. This is a particularly good idea for important documents, as you’ll always have them on hand and won't have to waste any time looking for them.
Want more ideas? Here are a few articles that may interest you.
We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why not try to do something new with them yourself? But do remember, any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products will prevent them from being resold or used for their original purpose, thus invalidating IKEA product warranties and your right to return them.
