Back To Uni Essentials: 6 Ideas for your Uni Room Décor

Stuck on what to take to uni or looking for some simple and cost-effective student bedroom ideas? Whether you’re a fresher or a third-year, your uni room decor can transform a characterless box into a personalised and productive space.

To make this process a little easier, we’ve put together a uni essentials checklist for all your student needs. That way, you can be realistic about how many items you need to take to uni and only pack the necessities. From kettles to cushions, we’ve got you covered!

So, if you’re heading to halls, moving into a flat for the first time or sharing a house with friends, follow our guide and you’ll be settled in in no time.

Moving made easy

Before you get started, it’s important to make a uni shopping list to highlight the essentials. We would recommend breaking this down into categories like cooking, cleaning, bedding and desk storage to help with organisation.

Whether you’re popping up the road or travelling across the country, transporting your uni essentials can be challenging. Check out our range of supplies, from cardboard moving boxes to bubble wrap, to make this process a little easier.

Organisation is key

Staying organised at uni can be challenging, especially if you’re limited with space. So if you’re determined to uproot your entire wardrobe, good storage options should definitely be on your uni room essentials checklist.

Underbed storage

Underbed storage is a great way to maximise your space and create a de-cluttered and calm environment. Plus, your winter coats and next semester’s books are tucked away, making room for personal touches and gorgeous uni room decorations.

Cubed boxes

Cubed boxes are perfect for storing hoodies, gym wear and shoes. Depending on the size of your wardrobe, these can either slot inside or on top – choose a neutral tone or opt for a bolder pattern to inject a pop of colour. They also fold flat, making them ideal for travelling.

Desk storage

As every student knows, your desk will become your new home and having a clear workspace will help to inspire productivity. Among your university essentials, file holders and desk organisers are definite must-haves.

Storage doesn’t have to be boring – use a stylish magazine rack to hold your books and transform a glass jar into a stationary pot. Add an extra dimension with a wall grid or notice board (using command hooks not screws!).

Top tip: check out our guide for more storage tricks.

Keep uni room décor cosy

If you’re unsure how to decorate your uni room, adding a variety of cushions and throws is a great place to start. Work in a theme that matches your bedding or mix different colours and textures to add depth. Larger cushions create the ultimate cosy corner or can be paired with smaller scatter cushions on the bed.

Carpets in student rooms tends to be plain and can easily be covered with a rug or two. Another great option for your uni room decor is a lamp – practical for night-time reading and adding a warming ambience. Floor lamps are great for illuminating a forgotten corner while table lamps are more versatile and can be used to elevate your desk area or a shelf. String lights are also a great alternative.

Top tip: Our cosy interiors guide will have you feeling at home in no time.

Uni room decorations

Making your room look nice as a student doesn’t have to break the bank.

To open up the space, rest a full length mirror against the wall or add a free-standing mirror to a corner. You can also create a makeup station at your desk using a smaller dressing table or vanity mirror. Add strip lights to accessorise further.

If you’re worried about damaging the walls, use a ladder shelf instead. This option is great for displaying your uni room decorations as well as providing extra storage.

Refresh your environment and introduce some greenery with plants and plant pots. Opt for low maintenance house plants like snake, spider or hanging plants. Alternatively, artificial plants may be more practical, especially with those long Christmas holidays.

A personal touch

A simple personal touch goes a long way.

Photos can create a home away from home. Use standing photo frames or get crafty by using a larger frame to create a collage of your favourite memories. For more of a retro vibe, use polaroids as part of your uni room decor. You could either pin these to a notice board or hang from a piece of string and attach to the wall.

For more student room ideas, why not create a gallery or feature wall using varying sizes of photo frames, posters or post cards, and command strips? The options are endless!

Home is where the kettle is – uni kitchen essentials

In terms of cookware, a kettle, toaster and set of pans are the holy trinity of student cooking essentials.

Whether you’re a cooking connoisseur or have never set foot in the kitchen, choosing items that can be used in multiple ways is cost-effective and keeps your luggage light. You can create a multitude of quick, tasty meals with simply a wok and a chopping board – saving you time and money!

When it comes to uni kitchen essentials, food storage is key – especially if you’re sharing a fridge. Vary your containers from small lunch boxes for the library to larger storage sets for veg and leftovers. If you want to save the planet as well as your pennies, reusing old jars is also a great option.

To complete your student starter set, you’ll need a trusty baking tray, set of cutlery and dinnerware. Don’t forget your oven gloves and a set of tea towels!

And there we have it – our favourite uni room décor ideas! Share your own uni room decorations and student accommodation transformations with us @Homebase_UK.