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Looking for ideas to decorate your student room without breaking the rules? In this guide we’ll see how to make your space stylish the right way!
Moving into university halls or student accommodation is an exciting experience. But let’s be honest—most student rooms look pretty bland when you first step in.
The good news? With a bit of creativity and some budget-friendly finds, you can turn your student room into a cosy, welcoming space without risking your deposit!
Here’s everything you need to know about decorating your student room .
Why a Cosy Room Matters | Comfortable Dorm Room & University Bedroom Setup
Your room at uni is more than just a place to sleep—it’s your study zone, social hub, and relaxation retreat. A well-decorated room can:
- Improve your mood – A warm and inviting space can help combat homesickness and stress.
- Boost productivity – A well-organised and aesthetically pleasing space can make studying more enjoyable.
- Encourage socialising – A comfy and welcoming room is the perfect place to chill with your mates.
Now that you know why a nice room is a must-have, let’s dive into how to decorate it without getting on your landlord’s bad side!
Decorating Without Damaging Walls (And Losing Your Deposit!) | How to Decorate Student Accommodation Without Damaging Walls
Most student accommodations have strict rules about what you can and can’t do to decorate your room.
No one wants to be hit with a hefty fine for damaged walls! Here are some simple, non-destructive ways to personalise your space:
1. Use Command Hooks & Strips
Forget nails and Blu Tack—Command Strips are your best friend. They let you hang posters, fairy lights, and even lightweight shelves without leaving marks.
👉 Recommended Product: Command Picture Hanging Strips (Amazon UK)
2. Try Decorative Washi Tape
Washi tape is a stylish, damage-free way to decorate a wall by using your creativity. It adds a pop of colour while keeping your walls safe.
👉 Recommended Product: Washi Decorative Tape (Amazon UK)
3. Go Big on Fairy Lights & LED Strips
Fairy lights instantly make any room feel cosy. Opt for battery-operated fairy lights or LED strip lights with adhesive backs that won’t rip off paint.
👉 Recommended Product: LED Fairy Lights (Amazon UK)
4. Use a Pinboard or Photo Collage
Most halls provide a noticeboard—use it to pin up photos, to-do lists, or fun prints. If your room doesn’t have one, freestanding photo frames or a corkboard are great alternatives.
👉 Recommended Product: Cork Notice Board (Amazon UK)
5. Go for Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper or Decals
Removable wallpaper or wall decals are a game-changer. They add personality without causing damage when removed.
👉 Recommended Product: Retro Style Decorative Wallpaper Self-Adhesive (Amazon UK)
What’s Allowed in Student Accommodation? | Student Room Decoration Rules UK
Before you go all out, double-check your accommodation’s guidelines on room decoration. Here are some common dos and don’ts:
✅ Allowed:
- Command strips/hooks
- Fairy lights (battery-operated preferred)
- Posters (secured with washi tape)
- Small potted plants
- Rugs & throw blankets
❌ Not Allowed (Usually!):
- Candles & incense (fire hazard!)
- Painting or drilling into walls
- Large furniture replacements
- Heavy-duty adhesive or Blu Tack
Always check your uni’s website or accommodation handbook for specific rules!
Extra Touches to Make It Feel Like Home | Cheap Student Room Decoration
Besides wall décor, there are loads of other ways to decorate your student room and make your space feel personal and comfy:
1. Soft Furnishings for a Homely Vibe
Add cushions, throws, or a soft rug to make your room instantly cosier and welcoming!
👉 Recommended Product: Faux Fur Cushions Covers (Amazon UK)
2. Plants & Greenery
Even a small potted plant can make a huge difference! If you’re worried about maintenance, go for low-maintenance options like succulents or artificial plants.
👉 Recommended Product: Cute Artificial Potted Plants (Amazon UK)
3. Smart Storage Hacks
Uni rooms are small, so smart storage is a must! Under-bed storage boxes, over-the-door organisers, and foldable storage cubes keep your space tidy and stylish.
👉 Recommended Product: Rainbow Foldable Storage Boxes (Amazon UK)
4. Personal Touches
Add photos, souvenirs, and sentimental trinkets to make your space feel uniquely yours. A pinboard or string light photo clips work wonders.
👉 Recommended Product: Photo Clip String Lights (Amazon UK)
(Bonus paragraph) The Best Student Discount! 💸
Want to save money and enjoy exclusive perks? Unlock big savings with Amazon Prime Student, you can get 6 months FREE—and that’s just the beginning! Here’s what you’ll get with your free trial:
- 🚚 Free Next-Day Delivery on all your essentials—because who doesn’t love fast shipping?
- 🎬 Amazon Prime Video: Stream the latest films, TV shows, documentaries, and even live sports events.
- 🎶 Prime Music: Listen to ad-free music, playlists, and podcasts to stay focused while studying.
- 🎓 Student-Exclusive Offers: Get discounts on uni essentials, textbooks, and more.
And, if you love it (which you will), you can keep your Prime membership at half price until you graduate! 🎓
Ready to start? Follow this quick step-by-step guide to set up your Amazon Prime Student account:
- Visit the official Amazon Prime Student, landing page.
- Click on “Start Your 6-Month Trial” and then hit “Try Prime Student”.
- Sign in if you already have an account, or create one quickly.
- Enter your university email address (ending with .ac.uk).
- Provide your expected graduation year.
- Add your payment details (don’t worry, the first 6 months are totally FREE!).
- Verify your email (Amazon will send a confirmation to your uni address).
- Enjoy your Prime perks!
Don’t miss out on these incredible benefits—sign up today and get your free 6 months of Amazon Prime Student now!
Best Colour Schemes to Decorate a Student Room
Choosing the right colour scheme can make a big difference in how your student room feels. Here are some ideas:
- Calming Blues & Greens – Perfect for a relaxing and focused environment.
- Warm Neutrals (Beige, Cream, Soft Grey) – Make a small room feel bigger and cosier.
- Bright & Energetic Yellows or Oranges – Great for motivation and positivity.
- Pastel Tones (Sage Green, Blush Pink, Lavender) – Trendy, stylish, and soothing.
How To Decorate Your Student Room – Final Thoughts
Your student room should be a place where you feel comfortable, inspired, and at home. With a few clever tricks and budget-friendly décor, you can create a space that reflects your personality—without risking your deposit!
So, what are you waiting for? Get decorating and make your student room the ultimate cosy retreat!
We hope you found our guide to decorate your student room helpful. Want to see more? Check out our ad-hoc lists for various facets of university life!
- Student essentials, a day on campus 📝
- Student accommodation essentials, most useful & forgotten💡
- Study from home essentials, the simpler the better 🖥️
- Student kitchen essentials, self-catered accommodation & flats🥘
- Coolest gadgets for university students, innovative and useful 🎧
FAQ: Student Room Decoration – Common Questions
Most universities don’t allow painting, but peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great alternative.
Posters, fairy lights, rugs, bedding, and storage organisers are usually fine.
Lie we have outlined in the article, use neutral colours, matching bedding, framed prints, and good lighting.
Yes, as long as they are removable and do not damage the walls. Use adhesive-friendly LED strips.
Most halls allow battery-operated fairy lights, but mains-powered ones may be restricted due to fire safety concerns.
Most student halls do not allow large furniture replacements, but small items like storage cubes or a desk chair are usually fine.
Use photos, postcards, and DIY crafts. Rearranging furniture and using university-provided pinboards can also make a big difference.
Look for second-hand items on Facebook Marketplace, attend campus events, ask student communities and societies. Charity shops might also have cheap items you can use to decorate your student room for cheap.
Candles are usually not allowed due to fire hazards. Instead, try battery-powered LED candles or scented diffusers.
Use mirrors to reflect light, opt for light-coloured décor, and invest in space-saving storage solutions like under-bed boxes and wall-mounted shelves.
Use removable wall décor like peel-and-stick wallpaper, command hooks for hanging decorations, and soft furnishings like rugs and throws.