Now that you’ve chosen where to stay at university, you can look forward to making the space your own. When you arrive in your Unite Students uni room, you’ll find everything you need to work, rest, and sleep.
There are certain rules you’ll have to follow when looking at uni room décor ideas, especially if you live in halls. And you’ll likely need to make the most of a smaller storage space – and budget. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative.
Whether you’re a fresher or a returning student, having the room to thrive is important – and that starts with adding some home comforts. Make your new room feel like home on a budget with our uni room décor guide.
Posters, plants, bedding, and lighting are the most common uni room décor ideas.
Under-bed boxes and wall organisers are the best storage ideas for small rooms.
Always consider accommodation rules to prevent damage fees.
In this guide:
Budget uni room décor ideas to personalise your space
Whatever vibe you’re going for, you can achieve it with just a few minor changes. Hanging up posters or laying down a stylish rug are small yet effective ways to personalise your space. Best of all, it won’t break the bank! Here are some unique uni room décor ideas you can incorporate from day one.
But first, watch the video below to see how Ruby decorated her uni room to make it her own.
Pictures, posters and art
Bare walls can make any room feel empty, but you could easily fix this with some pictures and wall art. Command hooks are great for hanging frames without damaging the wall. If you’re a fan of collages, most Unite Students bedrooms come equipped with a pinboard that you can use to display your favourite pics.
Indoor plants
Houseplants immediately make your room look and feel more homely. Certain species, like spider plants, can clear toxins from the air and lift your mood – they’re also a little harder to kill! If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant, cacti only need watering once every couple of months, and they’re often quite cheap. Meanwhile, peace lilies don’t need much light or require watering very often.
Bedding
For some of us, our bed is our haven – and bedding is a great, easy uni room design idea that can help personalise your space. Treat yourself to something vibrant and colourful to match your room’s theme, or cosy and warm for winter nights. You could even add a few throw pillows or cushions and a fleecy blanket for extra comfort and style.
Perfect lighting
Jazz up your room with some atmospheric lighting to make it feel warmer and more inviting. Fairy lights are cheap and pretty, and you can string them almost anywhere without leaving marks on the walls – remember to use removable hanging strips or hooks. A good desk or bedside lamp could add a comforting mood to the space, for those who want to avoid the ‘big light’. Don’t use candles and wax burners, as these are a fire risk.
Diffusers and sprays
You can also make your uni room feel homelier by changing the way it smells. Mix it up with reed diffusers, plug-in diffusers and mist sprays so you can change the aroma depending on your mood. Maybe a baking cookie scent for when you want to be reminded of home, lavender for a good night’s sleep, and lime and mint for times when you want to be productive.
Remember, you can’t use candles, wax burners or incense in your uni room – or anything that requires an open flame!
Mirrors
We all know that mirrors are useful when getting ready, but they’re also a nifty uni room décor idea that can add extra depth and light. Strategically place a couple of mirrors in your room to give the illusion of more space. They also reflect light, which can make your bedroom feel brighter and warmer. Try browsing some charity and antiques shops for the perfect mirror!
Ornaments and trinkets
While you don’t want to overpack, make some space for a few trinkets or ornaments that remind you of good times. They might help if you’re feeling a bit homesick. These could be souvenirs from a holiday or a cherished childhood keepsake. Adding these trinkets also lets your personality shine through and helps make the room your own.
Rugs and mats
Rugs are a great idea for your uni room, helping to add a splash of colour without breaking any rules or leaving any marks. They’re also useful for dividing the space in a studio apartment or single room – so you could have a dedicated area for study and another for relaxation. Check out the local charity shops or online marketplaces for some great deals.
Crafty decorations
If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a little bit crafty, the early months of uni are a great time to explore your creativity. Not only can you make fab, cheap uni room décor, but you could join a crafting society to keep you motivated with your project and make new friends.
You don’t have to get too technical, although it’s always good to learn a new skill at uni. DIY décor ideas can range from a photo collage to a macrame wall hanging, bunting made from recycled materials, or even a knitted or crocheted blanket for your bed.
Have you decorated your uni room and want to show it off? Share it on TikTok with #UniteStudents.
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Turn your university room decoration ideas into a reality.Best budget storage ideas for small spaces
Uni rooms will normally have everything you need. But they’re often compact – so good, smart storage is essential. Here are some of the best storage ideas for small rooms to maximise your space. You can pick most of these up for cheap online or at flat-pack furniture stores.
Under-bed storage boxes. Store out-of-season clothes or extra bedding in under-bed storage boxes or rolling bins. Make sure they’re sealable to prevent your items from getting dusty.
Over-door hooks. Hang clothes, bags, and other accessories on single- or multi-prong hooks. If it doesn’t fit over the door, try command hooks instead.
Hanging wardrobe organisers. Use hanging organisers to maximise the vertical space in your wardrobe. You can store clothes, shoes, or accessories.
Stackable storage boxes. Clear plastic boxes can store clothes and other accessories. Make sure they’re lidded for easy stacking and durable enough to protect your items.
Pegboards or wall organisers. Turn your blank walls into functional storage for accessories or study equipment. Use a heavy-duty command strip or adhesive spacers for security.
Open clothes rails. Increase storage for your clothes with an open clothes rail. Arrange your clothing by type and use thin velvet hangers to save even more space.
University room décor tips: Buying on a budget
Affordable uni room décor items like rugs or small accessories can quickly make your space feel cosier without spending too much. Here are some ways you can decorate on a budget.
Shop second-hand or charity shops. Charity shops and marketplaces offer furniture, artwork and trinkets that can add character to a space without going over budget.
Print your own posters. Printing custom posters is an affordable way to personalise your space. Choose any size and design and visit your local print shop – or print at home.
Reuse decor from home. Repurposing décor from your home can transform your uni room for free. Think familiar items like cushions, posters, photos, and bedding.
DIY decoration. Affordable, creative projects like faux plants, fairy lights, or even using string and pegs to hang photos can create a cosy, personalised space.
Inexpensive textiles. Rugs, cushions, throws and other budget-friendly textiles can add colour and comfort to your space.
Practical uni room décor tips
Decorating your uni room can be an exciting project, but you’ll want to be responsible and avoid any damage charges. Before you start planning your dream uni room decor, here are some things to think about:
Accommodation rules. Avoid things that can cause damage, such as nails, pins, paint, or screws. Adhesive putty can also leave marks or stains, so it’s best to avoid it.
Removable hooks or adhesive strips. Always use damage-free adhesive strips or damage-free hooks for hanging posters, art, or decorations.
Limited storage space. Maximise your space with hanging organisers or under-bed storage. Over-door hooks could cause damage if they aren’t the right size.
Shared accommodation considerations. Incorporate your personal style with actions that aren’t permanent. Always be mindful of space and keep communal areas tidy.
Safety and regulations. Candles, wax burners and incense are seen as a serious fire hazard and should be avoided at all times. Use safe, approved extension leads and try not to overload sockets.
What’s not allowed when decorating my uni room?🙅
There are some things you’re not allowed to do when decorating your uni room. Things that could cause damage or leave a permanent mark mean extra work for us at the end of your tenancy. Some decorations are also prohibited for safety reasons.
While the rules may be slightly different in different types of accommodation, typically you should avoid:
Making holes in the wall with nails, pins or screws
Painting walls, ceilings or furniture
Burning candles, incense or wax burners
Blocking fire doors or propping them open.
Check with your accommodation provider or landlord for any additional rules before you make any changes, just to be sure. If you leave a mark or cause any damage to the room, you could be charged a fee for repairs.
With that in mind, there’s nothing to stop you adding personal touches to your room, so long as they’re not permanent. So, figure out how to decorate a uni room without causing damage or leaving lasting marks, and you’re onto a winner.
Can you put posters up in uni accommodation?
Yes, you can put posters up in your uni accommodation, but you can’t use anything that will leave a mark. For example, instead of using screws, pins or adhesive putty, use removable strips and hooks that won’t mark the wall. As long as you don’t leave holes or stains, go poster mad!
Uni room décor ideas: FAQs
How can I decorate my uni room cheaply?
You can decorate your uni room on a budget by shopping at charity shops, repurposing items from home, or getting creative with DIY decor. Some other methods include:
Using fairy lights, LED strips, or a small desk lamp for lighting
Printing your own posters and photos to personalise the space
Using second-hand items and soft furnishings for colour and warmth.
What can I use to decorate uni walls without damaging them?
Adhesive strips and hooks can help you decorate your uni walls without causing damage. They’re great for hanging frames, mirrors, and canvases without nails or pins. Washi tape is ideal for posters and photos, while over-door organisers can be useful for storing extra clothes, accessories and other items.
How do you decorate a small university room?
You can maximise your uni room space with wall organisers, over-door hooks, and other multi-purpose furniture. Soft furnishings such as throw pillows and rugs can add comfort and personality without taking up too much space. Placing a full-length mirror or smaller mirrors on walls to reflect the light can also create the illusion of a larger, brighter room.
What are the best storage ideas for small rooms?
Wall organisers, under-bed boxes and stackable storage are some of the best options for storage in small rooms. You can install hooks or pegboards to hold bags, accessories and clothes, or choose multi-functional furniture, such as an ottoman, for even more storage. Consider using the back of doors for hanging organisers or storage pockets.
How do you make a uni room cosier?
To make things a little cosier and more homely, try perfecting the lighting in your room. Use warm lighting, lamps and fairy lights rather than the main ‘big light’. Personal trinkets and ornaments can also help it feel more like home, as can putting up some art and photos. Warm-coloured uni room décor like bedding, blankets and cushions could also help!
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Turn your university room decoration ideas into a reality.