Settling into your own apartment is an exciting part of student life. You may arrive at your new home with high hopes, both for your academic journey and your social life. But when you first lay eyes on an empty apartment, you may feel somewhat less than inspired.
Drab colours and utilitarian features can make student apartments feel dull and institutional. The good news is that once you’ve checked on the rules, there are plenty of things you can do to make the space your own.
To get you started, we’ve put together a list of ideas on how to make an apartment cozy:
1. Think About Furniture Placement
Some student apartments are already luxuriously furnished, leaving you will little to buy in the way of large furniture. If you are allowed to move existing furniture around, think about ways to make your space feel more intimate. If possible, create small reading or workspaces that will feel like the perfect place to curl up with a book or your laptop.
2. Think About Apartment Wall Space
Your wall space is a great way on how to make an apartment cozy. Even if your apartment comes furnished and your decorating options feel limited, you can make the place feel your own with photos and other wall decorations. Be sure to check the rules of your building before you get to work—some buildings have strict rules about the use of nails, tape or other adhesives. Once you are ready to decorate, put up pictures, posters and decorations that make you happy.
3. Seek Out Cozy Lighting
Good lighting can be a game-changer. Whether you are trying to brighten a dark room or create a cozy, intimate space, you need to plan your lighting with purpose. To brighten a larger space, think about table or floor lamps. To create focus on a specific area, think about using spotlights or lamps with a dimmer switch. For a fun, cozy addition, drape strings of fairy lights or LED lights around the edge of your ceiling.
4. Spotlight Special Items
As exciting as it is to have your own student apartment, there will be times when you long for home. To help you feel connected to your family and friends, create visual cues in your new apartment. A favourite family photo, for example, might hang on its own, while other pictures can be clustered together. Think: photos of friends, your home, your pets or even favourite spots in your hometown. These visual touchpoints can be powerful as you adjust to your new life.
5. Invest in Cozy Storage
While student apartments often provide some form of storage, you will likely want to bring your own organizers in order to reduce clutter and make your space more personal. Consider cloth, under-the-bed drawers for easy storage of items you won’t use very often—perhaps first aid supplies, extra blankets or off-season clothing. Drawer and shelf organizers can also help you keep your clothing neatly put away.
6. Decorate Apartment with Plants
One of the easiest ways to make any space feel personal is to add your favourite plants. Be sure to give them access to daylight and have a good idea how often they need to be watered. Indoor plants will not only improve the air quality of your student apartment, but they will also help it feel just like home.
7. Use Your Own Bedding
Changing your bed is one of the simplest ways to make your student apartment feel cozy. As you pack for your new space, don’t forget to bring your own sheets, duvet cover, pillowcases and throw pillows. This piece of home will give you both the warmth you need and the comfort you crave.
8. Make Apartment Smell Nice
One of the first things you notice when you enter an apartment is the way it smells. Why not create the most inviting, pleasant smell possible? Whether you prefer candles or the scent of diffused essential oils, there are a number of ways to bring your favourite smells to your day-to-day life.
9. Don’t Forget Creature Comforts
When you think of must-haves for your student apartment, don’t forget a few creature comforts. Would your favourite mug or dishes from home help to make you feel more settled? Maybe having your favourite towels and bathmat would boost your overall sense of comfort. Whatever small treasures make you feel best, be sure to bring them with you to your new space.
If you have a student apartment and want to make it feel more like your own, there are a number of ways to boost the comfort factor of your place. From furniture placement to lighting, photos and bedding, be sure to make choices with your comfort and happiness in mind. We hope these ideas on how to make a student apartment cozy have inspired you to think about your new space in a fresh, happy way.
