Photo: Nicola Holtkamp/ Flickr.
Photo: Nicola Holtkamp/ Flickr.

Whether you simply want to make your uni pad more homely or revamp your bare walls entirely (without getting fined in the process!) have no fear – we’ve put together an essential guide that will get you DIY-ing in no time!
Photographs

Photo: Daniel Pietzsch/ Flickr.
Photo: Daniel Pietzsch/ Flickr.

From your beloved pet to your friends and family, photos are an inexpensive idea that can spruce up your room in no time. They can also be a great ice-breaker when it comes to talking about your memories and experiences with your new flat/housemates.

Photos serve as reminders that your family and friends are only a phone call away and, let’s face it, your new pals might even make it onto your wall throughout the year so keep your selfie skills intact and keep the blu-tack at hand!

Photos don’t just have to go on your wall. If you’re wanting to get a bit more creative, simply invest in some string so that photos can be pegged all around your room.

Bedding/cushions

Photo: Crazy House Capers/ Flickr.
Photo: Crazy House Capers/ Flickr.

Your bedding is a main staple piece that allows you to express yourself through colour and patterns, and it’s definitely something you’ll be thankful for when you’re coming in from a night out.

Before you contemplate bringing your beloved ‘Groovy Chic’ duvet set (save that for the second semester at least), invest in some reversible bed sheets. This way you can alternate – giving you different styles for your room. Primark is a good place to find cheap, reversible bedding, with duvet sets ranging from £9-12.

Like your bedding, cushions work as great decorations with so many styles to choose from. If you don’t want to spend lots of money, why not try making your own? They’re affordable to create and can make your room more personal.

If sewing isn’t your thing, you could try and personalise your own cushion cover. This can be done at many printing/photo shops in store or online for around £10.

Plants

Photo: apicturebookmind/ Flickr.
Photo: apicturebookmind/ Flickr.

If it’s the modern/chic look you’re going for then look no further as the Cactus is the answer to your prayers. The Cactus is one of those plants that you don’t have to worry about drowning or killing if you’re one of those people that can’t keep plants alive for more than five minutes.

Equally these Succulents (pictured above) look good and can add personality and character to a room . Artificial plants also work just as well and can be brought for as little as 50p.

Accessories

Photo: letavua/ Flickr.
Photo: letavua/ Flickr.

Candles are great for reminding you of certain smells and memories, however in the unlikely event that you end up burning your house/flat down, I suggest you hold fire – no pun intended!

Instead, incense sticks work just as well. Room sprays can also be really nice when it comes to hiding the smell of last night’s takeaway from your parents when they come to visit!

In terms of other accessories, why not add some bunting to your room? It makes a great decorative accessory and can be purchased in almost any colour or pattern.

Lighting

Photo: Amy Bradley/ Flickr.
Photo: Amy Bradley/ Flickr.

Lighting can be really important when it comes to making a room your own. It can transform your box room – as most halls are these days – into ‘boudoir heaven’. Fairy lights are a popular and perfect choice for those cosy winter nights in!

Mirrors

Photo: Antonio Janeski/ Flickr.
Photo: Antonio Janeski/ Flickr.

If there’s one thing a room needs it’s a mirror! Mirrors can make your room seem bigger and brighter and can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They can be placed almost anywhere in your room and, let’s face it, are essential to make sure you look right as rain for all of those early uni mornings!

Have you created your dream uni room? Or maybe you’ve found inspiration somewhere that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments, or by tweeting us at @TheLinc.