Easy, affordable ways to make your room feel like home

Moving into your LSE halls is exciting, but staring at those bare walls can feel a bit uninspiring. The good news? You don't need a huge budget or an interior design degree to transform your room into a space that truly feels like your own 💛. Here's how to make your student room feel like home without breaking the bank (or your tenancy agreement).

Let There Be Light (The Right Kind) 💡

We've all been there- that harsh overhead light that makes your room feel more like a hospital than a cosy retreat. The quickest way to transform your space? Sort out your lighting.

Fairy lights are a student room staple for a reason. Drape them along your headboard or across a wall to instantly create a more relaxed atmosphere. They're perfect for those late-night study sessions when you need ambient lighting, or when you're just hanging out with friends. Make sure to check hall restrictions on certain types, just in case!

If you're serious about studying (and let's face it, you're at LSE, so you probably are), invest in a good desk lamp. Your eyes will thank you during those library-alternative sessions in your room. Look for one with adjustable brightness- you'll want different lighting for reading dense economic theory versus scrolling through lecture slides.

Wall Decor Without the Damage 🖼️

Here's the golden rule for halls: no nails, no Blu-Tack, no regrets. Damaging walls can cost you your deposit, but that doesn't mean you're stuck with blank walls until June.

Command strips are your best friend. They hold surprisingly well and come off cleanly when you move out. Use them for:

• Posters of your favourite films, bands, or that inspirational quote that gets you through essay deadlines
• Art prints from local markets or printed from free online resources
• A lightweight tapestry as a statement piece behind your bed

Comfort is Key 🛋️

Your room isn't just where you sleep- it's where you'll study, decompress after lectures, video call home, and probably eat more meals than you'd like to admit. Make it comfortable.

A throw blanket is possibly the easiest way to inject personality into a standard room. Drape it over your desk chair or the end of your bed for instant cosiness. It's also practical for those moments when the hall’s heating has... opinions... about whether you need warmth or not. 

An area rug might seem like a luxury, but hear me out. Hall floors can be cold, especially in winter, and a small rug beside your bed or under your desk makes your space feel infinitely more homey. 

Personal Touches That Matter 🌿📸

This is where your room goes from "generic student accommodation" to "actually my space." Your future self, homesick at 2 am during reading week, will thank you.

Plants are brilliant for this. Even if you're convinced you have a black thumb, there are near-indestructible options like pothos, snake plants, or succulents that can survive student life. A bit of greenery makes your room feel more alive and can genuinely improve your mood. Bonus: plants are great conversation starters when flatmates pop by.

Photo prints are essential. Print out photos of home, your friends, your favourite London adventures- that time you finally made it to Camden Market, your flatmates at a hall event, or that perfect sunset view from Waterloo Bridge. These visual reminders of good times and people you love make even the toughest deadline week more bearable.

Budget Shopping Like a Pro 💸

You're on a student budget- we get it. Here's where to find affordable decor:

Charity shops are goldmines and you'd be surprised what you can find- vintage prints, unique mugs, barely-used organisers, even the occasional designer homeware piece. Primark Home, Dunelm or H&M Home are your go-to for basics, and the quality is decent for the price.

IKEA's small items section (particularly the marketplace at the entrance/exit) is full of organisational solutions and decor pieces under £5.  Facebook Marketplace and LSE student groups are treasure troves, especially at the end of each term when students are moving out. One person's "I'm graduating and can't take this home" is your perfect desk or floor lamp. 

Your room is your sanctuary for the year- the place you'll celebrate good grades, recover from tough days, and build the kind of late-night memories that make university unforgettable. It doesn't take much to make it feel like home 🏡. A few thoughtful touches, some strategic shopping, and a bit of creativity can transform even the most basic hall room into a space you're genuinely excited to come back to.