How to Get Your Student Accommodation Ready for Autumn and Halloween

Autumn has arrived, bringing with it crisp air, vibrant leaves, and the excitement of Halloween just around the corner. 

If you’re a student living away from home, now is the perfect time to transform your accommodation into a cosy autumn haven without stretching your budget. 

Whether you want to embrace the warmth of the season or get into the spooky Halloween spirit, this guide will help you decorate your space, plan fun activities with your housemates, and whip up seasonal treats that are both affordable and delightful.

Creating an Autumn Vibe on a Budget

Creating an autumn-inspired atmosphere in your student accommodation doesn’t need to be expensive. With a bit of creativity and a few inexpensive items, you can easily achieve a warm and welcoming vibe. 

One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by focusing on lighting. Instead of relying on harsh overhead lights, opt for softer alternatives like fairy lights or battery-powered LED candles. 

These small, twinkling lights add instant cosiness and are affordable enough to fit a student budget. Scatter them around your room or drape them across shelves to create a gentle, comforting glow.

If you’re feeling crafty, a DIY autumn wreath is a fun way to bring nature indoors. Take a stroll through your local park and collect twigs, fallen leaves, pine cones, and berries. With a little bit of string or glue, you can fashion these natural elements into a wreath that can be hung on your door or above your bed. 

This project is not only inexpensive but also adds a personal touch to your autumn decor. Additionally, bringing in seasonal colours like burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep reds through throws and cushions can instantly warm up your space. 

What’s more, charity shops or second-hand platforms like Depop are great places to find budget-friendly options if you want to switch things up without buying new items.

No autumn look is complete without pumpkins. While they are traditionally associated with Halloween, pumpkins can be a decorative staple throughout the season. Mini pumpkins can be placed on windowsills, shelves, or tables, bringing that unmistakable autumn charm into your room. 

If you want to go a step further, why not paint your pumpkins? This allows you to add a personalised, artistic touch without spending extra money.

Autumnal Activities with Your Housemates

Of course, decorating your space is only part of the autumn experience. The season also brings plenty of opportunities to spend quality time with your housemates and get into the festive spirit. 

One popular activity is hosting a pumpkin carving party. Grab some pumpkins from your local market and challenge your friends to a carving competition. Whether you aim for the funniest face, the spookiest design, or the most creative carving, it’s a fun way to bond, and you can even roast the leftover seeds as a tasty snack afterward.

For those looking to keep the Halloween theme going, why not organise a movie night? Set up your living room with blankets and cushions, dim the lights, and put on a mix of classic horror films and fun Halloween-themed comedies. 

It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day of studying, and you can add to the experience by making your own snacks – more on that later.

If horror movies aren’t your thing, don’t worry. Sometimes, the simplest autumn activities are the most satisfying. Take a break from your coursework and head outside for a refreshing autumn walk. Whether you live near a park or a more urban area, the cool, crisp air and changing leaves offer a welcome change of pace. 

Afterward, gather back in your accommodation with your housemates for a mug of hot chocolate or spiced tea. This little tradition can become a weekly ritual, helping everyone relax and appreciate the season.

Halloween is also the perfect excuse to get creative with costumes, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to dress up. Challenge your housemates to come up with the best DIY costumes using items you already have at home. 

Thrifted clothes, old bedsheets, or even repurposed festival outfits can easily be transformed into spooky costumes. It’s a great way to save money while still having fun, and you’ll avoid spending on overpriced store-bought outfits.

Seasonal Meals and Drinks to Warm You Up

No autumn celebration is complete without some comforting, seasonal meals and drinks. After carving pumpkins, don’t let the leftover pumpkin flesh go to waste – turn it into a hearty pumpkin soup. 

With just a few simple ingredients like onions, garlic, vegetable stock, and a sprinkle of autumn spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, you can create a filling, warming dish perfect for those chilly evenings. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.

When it comes to dessert, nothing beats a classic apple crumble. Apples are often on offer at supermarkets during the autumn months, making this a cost-effective treat. Toss your apples in a bit of sugar and cinnamon, top them with a simple crumble mixture of flour, butter, and sugar, and bake until golden. The sweet, spiced aroma will fill your kitchen, and serving it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or custard will make it an instant crowd-pleaser among your housemates.

For those chilly evenings when you just want to curl up with a warm drink, try making hot spiced cider. All you need is some apple cider (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version), along with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a few slices of orange. 

Warm it up on the stove, and your whole accommodation will smell like autumn. This drink is perfect for a cosy evening in, whether you’re watching a movie, reading a book, or chatting with friends.

Lastly, if you’re hosting a movie night or simply want to snack while studying, consider putting together an autumn-themed snack board. Seasonal favourites like caramel apples, roasted pumpkin seeds, and cinnamon-spiced popcorn are easy to make and perfect for sharing. 

Add some dark chocolate or biscuits, and you’ve got a spread that’s delicious, festive, and student-budget-friendly.

Embrace the Cosy Spirit of Autumn

In the end, embracing autumn is all about creating an environment that feels warm, inviting, and cosy. 

Whether it’s through decorating your space with pumpkins and fairy lights, spending quality time with your housemates, or enjoying a bowl of homemade soup, the season offers plenty of opportunities to feel connected and relaxed.

So go ahead – light those candles, carve those pumpkins, and embrace the spirit of autumn in your student accommodation. This is your time to make memories, and with a little creativity, you can do it all without breaking the bank. Happy autumn!