Latest Posts

Getting Your Student Accommodation Ready for the Festive Season

The festive season is a time of joy, togetherness, and cosy evenings. For students, it’s also an opportunity to transform often plain and practical accommodation into a warm, inviting space that reflects the holiday spirit. 

Decorating your accommodation doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, and with a bit of creativity, you can create a festive atmosphere that brings cheer to you and your housemates without causing any damage to the property.

Decorating on a Budget

As a student, managing expenses is a constant challenge, but that doesn’t mean your festive decorations have to suffer. 

By shopping smart and thinking creatively, you can give your accommodation a holiday makeover without spending much. Discount stores, charity shops, and even local pound shops offer a range of affordable Christmas decorations, from fairy lights to ornaments. 

Planning ahead and keeping an eye out for sales or seasonal promotions can also save you money.

Repurposing items you already own is another great way to stay within budget. Fairy lights from your bedroom can be moved into the communal living space, while unused wrapping paper can be folded into decorative shapes or wrapped around everyday items like books or boxes to add a festive touch. 

Making your own decorations is both cost-effective and rewarding. Paper snowflakes, hand-painted baubles, or garlands made from recycled materials are easy to create and add a personal touch to your decor.

Setting a Festive Theme

Choosing a cohesive theme is a simple way to make your decorations look well-planned and stylish. Classic Christmas themes, with their rich reds, greens, and golds, evoke a timeless and traditional holiday feel. 

Adding a small tree, stockings, and a wreath can complete this look.

For a more modern take, minimalist winter themes are a great option. These focus on whites, silvers, and pastel tones, using simple decorations like string lights and paper stars to create a calm, wintry aesthetic. 

Alternatively, a rustic cabin theme with warm, earthy tones and natural materials like pinecones and twigs can bring a cosy, hygge-inspired atmosphere to your accommodation. If you prefer something bold and playful, vibrant colour schemes incorporating pinks, blues, or neon shades can make your space feel fun and full of life.

Embracing the Latest Trends

Staying on trend can add an extra edge to your festive decorations. This year, emerald green paired with gold is making waves for its luxurious yet natural vibe. Burgundy tones are also popular, creating warmth and richness. 

For a more contemporary feel, blush pink and champagne colours offer a chic alternative, while cool blues and silvers bring the magic of a frosty winter wonderland into your home. 

Whatever palette you choose, blending trending colours with budget-friendly pieces ensures your decorations remain stylish and affordable.

DIY Decorations for a Personal Touch

Homemade decorations not only save money but also bring a sense of individuality to your festive setup. 

Paper snowflakes are a classic and easy option. Simply fold and cut plain paper into intricate designs, then hang them in your windows or around the room. Mason jars can be turned into charming lanterns by filling them with fairy lights or tea candles and adding festive touches like cinnamon sticks or pine sprigs.

Garlands made from popcorn or dried orange slices are not only budget-friendly but also biodegradable. If you have old or plain baubles lying around, consider upcycling them with a bit of paint or glitter to fit your chosen colour scheme. 

For a personal touch, decorate plain stockings with fabric paint, felt, or glitter to create something unique for each housemate.

Decorating Without Damage

Since most student accommodations are rented, it’s essential to avoid causing any permanent changes to the property while decorating. 

Command hooks and adhesive strips are perfect for hanging decorations like wreaths, lights, or garlands without leaving marks. Washi tape is a great option for attaching lightweight decorations to walls or doors, as it’s colourful, festive, and easy to remove.

For windows, removable clings are a fun way to add holiday cheer without creating any mess. Over-the-door hooks are ideal for hanging decorations like stockings or wreaths on doors, while reusable adhesive putty can secure lightweight items to surfaces. 

By using these damage-free solutions, you can enjoy a festive space without worrying about your deposit.

Creating a Festive Atmosphere

Decorations set the stage, but it’s the atmosphere that brings the festive spirit to life. Adding seasonal scents to your accommodation can immediately evoke the holidays. 

Scented candles with notes of cinnamon, pine, or vanilla are an excellent choice, but if candles aren’t allowed, consider using reed diffusers or making a simmer pot with cloves, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks.

Music is another essential element of the festive atmosphere. Curate a playlist of Christmas classics or your favourite holiday tunes to play softly in the background. 

Creating a cosy corner with a comfortable chair, a soft blanket, and a string of lights can serve as the perfect spot to unwind with a cup of hot chocolate or wrap presents.

Making the Most of Small Spaces

Student accommodation is often compact, but you can still create a big impact with a few thoughtful changes. 

Instead of spreading decorations throughout the entire space, focus on one or two central areas, such as the living room or kitchen. Opt for space-saving decorations like miniature Christmas trees, wall-mounted ornaments, or hanging garlands to maximise the festive feel without crowding the space.

If you share your accommodation, decorating communal areas can help bring everyone together. Encourage housemates to contribute their own ideas or decorations for a collaborative holiday setup. 

This shared effort not only creates a warm and welcoming environment but also strengthens your sense of community.

Hosting for the Holidays

If you’re planning a festive gathering, adding a few extra touches can make your space feel even more special. 

A simple yet elegant table setting with a festive tablecloth, candles, and a small centrepiece can set the tone for your event. A bowl of baubles or a vase filled with holly or twigs can make for a beautiful, low-cost centrepiece.

Offer easy and budget-friendly snacks like mince pies, gingerbread, or a hot chocolate station with toppings like whipped cream and marshmallows. 

What’s more, to make the gathering memorable, consider organising activities such as decorating cookies, watching holiday films, or hosting a Secret Santa exchange.

Conclusion

Getting your student accommodation ready for the festive season is a fun and rewarding experience. 

With careful planning, creativity, and a focus on affordable and damage-free solutions, you can create a space that radiates holiday cheer. Whether you’re decorating for yourself, your housemates, or a gathering of friends, the effort you put into transforming your space will add to the magic of the season.

This year, make your accommodation a cosy and inviting retreat, perfect for celebrating, relaxing, and creating memories that will last long after the holidays are over.