The beginning of the school year is just around the corner. If this is your first time moving away from home, packing up your life into no more than a few boxes can be daunting to say the least. However, often a touch of the familiar is all that’s needed to help you feel comfortable in a new place. With so many new and exciting challenges up ahead, it’s important that you have a cozy bedroom that you can relax and de-stress in. Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to make your new room feel like home.

1. Make it cozy.

If you’re going to focus on anything, it should be your bed. To make your bed extra inviting after a long day, dress up a plain bed frame and add some personality. A mattress topper, bright throw, and an abundance of cushions are all great additions to any bed that help provide maximum comfort. Provided you wash the sheets it will be just like getting into your bed at home! Rugs are also a great way to spruce up dull flooring and add color to your room. With contrasting patterns and layering textiles, rugs bring a fun, modern look to any room.

2. Add plants. Everywhere.

You can never have too many plants! Flowers and greenery are an easy way to bring life and color into your room, and with such a range of houseplants to choose from you can get really experimental. If you’re simply not the gardening type, try adding a few cacti, succulents or rubber plants around the room that you won’t have to worry about keeping alive!

3. Decorate the walls.

Personal photos, wall décor and your favorite art pieces will instantly make a space feel more your own. Plus, displaying photos of your fondest memories will serve as a great conversation starter with new friends.

Contrary to popular belief, art doesn’t have to be expensive. Many galleries sell prints and posters of your favorite movie posters, book covers and art pieces online for great prices. With a couple of picture hanging strips you can frame these without damaging the wall or poster.

4. Separate your work area.

Apart from a comfy bed, a neat and organized study space should be your top priority. Make sure to allocate a corner of your new room specifically for study, even if it means leaving something out something else that you’d like to bring into the space. Purchase a wall calendar, desk organizer and some folders so that no matter how messy your room gets, you will always have a clean space to work in. You can check out our handy guide on how to create an ideal study space here.

5. Invest in good lighting!

Mood lighting is paramount when it comes to transforming a room. Dim overhead lights and desk lamps just don’t quite get the job done when it comes to creating a tranquil and relaxing sanctuary. Try to have three light sources if possible, and don’t be afraid to get creative with string lights, floor lamps and even old school Lava Lamps.

A great room can improve your mood and productivity, and make moving away from home a much easier experience. Here at Stargate West we have off-campus student accommodation ideally located near the University of Arizona. With luxury resort-style amenities and large spacious bedrooms, click here to find out more about our student accommodation.