Let’s be honest – one of the most exciting parts of moving to university is getting to decorate your own space! (right 😉)
Whether you’re a maximalist with five mood boards on the go or someone who just wants a room that feels calm and put-together, your student room is yours to shape. You’ll spend a lot of time here – studying, sleeping, socialising and chilling – so it’s worth making it feel like you.
Here’s how to do it without breaking the rules, or the bank!
Light It Up
Good lighting isn’t just a vibe – it’s a survival strategy. Swap harsh overhead glare for layered lighting that shifts with your day. Think: soft lamps for winding down, a clip-on reading light for late-night cram sessions, and battery-powered fairy lights to warm up the corners.
Bonus: most of these perch neatly on shelves or desks meaning no damage, no drama and no deposit issues!
Smart Storage
Storage doesn’t have to mean plastic boxes under the bed – especially not with Neo since most of our rooms have huge amounts of under bed storage! (trust us, this is exciting 😉).
- Use wardrobe shelves as aesthetic zones with organisers, folders, and even a mini pegboard hung neatly over the clothing rail inside.
- Stack colourful crates.
- Use woven baskets to hide wires, snacks, or the chaos you’re pretending doesn’t exist.
Plant Energy Only
There’s a reason you’ll see plants everywhere on Pinterest – they work.
Real or fake, greenery instantly softens your space and adds personality without needing a full redecoration. They soften the edges of your space, boost your mood, and even help you focus (science says so). No garden centre haul required – start small and grow your collection as you settle in.
🌿 Try:
- Dried eucalyptus or pampas for zero maintenance
- Spider plants (hard to kill)
- Aloe (low effort, high reward)
Wall Decor, Without The Damage
Your walls may be off-limits for nails, but that doesn’t mean they need to stay empty.
Your pinboard is prime real estate – so treat it like a mood board. Layer postcards, prints, photos, magazine cuttings, or full-on collages. Use mini pegs on string to hang lightweight polaroids or photo booth strips from memorable days and nights out!
The Personal Edit
Forget trends. The things that matter most in your space are the ones that actually mean something. A photo booth strip from a messy night out. The chipped mug you always reach for. That one playlist that gets you through late-night deadlines.
Pin it, stack it, leave it out. If it makes you feel at home, it belongs.
Use Colour Like You Mean It
The furniture’s fixed. The vibe isn’t.
Lean on cushions, rugs, duvet sets and wall hangings to set the tone – whether that’s bold and bright or calm and low-key. Even your towel on the door hook can tie the space together.
It’s not about matching. It’s about making it make sense for you.
Neo’s Pinterest Picks
We’ve rounded up our favourite inspo on the Neo Students Pinterest board – from minimalist setups to DIY touches, these ideas are all achievable and deposit-friendly. You’ll find smart storage hacks, real student rooms, and fun extras (yes, even a disco ball moment).
Get a head start with the basics.
Moving in can be a whirlwind of bedding dilemmas, kitchen kits and last-minute dashes for toilet roll. That is where the Neo Shop comes in handy – think of it as your unpacking MVP.
It is not just about ticking off a list of items. You can bundle up the things you will actually use – comfy bedding, breakfast mugs and more – and have them delivered straight to your new home with Neo Students. No need to travel across the country with more than you need. It is practical, smart and budget friendly.
Treat this as your starter layer. Think basics now, add personality later. Sort the essentials, then let your space grow into something that feels like home.
Bottom line?
You don’t need to spend your first loan instalment to feel at home.
- Start small.
- Build layer by layer. And…
- Trust that your version of ‘home’ is the only one that matters.
