Moving to a new home has two sides. One is the stressful side, with many details to worry about, fear of the new, and changes. The other is the exciting side, with the new life that opens up, new experiences, and opportunities – especially for students who are moving away from home to start their university journey. At first, the new residence may feel strange and cause homesickness, so it’s very important to turn your place into a home to help with the adjustment to life away from home, providing you with comfort and a sense of belonging.
Transforming your student housing into a space that reflects your personality is an important step toward feeling at home. Decorate with items that represent your tastes and interests, like movie posters, band posters, or artwork you admire, books you love or that hold special meaning for you, and objects that bring memories, such as souvenirs from trips, decorative pieces, or gifts from friends and family.
As I enjoy cooking, I added my touch to the kitchen with utensils, spices, and accessories that help me with my hobby. If you’re a plant lover, there are countless options that can bring coziness and beauty to your home! If you love reading, perhaps investing in a small bookshelf or shelf, or even creating a reading nook with lighting and a comfy chair, could be a good idea! A coffee/tea corner is perfect for those who enjoy hosting friends and relaxing moments (I created this space in my house and it’s great!). With a selection of coffee, tea, and snacks, this space becomes the ideal spot for breakfast or a quick snack, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for your guests – and especially for you!
Sometimes the ideal furniture may not be accessible, but you can start with alternatives that are more viable. For example, maybe buying a specific sofa isn’t possible financially or due to space constraints, but you can start with a chair, pouf, or cushion. Instead of a bookshelf, niches and shelves are a cheaper and more efficient alternative. A great tip is to visit second-hand stores occasionally and look for items on marketplace groups too! There are always hidden treasures and cool items you can buy for a fraction of the cost – these are opportunities to enhance your home while saving money! The idea is that you don’t need to spend a lot, but rather use your creativity and available opportunities! There are plenty of inspirations you can find on the internet, on websites, videos, and Facebook groups, for example.
Staying connected to your roots also strengthens the sense of belonging. This includes hanging up some special photos of important moments and people. I have pictures of my family and friends in my house and in my office, so I’m always connected with them! Place items that bring back good memories and make you smile whenever you look at them. Additionally, an important idea is to cook dishes that remind you of home and keep cultural or family traditions – all of this creates emotional comfort. Music is also important – create playlists of songs that take you back to the good times.
I’ll also make sure to gather my friends, share experiences, and build new bonds! I can cook together, have movie or game nights, watch TV, or simply chat. Video calls with my loved ones will help me feel connected and warm, even when I’m far from home.