Student digs - space saving ideas!
Prepared for you by Kelly Hammond, the nice work experience person – currently in her final year at Leeds Met uni.
Be warned…. Halls of Residence are not the most spacious of places, so here are a few tips on how to make the most of it!
Storage Boxes
The strong cardboard ones are ideal as they are cheap and come in different designs. They’re ideal for storing uni work, CDs and DVDs and other general stuff. It’s likely they’ll fit on top of your wardrobe, giving you more floor space. You can also get long thin ones that are ideal to slot under your bed.
Coathangers
Get ones you can hang both tops and trousers on, that way you can save space in your wardrobe.
Door Hanger
This hooks over the top of the door and provides several pegs, it’s ideal to hang jackets and bags from
Get a laundry basket!
Your room is guaranteed to look far better if it isn’t carpeted with your dirty clothes! You can also get hanging laundry bags, which will fit perfectly on your door hanger.
Hanging shoe/clothing shelves
Attach one to your hanging rail in the wardrobe and create instant shelving.
Kitchen Utensils
Don’t be tempted to buy loads of plates/bowls/knives/forks/glasses and cups, etc.: it’ll only lead to a mountain of washing up. Fewer means that you will have to wash your stuff before you can use it again, and avoid cluttering up the shared kitchen – always handy karma.
Technology
We’re all for retro here at etc… but please do not accept the offer of your Nan’s 15-year-old big bulky TV, the halls of residence staff will not be able to remove the window for you to get your telly in the room! If you must take one, keep it small.
Computers
If you can, take a laptop – they need less space and are always a bonus to take into uni with you. Getting access to a computer in the library is not always guaranteed. [Make sure you get your laptop insured!]
Old School
Instead of using A4 notebooks try the exercise books you used to use at school. Have one for each module. Not only does this less to carry, it keeps all your notes for each subject together. (And you can see if your doodling skills have improved since school.)
Other Tips
Mirrors and lighting are very important in giving the illusion of a larger space. Mirrors do this best when placed near a window. Avoid having a dark light shade around your light bulb, too: the more light, and natural light, the better.
If your carpet is dark invest in a light coloured rug. Cream is usually a safe option (unless you’re going to be drinking a lot of red wine), neutral colours work best in a small space.
Try to keep surfaces clutter-free. With less clutter the space will feel a lot more open. Yes, we’re telling you to tidy your room. You’ll thank us in the long run.
Happy habiting!
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