5 simple ways to turn your student room into a calm space

Winter at UAL halls is the perfect time to turn your space into a warm, welcoming haven without spending a fortune. 

As we embrace the coziness of the season, let’s also reflect on the importance of inclusivity and awareness during Disability History Week and Trans Awareness Week this November.

Communications Lead at Cordwainers Court, Gayatri Gundu, shares their best tips for how you can cozy up your space while fostering an environment of respect and support for all. 

1. Bundle Up Your Bed

Create a cozy corner by borrowing a blanket from home or repurpose a thick scarf or shawl as a bed or chair cover. Layering makes everything look and feel warmer. Take time to reflect on the importance of inclusion and allyship this winter.

2. Celebrate Diversity in Your Decor 

Incorporate artwork, postcards, or prints from disabled and trans artists to add a personal and inclusive touch to your room. You can often find free or affordable pieces online or at student-led events.

3. Fairy Lights on a Dime

Soft lighting makes all the difference! Check local pound shops or reuse fairy lights from festive events. They’re inexpensive and add a magical glow to your room.

4. Homemade Scents 

Skip expensive diffusers by simmering orange peels, cinnamon sticks, or cloves in a pot of water. It’ll fill your space with comforting winter aromas for free! 

5. Layer Up with Love 

Put on your coziest sweater, wrap yourself in your favorite blanket, and invite friends over for a chat and a cup of hot chocolate. Creating a warm space, physically and emotionally, is the best way to honor these important weeks.

By bringing together these small touches, you’ll not only make your room a cozy haven but also a space that champions awareness, understanding, and inclusion. Let’s keep the warmth alive this winter—in more ways than one. 🌈✨