Making the most out of your home away from home
Although most student housing situations are temporary, that doesn’t mean you can’t customize your living space to better suit your tastes. Temporary doesn’t have to be synonymous with boring. Strategically placing posters to cover blank walls and putting a couple of houseplants by your window can add a lot of personality to what would otherwise be a dull room. However, there are a few things you should be aware of before you decorate your space. Knowing about the following can help you save money instead of spending money on repairs.
If you are living in residence, the $500 deposit that was made during your residence application not only reserves a place for you on campus, but also functions as a fund to cover the cost of damage and repairs done to your room during your stay. The university keeps track of the state of residence rooms through a room inventory form that is provided when you check-in during move-in day. You won’t be reimbursed for the deposit at the end of the year if do not you leave the room in the same condition that you found it, so it’s important to fill this form out and list anything that is already damaged.
If you are living off-campus, there will be many more opportunities for personalizing your living space. Most student houses are generally more lenient in terms of decorating, although, you should be careful about making too many changes or any major renovations without asking your landlord first. Check what is or isn’t allowed in your tenant contract before you do any painting or nail any artwork and fixtures to the walls.
Regardless of whether you are living in residence or off-campus, here are a few additional miscellaneous tips to consider when decorating your temporary space.
Use masking tape when putting up various posters and pictures. Unlike transparent Scotch tape or duct tape, masking tape is less likely to leave behind a sticky residue or peel off paint. For wall tapestries, flags, or string lights, however, adhesive hooks, white adhesive putty (the blue can stain light coloured walls), and mounting tape may be better options.
Rearranging your furniture is a good way to change the look of your living space. Just because your desk and bed started off in one corner of your room at the beginning of the school year does not mean that it has to stay that way until the end of the year.
Plan ahead. Figure out what is already provided. Dorm rooms more or less come already furnished with the standard bed, desk, and chair combo. Off-campus student housing usually leaves the furnishing up to you, although, most landlords may provide you with appliances, and previous tenants may leave behind furniture as well.
What you bring doesn’t necessarily equate to what you’ll be bringing back. Things accumulate over time, so be aware that you will have more stuff to take down and pack away come move out day than you initially brought.
Take advantage of the ability to customize your space as much as you can. While keeping your room clean and organized is important, it is vital to feel like your room is a space that you’ve created—a space that fits your individual needs.