While Pinterest may lead you to think that every university student has a twin-size bed that is half bed and half throw pillows, that's not practical for most students. Instead, I have a couple of inexpensive pillows I ordered in first year, plus two small, square throw pillows with fuzzy green and orange pillowcases. They add some colour to my grey-and-black duvet cover and I can sit up against them while I'm working.
Fleece pillowcases are also amazing. I have two with woodland creatures on them and a similar blanket with moose on it. My mother made these for me as a gift, but you can probably find something similar online. The warm material makes a big difference on cold nights.
Besides the nice finishing touches, I think it's important to have a warm fluffy blanket and a good duvet.
While small LED lights taped to the wall might seem very 2012 Tumblr to some, I think they are timeless. I have some above my desk and they give the corner a gentle glow and a charming character, especially when I don't want the brightness of the overhead light. Some residences do not allow the type that plug into the wall, so I recommend the ones that come with a battery pack.
Residences also typically don't allow candles, so I use the battery-powered tealights. It's not the same as having a roaring fireplace or my favourite candle that smells like green winter plants, but the flickering lights are still very relaxing.
Residences also typically don't allow candles, so I use the battery-powered tealights.
Besides the nice finishing touches, I think it's important to have a warm fluffy blanket and a good duvet. These are essential to staying warm in Newcastle's cold winters. While I do like the cold weather, that ultimately does not stop me from burrowing under the blankets like a snake in hibernation.
While you may have different opinions on how to make your room cosy, I recommend focusing on warmth and a few touches of brightness during this bleak season.
Festure image credit: @ShashiChaturvedul, Unsplash
