It’s common to feel homesick during the holiday season, as you’re away from your family, traditions, and many of the festivities you usually enjoy. An easy fix is to decorate your student apartment. There’s no need to spend much to achieve great results — you have plenty of options even if you’re on a tight budget.
1. Mini Tree
You may think a Christmas tree is out of your budget — but you can always find a small one. Purchasing an artificial tree is a good investment because you’ll be able to use it for many years.
2. Traditional Ornaments
Decorate your mini tree and other spots in your apartment with traditional ornaments. You could buy them individually to choose designs you love or save money by purchasing in bulk. If you want a variety, consider buying a few designs in bulk with friends and sharing them between you.
3. Window Stickers
Not only are window stickers reusable, they take up almost no space in storage. Add them to the window in your bedroom to make them the first thing you see every morning when you wake up and draw the curtains. This will put you in a festive mood for the rest of the day.
4. Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are a staple in student apartments. If you don’t already have some, purchase a couple strings to hang around your bed and along the ceiling. You may like them enough to keep using them after the holidays are over.
5. Fake Snow
A simple decoration that has a big impact is fake snow. Purchase a small bag to sprinkle along your windowsill and any surfaces where you want to make a festive display.
6. Snowflakes
Accompany your fake snow with some snowflakes. These are one of the most economical decorations around because you can make them yourself with nothing more than white paper, scissors, and tape. This could even be a good option to do with friends who want to spend a relaxing evening indoors.
7. Greeting Card Display
If you receive holiday greeting cards from friends and family, it’s worth creating a way to display them. If you have too many to fit on your desk without it becoming cluttered, pin them to the wall. You may like to do this in the living room, where you can combine your cards with those your roommates receive.
8. Garland
Hanging a garland around a doorframe, along a wall, or above your desk is sure to be impactful — and it doesn’t need to be expensive. You could purchase traditional tinsel or make your own garland from things like fir tree trimmings, ornaments, ribbons, or candy canes.
9. Door Wreath
Welcome visitors to your apartment by hanging a wreath on the door. You can easily find an inexpensive one to purchase, but it’s much more fun to make your own, perhaps with your roommates. All you’ll need to get started is a wreath base. Then, you can use all the same materials as for a garland.
10. Stockings
Another way to involve your roommates in the festivities is to purchase stockings for each of you. It’s ideal if each reflects the owner’s personality. Hang them in your living room and drop in a few treats for each other before you head home for winter break.
11. Throw Pillows
Over the holiday season, you’ll likely be spending more time indoors to escape the cold weather. Make your apartment extra cozy with some throw pillows for the couch. If you already have enough pillows, just purchase some seasonal covers.
You have limited space to decorate when you live in a dorm room, meaning the results tend to be mediocre at best. However, when you’re living in an off-campus apartment, your options for decorating are limitless. You can find the perfect uOttawa student housing at THEO. We have a variety of floor plans to choose from to suit any budget — meaning you’ll have enough funds left over to properly decorate. Contact us now while we still have spots available.