We understand that space is one of the most valuable features in any student accommodation. At Abodus, we design our residences around comfort, but even the best-designed student rooms can feel bigger, brighter and more personal with a few smart hacks.

Drawing on our experience supporting thousands of students across the UK, here are our expert-approved space-saving tips that will help you transform your room into a well-organised, stylish and stress-free environment.

Make the Most of Vertical Space

One of the secrets to maximising smaller rooms is thinking upwards.

• Floating shelves for books and decorative pieces

• Over-door organisers for toiletries, accessories or cleaning supplies

Vertical storage helps keep your desk and floor clutter-free, giving your room an instant sense of openness.

Choose Multi-Functional Items That Work Harder

Student rooms benefit hugely from items that serve more than one purpose. We always recommend:

• Stools with hidden storage

• Drawer-top organisers that double as caddies for stationery or tech

Our rooms include plenty of essential furniture, but adding smart multi-functional pieces helps you customise your space without overcrowding it.

Tap Into Under-Bed Storage

Most Abodus rooms include spacious under-bed areas because we know how essential hidden storage is to student life. To make the most of this often-underused space, try:

• Vacuum-packed bags for out-of-season clothing

• Wheeled boxes or sliding crates to access items easily

• Stackable organisers for shoes, bedding or sports gear

Keeping bulkier items tucked away frees up a surprising amount of living space.

Organise Your Desk Like a Pro

As a student, your desk is one of the most important parts of your room. Keep it functional with:

• Tiered desk shelves to elevate screens or store books

• Cable management clips to avoid tangles

• Clear acrylic drawers to keep stationery accessible but tidy

A well-organised desk not only improves productivity—it makes your room look instantly cleaner.

Use Lighting to Open Up the Room

Smart lighting can make compact areas feel bigger. Many of our students use:

• LED strip lights to highlight shelves or desks

• Warm desk lamps to create an inviting study zone

• Clip-on lights that save space compared to floor-standing lamps

Better lighting boosts both mood and motivation—something we see time and time again from student feedback.

Keep Surfaces Minimal on Move-In

A common piece of advice we share with new residents:
Start with less, not more.

Move in with your essentials first, then add extras once you see how the room flows. This approach helps avoid clutter and ensures every item you bring genuinely fits your routine and lifestyle.

Make Your Space Work For You

Every student uses their room differently—some prioritise studying, others need room for gaming setups, fitness gear or creative projects. The key is to tailor your space to your daily habits. With flexible layouts, large desks and clever storage options available across Abodus properties, you can personalise your room in a way that supports your wellbeing and workflow.

At Abodus Student Living, we know that smart room design can transform your university experience. By using these expert-approved hacks, you can elevate your space, improve productivity, reduce clutter and make your student room feel like a home from day one.

If you’d like help planning your space or want to see the room layouts available in your chosen city, our team is always here to help—after all, creating brilliant student living experiences is what we do best.