A student room with little space
Short answer: A student room often has to fit a bed, a desk, a wardrobe and a kitchenette into a few square metres. With clothing that does more than one job, bedding that is easy to wash and a bit of a system, the room becomes easier to live in.
When one room has to do everything
In a student room you sleep, eat, study and relax in the same space. That means the air gets stale quickly, and clothes and textiles pick up the smell of cooking and moisture. It also means there is no room for many belongings. The fewer and more versatile your things are, the easier it is to keep the room tidy and to keep it a pleasant place to spend your time, both during exam season and at the weekend.
Clothes that do more than one job
When space is tight, it makes sense to choose clothes you can both sleep in and relax in. A soft T-shirt can be sleepwear at night and loungewear in the evening. Neutral colours are a good idea, so the pieces can be mixed and matched. See night T-shirt for men, which is light and easy to own a few of without taking up much space in the drawer.
The bed as a sofa during the day
In many student rooms the bed is also where you sit during the day. That puts more wear on the bedding and means it needs washing more often. Make the bed every morning, and consider putting a throw or an extra cover over it that can be removed in the evening. If your bed has two mattresses or an adjustable section, bamboo split sheets may give a better fit than a standard sheet.
Laundry without your own machine
In student housing the laundry room is often shared, and it can be hard to get a slot. Plan a fixed washing time each week and run full loads. Choose textiles that dry quickly, so you do not have to fill your small room with laundry for days. Viscose dries fairly quickly on a rack, and sheets can be hung over a door if there is nowhere else to put them.
Airing and smells
A small room with lots going on soon gets damp. Air it morning and evening for five to ten minutes with the window wide open. Use the cooker hood or air the room extra when you cook. Do not hang wet laundry to dry without airing at the same time. That stops your bedding and the clothes in your wardrobe picking up a stale smell.
Storage under the bed
The space under the bed is often the biggest storage area in a student room. Use flat boxes with lids for seasonal clothing and spare bedding. Keep the boxes free of dust, and only put clean, dry clothes in them. You can find more ideas for textiles under home and homewear in bamboo.
Frequently asked questions
How often should bedding be washed when the bed doubles as a sofa
Ideally every week. The bed gets more use than usual and collects dirt and skin cells faster.
Can I dry laundry in a small room
Yes, but air the room well while you do. Otherwise humidity rises and clothes and bedding can start to smell.
How can I save space for clothes
Choose fewer pieces in neutral colours that can be used for several things, and use the space under the bed.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
