By Lyea Rivers, September 2024
When I arrived at university, I loved making the blank canvas in my room into a home away from home. I have stayed in the lovely accommodations on campus in Pendle College and in off-campus accommodations. Each room has different sized beds, shelves, desks, etc but I have found a way to make each room homely. I carried various items with me to make my room my home away from home and I will share more with you in this blog.
I brought my laptop, portable stand for laptop, lamp, and other stationary from home to make my laptop space feel familiar. I also got gifted a few items from loved ones to decorate my desk.
I brought a few personal books with me on my culture, history, and some self development books like atomic habits that I love re-reading. It helped to remind me of home and has many reminders to me on my ancestors’ values including hard-work, courage and resilience.
I love fossils and have a small collection that I keep to make my room my home away from home. I know other students with other fun collections, and it is good to bring items that you love and are passionate about with you. You can also buy items when you arrive in Lancaster.
I’ve got a few art pieces I’ve collected in my room. These help to brighten my room. There are many stores in the centre to purchase art and other decorations for your room. It is helpful to read the contracts signed for your accommodation and to make sure you do not damage the walls when decorating.
I've got over 200 printed photos in my room of family, animals, vacations. I’ve got photo albums, framed photos and photos I have taped or clipped to the wall. There are low-cost photo printing shops in the city centre.
I've got cultural items like shells, Caymanite jewelry, thatch hat, local soaps, thatch key rings, etc.
I’ve got a few gifts from my loved ones including local coffee, local sauces, cups, stationary, postcards, an engraved compass, etc and I keep these close.
I found that creating a theme in my room helped me feel at home. I spent my entire life near the ocean and most of my items fit the theme of the ocean. I brought a blanket from home but many items I bought in Lancaster due to weight limits when traveling. There are many stores in the city centre where you can buy bedding and other items to make your room more homely and cozy. You can also purchase bedding from Green Lancaster on campus.
I got a few plants once I got to Lancaster, and these helped my room feel more relaxing. The grocery stores and other stores in the city centre sell a variety of plants that can be used to decorate your room!
