Settling into student life, one room at a time

Moving into a flat, maisonette or small room away from home calls for a bit of planning. Here is a practical look at bedroom, study, storage, kitchen, bathroom and decoration essentials worth having from day one.

Getting the bedroom right from day one

A good night's sleep still matters when deadlines loom, so starting with comfortable bedding is no bad idea. The SLÅNHÖSTMAL duvet cover and pillowcase set is an easy way to make a rented bed feel properly yours, and a SANELA cushion cover adds a bit of softness to the whole setup.

Once the bed is sorted, look underneath it. That gap is often the most underused storage spot in a small room. A DIMPA storage bag slides in neatly and keeps off-season clothes or spare bedding out of sight, while a GUNNEMOR throw or DAGGKÅPOR throw adds warmth for the cooler winter evenings without cluttering the room.

SLÅNHÖSTMAL duvet cover and pillowcase, light pink dark red/stripe, 150x200/50x80 cmSANELA cushion cover, pale pink, 50x50 cmMOSSLANDA picture ledge, grey-beige, 55 cmBILD poster, Nordic curves, 30x40 cmTOBISFISK mug, patterned/beige, 33 clVIVALLA tablet stand, bamboo veneer, 26x17 cm

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Setting up a workspace that actually works

Whether lectures happen in a lecture hall or on a laptop at the kitchen table, a proper workspace helps. A DRÖNJÖNS laptop support lifts the screen to a better height, and a STACKSTOD desk organiser keeps pens, chargers and notes from spreading across the whole desk.

Small additions make a real difference too. A PLÖJA desk pad protects the surface and defines a clear work zone, a FJÄDERHARV magazine file keeps folders upright instead of sliding into a heap, and a FNISS waste bin tucks neatly beside the desk. A KLOCKIS clock with alarm and timer is handy for keeping track of study sessions and the time generally.

GLADHÖJDEN desk sit/stand, white, 100x60 cmDAGOTTO foot-rest, black, 49x38 cmSKÅDIS hook, white, 5 packKUGGIS box, black-blue, 18x26x8 cmTALLTITA tealight holder, set of 2, pink/brownLACK wall shelf unit, black-blue, 30x190 cm

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Making the most of a compact room

Small rooms need storage that works hard. A LENNART drawer unit on castors rolls under a desk or into a corner and gives clothes or stationery a proper home without needing floor space elsewhere. Boxes are just as useful: a DRÖNA box or SKUBB box keeps shelves and wardrobes looking orderly rather than chaotic.

For things that need to travel or stay protected, a DIMPA storage bag or PÄRKLA storage case does the job well, whether that is seasonal clothing, bedding or odds and ends from home. A NOJIG organiser is a simple way to keep smaller items sorted inside a drawer or cupboard.

STORKLINTA chest of 3 drawers, white, 70x50x75 cmDAMMÄNG bin with lid, grey-beige, 26 lMULIG clothes bar, white, 60-90 cmLINDBYN mirror, black, 80x80 cmSKUBB storage with 6 compartments, dark grey, 35x45x125 cmSLÅNHÖSTMAL duvet cover and pillowcase, light pink dark red/stripe, 150x200/50x80 cm

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Equipping a small kitchen for real cooking

A compact kitchen does not have to mean compromise. The ANNONS 5-piece cookware set covers most everyday cooking needs, and a TAGGHAJ frying pan is ideal for quick meals between lectures. A HEAT pot stand protects worktops from hot pans, which matters in a kitchen with limited surface area.

The smaller details help too. A GRUNKA 4-piece kitchen utensil set covers the basics without filling a drawer, a LEGITIM chopping board is practical for everyday prep, and a KONCIS can opener earns its keep in any student kitchen. A POKAL glass or two rounds things off nicely, whether for water, juice or something a little more festive.

HAVREHOJ holder for tablet, 12x32x16 cmÄSPINGE kitchenette, black/ash, 120x60x202 cmMIDDAGSMAT pot with lid, clear glass/stainless steel, 5 lCITRONHAJ spice jar, clear glass/stainless steel, 35 cl, 4 packIKEA 365+ cookware set of 6, stainless steelGANSJÖN 3-piece bathroom set, light green

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Keeping bathroom and laundry simple

Student bathrooms, especially shared ones, work best when everything has its place. An IVÖSJÖN mirror cabinet with one door gives toiletries somewhere tidy to live, while a KUGGIS box keeps smaller items like cotton pads or medicines sorted within it or on a shelf.

For the shower, a TISKEN hook with suction cup or TISKEN towel rack with suction cup fixes to tiles without any drilling, which suits rented accommodation well. A KUNGSFORS net bag is handy for carrying shower essentials to a shared bathroom, and a STORAVAN 3-piece bathroom set rounds out the basics without taking up much space at all.

IVÖSJÖN mirror cabinet with 1 door, green, 44x15x59 cmVAPPEBY portable bluetooth speaker, waterproof/pink, 6x8 cmIVÖSJÖN cabinet with doors, green, 33x34x99 cmKUGGIS box, white, 13x18x8 cmKUNGSFORS net bag, set of 2, naturalSTORAVAN 3-piece bathroom set, white

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Adding personality without upsetting the landlord

A rented room can still feel like home. A LÖVNATURSKOG cushion cover or ÅSVEIG cushion cover brings in colour and texture without any permanent changes, and a STILREN vase holds a few stems from the local market for a bit of life on a windowsill.

For the walls, a HÄCKHAGTORN frame or NORDHÄGG picture ledge displays photos, postcards or prints without needing nails, which tenants in Malta and Gozo will appreciate in flats where drilling is best avoided. A TORKA dried plant adds a natural touch that needs no watering and no attention at all.

LÖVNATURSKOG cushion cover, brown/blue, 50x50 cmÅSVEIG cushion cover, grey-brown, 50x50 cmSTILREN vase, dark grey-beige, 12 cmVIVALLA tablet stand, bamboo veneer, 26x17 cmTORKA dried parts of flowers/plants, bunch/scabiosa red, 40 cmHÄCKHAGTORN frame, pine, 21x30 cm

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Whichever room needs sorting first, these essentials make a rented space feel properly lived in. Order through Maltashopper and have everything brought straight to your door.

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