Study for first class

7:00am Saturday 18th October 2008

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STUDENTS – normally that messiest of species – are now settling into their new rooms in colleges and universities.

But helping them fly the nest and set up home on their own for the first time doesn’t simply mean parcelling up their collection of random coffee mugs and clothes (washed or otherwise), and mountain of CDs and DVDs.

They also need a hefty helping of style to make sure that their room looks the business (at least initially) and is a good space to relax, a mecca for new mates, and even suitable for occasional swotting.

Thankfully, in these cash-starved times it’s perfectly possible to create ‘digs to die for’ without breaking the bank.

Stores that specialise in great design for less dosh are brimming with bargains which could transform that often soul-less room in a student hall of residence into something that could pass for a home-away-from-home.

And those moving into their first shared house or flat needn’t put up with saggy sofas and wobbly shelves.

More durable furnishings and furniture, which nowadays needn't cost a fortune, would be a good investment.

We’ve done our homework and sourced some smart student buys that will ensure a first class room and design-conscious digs.

A dingy room with barely enough space to swing a hamster, containing merely a battered bed, desk and – if you’re lucky – radiator, can make the most eager student want to drop out.

So it’s vital to provide ingredients to quickly banish the blues and turn it into a des-res fast. This could also help minimise inevitable homesickness.

You’ll score major brownie points with your offspring if you bankroll some colourful bedding, a cosy throw, a rug, and some fun accessories.

There's a brilliant selection in Matalan, which also offers students 10 per cent off on production of an NUS student card.

Choose from its snazzy duvet sets, £4 for a single, £6 for a double (get at least three as the laundrette comes a long way down on the alphabetical priority list – way after ‘C’ for clubbing).

Other handy touches could include a cork pinboard and pins, £4, great for pinning up all those photos of friends and family, and a wall clock, £10, to ensure they don’t miss lectures or parties.

Dunelm Mill also boasts an array of basic essentials to turn that box into a cosy nest, including some great Bamboo laundry hampers and storage baskets, from £1.99 to £12.99.

Those who love their designer tags would be well pleased with bargains from TK Maxx, which offers smart labels at bargain basement prices.

Sheets normally £13 are £6.99, half-price cushions cost £7.99, and get £30 duvets for £14.99.