By Ani Lacy, PhD, History of Art
Moving into a student flat or halls often means being greeted by plain walls, worn furniture, and a sense of impermanence. But creating a space that feels like your own doesn’t have to be expensive. Bristol, with its mix of charity shops, creative markets, and artist-run studios, offers plenty of affordable ways to decorate while also supporting local communities and artists.
Second-hand furniture is often the most practical starting point. The British Heart Foundation’s furniture and electrical store in Broadmead is a reliable option for everything from desks to lamps, with the added benefit that your purchase supports medical research. Emmaus in Stokes Croft is another favourite among students; this social enterprise resells donated household goods, and every purchase helps people who have experienced homelessness. For smaller touches—like mirrors, frames, or kitchenware—the clusters of charity shops along Cotham Hill, Queen’s Road, and Park Street are full of hidden treasures. Since stock changes daily, a quick browse on your way to lectures can often result in a lucky find. Students also turn to Facebook Marketplace and TrashNothing, which are especially useful for picking up larger items like chairs or bookshelves for free, as long as you can arrange collection.
Once the basics are in place, the next step is adding art and decoration to give your room personality. Bristol has a vibrant creative scene, and buying directly from artists often costs less than you might think. Centrespace Studios in the city centre, for example, hosts its annual Open Studios in October, opening three floors of studios to the public. It’s an opportunity to meet artists, explore their work, and buy affordable prints, ceramics, or textiles. St Nicholas Market is another year-round destination, where stalls showcase handmade décor, jewellery, and artwork from local makers. Students and graduates from Bristol’s art schools also frequently exhibit their work, and degree shows or pop-up exhibitions can be a great way to find unique pieces at prices much lower than commercial galleries. Buying art from artists can sometimes be an investment, but it can also be a great memory of your time as a student here and create a lifelong connection to the local arts scene.
'Not everything for your student accommodation needs to be bought'
Not everything for your student accommodation needs to be bought. Adding plants, which can often be found through local plant swaps, brings a sense of life into even the smallest of rooms. Textiles such as throws, rugs, and cushions, easily found in charity shops, can instantly make a space warmer and more inviting.
Alex Boersma
Choosing second-hand and local options is about more than saving money, although that is certainly a benefit for students. It also helps reduce waste, supports charities and social enterprises, and sustains the city’s creative community. Most importantly, it allows you to build a space that feels individual and meaningful, rather than filling your room with mass-produced items.
Featured Image: Epigram / Ella Heathcote
How will you decorate your room this year?
