Making Student Apartments Feel Like Home: A Guide for International Students

Moving to a new country for college is exciting and also a little overwhelming. Everything feels different—people, food, even the way buses work. And then there’s your student apartment, which is probably small, plain, and about as cozy as a waiting room when you first walk in.

But here’s the thing: your apartment is where you’ll laugh, cry, study, eat questionable midnight snacks, and FaceTime your family back home. It’s not just a place to sleep—it’s your new version of “home.” The challenge is making it actually feel that way. Don’t worry, though. With a few simple tricks, you can turn even the most basic apartment into a space that’s comfortable, welcoming, and totally yours.

1. Add Little Pieces of “You”

Most student apartments come with the same starter pack: white walls, standard-issue furniture, and maybe a desk that squeaks every time you move. The fastest way to change the vibe? Add things that remind you of who you are.

Print some photos of family and friends, hang up posters of your favorite band, or throw a colorful blanket over that sad-looking couch. Even something as small as fairy lights can make the space feel warmer. These personal touches don’t cost much but go a long way in making your apartment feel like more than just “room 302.”

2. Cook Something From Home 

Food is comfort. One bowl of something familiar can erase homesickness faster than you’d think. If you’re missing home, try cooking a simple dish from your country. Don’t worry if it doesn’t turn out Instagram-worthy, the smell alone will feel like a hug.

If cooking feels impossible, check out international grocery stores nearby. Most student cities have at least one, and finding your favorite snacks from home can instantly lift your mood. And hey, cooking for your roommates or friends is also a sneaky way to make instant connections.

3. Create a Study Zone That Works for You

Your apartment will double as your library more often than you’d like, so having a decent study space is key. Even if your desk is tiny, make it yours. Keep it clean, get a decent lamp, and maybe add a plant for good vibes.

Having a set “study spot” also helps you focus. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing essays in bed, and trust me, nothing ruins sleep faster than associating your bed with unfinished assignments.

4. Roommates: Potential Friends or Background Characters

If you’re sharing your apartment, roommates can either feel like family or like strangers you awkwardly pass in the hallway. The only way to know is to put in a little effort.

Try having dinner together once in a while, watch a movie, or at least chat about your day. You don’t have to be best friends, but creating a friendly vibe makes living together so much easier. Who knows, your roommate might become your go-to person when you’re feeling homesick.

When living in popular student cities, like those offering student apartments in Seattle or student apartments in Washington, connecting with roommates and neighbors can also help you build a local support system much faster. Shared experiences, from navigating bus routes to finding affordable eateries, often become the foundation of lasting friendships.

5. Keep Small Routines From Home

When everything around you feels new, little routines can ground you. Maybe it’s drinking tea before bed, journaling in the morning, or calling your family every Sunday. These habits make your space feel more familiar and give your day a sense of normalcy.

It’s amazing how something as simple as listening to the same playlist you used back home can make your apartment feel less foreign.

6. Comfort Matters More Than Aesthetics

Student life comes with stress—assignments, part-time jobs, homesickness, and the occasional existential crisis about your future. That’s why your apartment should feel like a place to recharge.

Invest in things that make you comfortable: a good pillow, a blanket you actually like, maybe even a cheap rug to make the room feel warmer. You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect apartment—just one that feels like a safe, cozy escape when life gets overwhelming.

Final Thoughts: Home Is What You Create

Being an international student means juggling a lot of change, and your apartment will play a big role in how you handle it. It won’t magically feel like home the first day you move in, but little by little, you’ll create a space that feels right.

Hang up those photos. Cook that dish (even if you burn it the first time). Laugh with your roommates. Build routines. Mix your old world with your new one.

Because at the end of the day, home isn’t always the place you came from—it’s the place you create for yourself. And yes, even a tiny student apartment with squeaky furniture can become that place.

How can amber help you?

amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.