How To Stay Warm In The Winter As A Student – Winter can be a challenging time for students, especially when you’re away from the warmth and comforts of home. For many, this might be the first time managing a household and keeping your student accommodation cosy during the colder months. At Student Rooms 4 U, we know how important it is to feel comfortable and warm in your living space, so we’ve put together some practical tips to help you stay toasty throughout the winter while keeping your energy bills manageable.
1. Dress for Warmth Indoors
The simplest way to stay warm is to dress appropriately, even when you’re inside your student accommodation. It might sound basic, but wearing layers can make a significant difference.
- Layer Up: Wearing layers helps trap heat close to your body. Start with a thermal base layer, add a comfortable jumper, and don’t forget cosy socks or slippers to keep your feet warm.
- Blankets and Throws: Keep a few blankets or throws on hand. Not only do they make your room look cosier, but they also provide extra warmth when you’re studying or relaxing on the sofa.
2. Stay Connected with Home Comforts
One of the best ways to stay warm in the winter is to recreate some of the comforts from home that make you feel cosy.
- Warm Drinks: Keep a supply of your favourite hot drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate on hand. Sipping a warm beverage not only helps you feel warmer but also adds a touch of comfort to your day.
- Create a Cosy Atmosphere: Set up your room with soft lighting, add some cushions and throws, and play some relaxing music or watch a favourite film. A comfortable atmosphere can make the colder months feel much more enjoyable.
3. Eliminate Drafts
Drafts can quickly suck the warmth out of your student accommodation, making your heating efforts less effective. Fortunately, there are easy fixes that can help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Check for any gaps around windows and doors that might be letting cold air in. Using draft excluders or adhesive weatherstrips is a simple and affordable way to seal these gaps and keep your room warmer.
- Close Curtains at Night: Once the sun sets, close your curtains or blinds to prevent heat from escaping through the windows. During the day, open them to let in as much natural sunlight as possible to warm up your room.
4. Make Your Bed Extra Cosy
A warm bed is your best friend during the winter months, so take a little extra time to make it as comfortable and toasty as possible.
- Invest in a Hot Water Bottle: Hot water bottles or microwavable heat packs are great for pre-warming your bed. Pop one in your bed about 20 minutes before you get in to enjoy a cosy sleep.
- Use Flannel Bedding: Swap out your regular bed linen for flannel sheets or thermal blankets. These materials are excellent at retaining heat and will make a huge difference in keeping you warm at night.
5. Stay Active Indoors
Staying active is one of the best ways to generate body heat and keep warm without relying solely on your heating system.
- Home Workouts: You don’t need to hit the gym to stay active—try some light exercises at home like yoga, stretching, or even a quick workout routine to get your blood circulating and warm up.
- Move Around Regularly: If you’re studying at your desk for long periods, take short breaks to move around. A little physical activity can instantly warm you up and boost your energy levels.
6. Keep an Eye on Your Energy Usage
As a student, it’s important to be mindful of your energy consumption, especially if you’re on a budget. At Student Rooms 4 U, we provide all-inclusive bills in most of our properties, but it’s still good to adopt habits that help reduce waste.
- Unplug Devices: Turn off and unplug devices and appliances when they’re not in use. Even when they’re on standby, they can still draw power and increase your energy costs.
- Use Energy-Efficient Lighting: As the days get shorter, you’ll need to rely more on artificial lighting. Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs to reduce energy usage while keeping your space well-lit.
Staying warm while living away from home during the winter months can be a challenge, but with these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to handle the colder weather. Student Rooms 4 U is here to ensure that your student accommodation is a comfortable and inviting place to be all year round. Remember, a few simple adjustments can make a huge difference to your comfort levels, so take the time to make your space as cosy as possible. Stay warm, stay connected, and make the most of your student experience in Plymouth!
