Decorating your student let for Christmas is one of the easiest ways to make your space feel cosy, festive, and welcoming during the winter months. You can add personality without spending much, and it helps create a homely atmosphere when you’re studying, hosting friends, or simply enjoying a quiet night in. Most decorations are perfectly acceptable, as long as you follow your tenancy agreement and avoid anything that could cause damage.
At Arboretum Lettings, we work with student tenants across Derby, and we know how important it is to enjoy your space and make it feel like home. You can absolutely decorate your student let, but you should always do it responsibly. With the right approach, you can enjoy a festive room without risking your deposit or clashing with your housemates.
Before You Start…
Before you dive into decorating, take a moment to think about what’s appropriate for your student property. You want your room to feel festive, but you also want to avoid any issues with the landlord or your housemates. A quick check and a sensible plan will save you time, money, and stress later.
When preparing your student let for Christmas, keep the following points in mind:
Check your tenancy agreement: Some agreements mention what you can or cannot hang or fix to walls. Always check first.
Avoid damage: Use removable hooks, non-marking tape, or free-standing decorations to protect walls and furniture.
Be mindful of others: Keep shared areas fair for everyone. Agree on decorations as a group.
Safety first: Choose safe, low-heat lights, turn them off before bed, and never overload plug sockets.
If you follow these simple steps, you can decorate confidently and enjoy a festive atmosphere without compromising your tenancy. As professional property management and letting agents in Derby, Arboretum Lettings always encourages tenants to enjoy their space, as long as everything remains safe and damage-free.
Hang Up Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are one of the most popular decorations for student properties because they’re affordable, easy to install, and instantly make a room feel warm and festive. You can drape them over shelves, place them in jars, or frame your bed with them for a soft Christmas glow. Most fairy lights use LED bulbs, which stay cool and use very little energy, making them a student-friendly choice.
When hanging fairy lights, always avoid nails or anything that could mark the walls. Instead, opt for adhesive hooks or clips that can be removed cleanly later. Arboretum Lettings recommends battery-powered lights if possible, as they reduce the risk of tripping over wires and keep your plug sockets free for study essentials. They offer a simple way to create a festive atmosphere without causing hassle for you or your landlord.
Festive Bedding & Furnishings
Switching your bedding is one of the quickest ways to add a seasonal feel to your room. Festive duvet covers, warm throws, faux-fur cushions, and knitted blankets can transform your space for winter without needing to hang anything on the walls. It’s a reversible update that feels cosy and cheerful, and you can easily swap it back once term ends.
Rugs and soft furnishings also help keep your room warm, especially in older student houses. Choose colours like reds, greens, golds, and silvers for a subtle festive touch that looks great without being overpowering. Arboretum Lettings often sees students using soft furnishings to personalise their rooms in a way that won’t cause damage or cost a fortune to put right at the end of the tenancy.
Small Trees & Garlands
A small Christmas tree is a perfect addition to any student room. You don’t need a huge tree to enjoy the festive feel – miniature desk trees, tabletop fibre-optic trees, or slim artificial trees fit well into student accommodation without taking up too much space. They’re easy to store for next year, and you can choose decorations that reflect your personal style.
Garlands are also a great option for halls, HMOs, and shared student houses. They can be placed along desks, windowsills, or bookshelves for a classic Christmas look. If you’re sharing a property with others, talk to your housemates and agree on decorations for communal areas. Arboretum Lettings encourages students to enjoy Christmas decorations together, as long as they don’t obstruct walkways or create fire risks.
Keep It Simple
Christmas decorations don’t need to be complicated. A few well-chosen pieces can completely change the feel of your room. Small touches like candles (battery-operated), wreaths, fairy lights, or festive mugs can make the space feel warm and inviting. The key is to keep your decorations simple, safe, and easy to remove once the season ends. Arboretum Lettings always recommends a light-touch approach to ensure your room looks great without risking any damage.
Looking For Student Accommodation in Derby? Contact Arboretum Lettings Now
If you’re searching for student accommodation in Derby, Arboretum Lettings is here to help. We offer affordable, well-maintained properties close to local universities, with friendly support whenever you need it. Whether you’re looking for a room in a shared house, a student flat, or a property for a group, our team will match you with a place that suits your needs. Contact Arboretum Lettings today to register your interest, arrange a viewing, or get advice on finding your next student home in Derby.





