Sprucing up your BYU-I student housing for the upcoming fall months can yield all sorts of benefits, like making you feel more comfortable and relaxed. It also provides an opportunity to bond with roommates and offers a sense of novelty as the seasons change. 

You don’t have to change every part of your student apartment to dramatically alter the aesthetic of your living space. Even slight modifications can make a big difference in the feel of your home.

If you’re looking for ways to add a warm touch to your home this autumn, check out our tips below.

Incorporate Seasonal Decor

Our first piece of advice is to decorate with seasonal decor. Adding fall-themed items can instantly make your BYU-Idaho student housing feel more cozy and inviting.

Start by incorporating fall colors–like orange, brown, yellow, burgundy, and maroon–in your rooms. These colors exude warmth and relaxation.

You can also include various autumnal objects, including: 

  • Artwork depicting autumnal events, like Halloween or Thanksgiving
  • Flowers like chrysanthemums and sunflowers
  • Homemade fall-themed projects (including DIY artwork or figurines)
  • Pumpkins, marrows, and squashes (fake or real)
  • Vases with fall-related colors, decorations, or images
  • Wreaths using dried, fallen leaves and branches

Add Cozy Layers

As temperatures drop, you’ll want to make your BYU-I student apartment has plenty of textiles to keep you warm. (It can get pretty cold in places like Rexburg during the fall!)

Removing your old summer bedding (or the sheets from last semester) and replacing them with cozy blankets is the best strategy for adding warmth. For a more traditional look, use wool bedding. These have a rustic, autumnal feel and are naturally moisture-resistant, keeping you warm without causing you to overheat.

Also, consider adding comfortable textiles to communal areas, like the living room and entryway. Blankets and pillows can elevate these spaces and make visitors feel more welcome. It can be helpful to think like a Scandinavian when approaching a project like this. You want your interior to be as “hygge” as possible, especially during the fall when the weather is chilly.

Update Your Lighting

Next, consider updating the lighting in your student apartment. The right lighting can transform the ambiance and set the perfect tone as you head into the fall months.

Start by ditching the harsh overhead lights; they can be too bright and may detract from the cozy atmosphere you're aiming for. Instead, focus on adding string lights and lamps to create a warm and inviting space. Hang fairy lights on curtain rods or weave them along the back of your furniture. If you're using LED string lights (a reliable choice), you can easily affix them to walls or around doorframes with tack or other non-marking adhesives.

For an even better effect, opt for color-changing LED lights. These can cycle through a spectrum of colors, allowing you to tailor the room’s ambiance to your mood. For instance, set them to cool colors in the morning for energy and switch to a calming orange or burgundy in the evening to help you unwind.

Finally, consider adding some candles to your space. They’re an affordable and simple way to bring that autumnal glow to your BYU-I student housing.

Organize and Declutter

Organizing and decluttering is a great way to refresh your home as you gear up for fall. Tidying up and removing items you no longer need helps you enter the season with a blank slate.

Start by swapping out your summer and warm-weather items for fall essentials. Think about storing away summer-themed decor and sports gear and bringing out your jackets, sweaters, and scarves.

As you go through your belongings, consider donating or discarding anything you no longer need. The more clutter you remove, the cozier and more inviting your space will feel—and you’ll find it easier to focus on your studies.

Finally, make use of baskets and bins to keep things organized and out of sight. These can be lifesavers for tidying up everything from school supplies to shoes, bags, kitchen items, and more.

Embrace Fall Scents

Lastly, give your BYU-I student housing a fall makeover by embracing seasonal scents. These aromas can evoke fond memories of autumns past, making your space feel even cozier. Smell is one of the most subtle yet powerful senses, and it can have a significant impact on the atmosphere of your home.

An easy way to bring the essence of fall indoors is by burning cinnamon or apple-scented candles. Pumpkin spice and clove are also great options for creating that warm, inviting vibe.

For something a bit different, consider investing in an essential oil diffuser. Passive diffusers use wooden sticks to gently release fragrance into the room, similar to how perfume evaporates on the skin. If you prefer something more active, electronic diffusers can disperse fragrances into the air while adding a cool mist for a refreshing touch.

Another option is to heat up a simmer pot, which allows you to use fresh ingredients to create delightful autumnal scents, much like a soup simmering on the stove.

Find BYU-I Student Housing This Fall

Creating a fall-inspired atmosphere in your BYU-Idaho student apartment can have fantastic benefits. It helps you transition into the new season and keeps you cozy as the Idaho weather turns chilly. There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day of lectures to a warm, comfortable, and welcoming space where you can truly relax.

If you’re looking for student housing near BYU-Idaho, contact Sunrise Village. We offer a range of charming apartments that you can make your own during your stay.