When I first moved out for college, I thought my biggest challenges would be keeping up with classes and trying not to embarrass myself in front of new friends. Little did I know, my living condition took way more mental energy than I ever considered. A cramped, stuffy apartment, living with roommates who never wash the dishes, can make every other part of student life more stressful.

The Newport Institute explains the link between your environment and your mental health, claiming that a cluttered and disorganized environment leads to snacking, bad decisions and discourages connection with others.

Now, years later, working as a local HVAC contractor in Utah County, I see it all the time. The state of your living space has a huge impact on your comfort, mood and social life. So how do we overcome this? Here are the best tips I’ve learned over my career to turn your apartment into a place that actually feels like home. This will lead to a student life with more peace, more connection and potentially better grades.

Start with air quality

Poor air quality can lead to headaches, trouble focusing, allergic reactions and even getting sick more often. The winter inversion and summer construction we get here in Utah don’t help.

Fortunately, small adjustments make a noticeable difference. Adding a few houseplants, such as snake plants or pothos, can help clean the air with little effort. Opening a window for just a few minutes a day (even in the winter) refreshes stale air and keeps a space from feeling stuffy.

If a room tends to get musty or humid, a simple box fan or a small dehumidifier can improve circulation. It also helps to make sure furniture is at least a foot away from vents so that airflow isn’t blocked.

Upgrade your lighting for better focus

The fluorescent lights common in student housing are notoriously harsh. They create a space that is as uninviting as it is unhelpful for studying, relaxing, or jumping on a Zoom call.

A better approach is to layer lighting. A desk or floor lamp with a warm white bulb provides softer, cozier light that is easier on the eyes. String lights or LED strips add ambient lighting that transforms a room from sterile to homely.

If a desk is near a window, using natural daylight whenever possible not only improves visibility but also boosts mood and productivity.

Beat the noise without expensive gear

Noise is another challenge in college living. Thin walls, busy streets, and wild roommates can all make it difficult to concentrate or rest.
The solution doesn’t have to be expensive. Take after the home podcasters and hang up tapestries, curtains, or even blankets to absorb sound and quiet a room.

Free white noise apps or the steady hum of a small fan can mask background noise, creating a calmer environment. For rooms located near main roads, place a draft stopper at the base of the door to block both sound and cold air.

Keep it comfortable, year-round

Many student rentals come with heating and cooling systems that you don’t have access to and will probably never see, but living in your perfect temperature is still possible with a few adjustments.
In winter, door draft stoppers (see above) help block cold air from seeping in. Make sure to position your bed, desk, couch, etc., away from draft windows.

During summer, keeping blinds closed during the day keeps heat from building up inside.

Opening them in the evening brings in cooler air, and a simple fan keeps air circulating, which makes the room feel lighter and more breathable.

If your room is particularly cold, you can consider a heater, though finding the right one is critical. In my experience, ceramic space heaters are the best for quick, efficient, and safe heat.

Cleanliness is Godliness

Cleaning isn’t on anyone’s college bucket list. But just a few habits can make a huge difference. Setting aside just fifteen minutes each week for a quick clean-up with roommates keeps clutter from piling up and noticeably improves the atmosphere.

Dusting vents and windowsills reduces allergens and improves air quality, while keeping floors clear prevents unpleasant odors and makes the room easier to relax in. A clean, organized space sets the stage for better focus, better rest and a better college living experience.

Like a favorite meme of mine says, “it’s not much, but it’s honest work.”

Your space impacts you in more ways than you realize and a few intentional minutes each week to make sure your space is set up the way you want can literally change your entire college experience. Sounds dramatic, and it is, but I really believe it, because I have seen it first-hand. Give these tips a try, find new ones, but more than anything, do what you can to make wherever you’re living, home.

Nathan Hooper is the owner of Provo HVAC Repair.