A lesson in the art of living and learning

And even a parent not easily moved to tears about saying goodbye to a stroppy, noisy teenager may feel emotional when leaving their offspring in what may sometimes resemble a tiny dark cell more suited to a prisoner.

But it's essential to turn this first independent home into a smart space – and fast – for two very good reasons.

Firstly, it will make you feel better and might help prevent them feeling so homesick they drop out.

Secondly, a cosy room – with a few funky touches for essential street cred – will attract other students to drop in and be a fast track to them making friends.

Think quick-fix solutions – from jazzy throws and cushions to lamps and posters – similar to those instant makeovers performed on TV.

ROOM RESCUE

View a room prior to arrival by using the university or college website, to help you get an idea of what's needed and what will fit.

Bear in mind universities generally show off their newest or best halls of residence on campus tours – rarely the older, more cramped blocks which your student may end up in.

So be ready for any eventuality by going equipped with plentiful supplies of Blu-tack (you're not normally allowed to use nails or hooks), so you can quickly cover grotty walls with posters, or plain lining paper.

GRADE 'A' STYLE

Lamps create instant atmosphere. B&Q's selection is imaginative and great value.

A Jasmine lava-style glitter lamp, 15.48, Dana clip-on light, 8.

(Take a multi-socket extension lead as rooms usually have no more than a couple of sockets).

BUDGET BUY

Brighten a wall – and boost a student's spirits – with a plastic Picture Pockets Hanging Gallery for 80 photos, 14.99, from Clever Little Ideas.

Forty photos can be displayed at a time.

BONDING AND CHILLING

They'll spend hours chatting – and getting ready for evenings out – in their room and, with winter looming, it needs to be

snug.

Plenty of colourful throws should do the trick.

It's impossible to provide too many mugs, plates and bowls – washing up is rarely on the curriculum.

GRADE 'A' STYLE

Doting grandparents could splash out on old school-style metal trunks with gipsy-pattern cushions on top, so they double as funky storage and extra seating. They're in pink or white, 119 from Graham & Green.

BUDGET BUYS

B&Q's City skyline print cushion, 6.98, is a must, with fleece throw, 3.98. Marks & Spencer's multi-coloured Calypso stacking cup and saucer set, 15.

GRUB & STUFF

If they're not sleeping (or occasionally studying) they'll be eating, whether its snacks to make up for missed meals, or late-night stodge sessions after partying.

Equip them with pots, pans, a kettle and toaster, but spend the minimum as items left in communal kitchens have a tendency to disappear.

GRADE 'A' STYLE

A cushion by designer Ben de Lisi with the slogan Rise And Shine printed on one side, and Just Five More Minutes on the reverse, could appeal to night-owls who struggle with early morning lectures, 10 from Debenhams.

And provide a snazzy Union Jack print laundry storage bag, 20.99, from The Gifted Penguin, so it's easy to carry dirty washing home to you at the end of term.

BUDGET BUYS

Sainsbury's Tu home collection boasts bargains such as duvets from 5.99, pillows at 4.88 a pair, and Circles print duvet set, from 9.99.

John Lewis's Value range has Reversible Duvet Cover sets (duvet cover and pillowcases), 7. And a bale of six red towels is a snip at 7.99, from Argos.

TLC TOUCHES

It's the little details, as every parent knows, that make a room a home, and can inject much-needed personality into a drab space.

Also, bringing these out as cheering surprises just before you leave might help to avoid those upsetting, tearful goodbyes.

GRADE 'A' STYLE

Saving pennies might not dent their student debt but could help pay for a round. A larger-than-life Marmite money jar, 14.99, from The Contemporary Home.

And make playing air guitar easy with a cushion shaped like a guitar, 30, from Hunky Dory Home.

BUDGET BUYS

A mug, 6.99, from Strawberry Fool, with the witty slogan Now Panic And Freak Out could be one antidote to student stress. And help them bring order to chaos with a set of 12 Filopegs, 12.95, from Angelic Hen.

They're for clipping up anything from lecture notes to bills, and have down-to-earth labels such as Things To Do While Sober and Urgent Essays.