To get the most out of your study, internship or work abroad, it's not just about learning the language and doing what the locals do – you also want to feel at home even when you're away from home. Your room should scream, “Everyone, look! People who live here feel comfortable, and this is the interior design that proves it.” And don't worry, even if you don't really like decorating, you can still create a homey atmosphere with some of these easy (and inexpensive) tricks.



1. Organize the room

The first rule in turning your temporary residence into a real home? Make the room a place where you want to spend time there – if you always have to leave the house to study or relax, your room or apartment won't feel like your home. Students may want to rearrange the furniture to create an area where they can do their homework and nerds may want to add some pillows for more comfortable reading. If you like yoga or push-ups — you know what you have to do.

2. Decorate

The residence is not a house because the curtain motif matches the sheets and also the candles and flowers that adorn the place. This is about things that have sentimental value and show your personality or passion: Less means more and one appropriate decorative object or image can be both a trick and a conversation starter when you invite others to visit (see tip number nine) . Plus, you can always take it with you as the best souvenir. If you need inspiration, check out Pinterest or visit a fellow student, intern or coworker.

3. Hang the photo

Sometimes, you don't stay somewhere long enough to unleash your interior design talent, or maybe you're just not allowed to decorate the way you want – if you're staying at an Airbnb or hotel, for example. But even so, posting a few photos of your friends and family can add a personal touch in no time.

4. Hone your gardening skills

An indication that a room is a house? Plant. You can even name your green friend and make him your study buddy. If you're worried about not being able to take good care of them, get fresh flowers or plastic plants that you can clean occasionally.

5. Get rid of the suitcase

One of the characteristics of traveling is the presence of a suitcase. Living with a suitcase will remind you, several times a day, that you are on the move. So, an easy way to feel at home is to take your clothes out of your suitcase and put them away.

6. Keep it tidy

Depending on your level of tidiness, this one may not be as much fun: Keep your current home clean and tidy. Returning to a clean apartment – ​​complete with tidy bedding – is part of the reason why hotel stays are so enjoyable.

7. Listen to music

The best way to make any place feel more comfortable is with music: Whether with headphones or speakers, listening to your favorite playlist (at an eco-friendly volume) makes things better, no matter where you are in the world.

8. Smell

Why not make personalizing your home office a mission for all the senses and buy some scented candles or air fresheners? Of course, you should tell your roommate, but a favorite, familiar scent can work wonders when it comes to feeling at home.

 

9. Show everything

A big part of creating a social life away from home is meeting new friends – by inviting them to stop by, for example. After all, you've spent a lot of time decorating your home, so it's time to show it to the world: Don't forget to take some photos, record a video or have your friends and family take a closer look while you video chat. (Plus, events like this are a great opportunity to tidy up your room and make sure everything shows up in the occupancy ad.)

10. Go out and explore

Now, it's time to take homification to the next level – the outside world. Visit cafes, gyms, cinemas, restaurants, parks, and other venues in your neighborhood that may become your (temporary) happy place. That way, you'll always have some alternative places when you need a different view or feel homesick.