Six super tricks for lighting in student accommodation

We share the best ideas from desk lamps to centre pendants to projectors that turn bedrooms to cinemas

Dandelion lamp with pen holder, Philoshape/Etsy, €63.

1. You might not be allowed to drill into the wall, but with the latest no-drill blinds, you don’t have to. Look into models that sit on tension springs or twist and turn supports to finesse the light in your study/bedroom.

2. One good desk lamp can make all the difference. You might think that a backlit screen is all you need, but to balance the light and remove the danger of eye-strain, train a lamp down onto the surface of the desk to bounce and diffuse, reducing contrast.

3. Centre pendants can be truly awful in terms of light play, but chances are you can change the shade out with your landlord’s blessing. Look for enclosed diffusing models matching the wattage of the bulb. Ensure you replace the original when you leave.

4. Wireless battery or USB-charged lamps and strings can conjure a relaxing ambience for a very small spend. Examine the run times, as constantly recharging the units can be a pain. Ensure you only use removable, adhesive strips if you deploy a support.

5. Your bedside light should be demure enough to induce a sleepy moment, but bright enough where needed to read a book. Some models offer both a small, independently operated spotlight together with a master shade to create a soft pool of light.

6. A small projector can turn your bedroom into a cinema for you and a friend. Work out a wall or area of the ceiling that might work while you’re all but prone. Prices from 4K models from €60, multiple suppliers.