CONGRATULATIONS if you've made the grade and are heading to university.

But before you step foot in your halls of residence, your first project has already been assigned: how to make those digs look stylish, practical and homely, without packing everything but the kitchen sink.

Don't worry, we've done the hard work for you. With a little bit of research, the lesson is you can get more out of your space than you think.

With the right soft furnishings, accessories and basic bits and bobs, style-conscious students will win top marks with our room edit.

1. Designed to get you started, Dunelm's good-looking new collection of decorations and desk ware is geared to students, and parents will be glad to know it will not break the bank. Large Life is Good cushion, £8, Be Unique cushion, £8, large peg black photo frame, £12, grey six-piece desk storage set, £10, all from New Beginnings Letter Press Collection, Dunelm.

2. Who would have thought that a drop light bulb and extension lead were both a thing right now? But it seems these days that every interior space needs a bit of spark and some industrial-style lighting. Simple pendant light, from £10.80, extension lead, customised from £5.68 for a plug (depending on colour), to power cable from £11.38 (depending on colour and length), Urban Cottage Industries.

3. We all need duvet days and this practical set is ideal for autumn months with a 10.5 tog duvet. Duvet & pillow complete bedding set, single, £19.99, Julian Charles.

4. Dressing the bed with cool neutrals means you can invest in a few bold shades to make a statement and add some personality. Charlcombe bedspread & cushion covers - fig, single bedspread, £90, medium square cushion cover, £20, The White Company.

5. The toast of the town, this heavy-duty Dualit is built to last and guarantees evenly browned toast. With interchangeable designer panel packs, such as blue dragonflies and flora, every slice has extra wow factor. Architect two-slot toaster, £85.99, toaster panel packs, £24.95, Dualit.

6. Such a simple thing as a shelf can be a stylish storage solution, especially one as easy to hook up as the circular design from Tiger, with four shelves to hold some lush leaves and a fun knick-knack. Circular shelf, £12, Tiger, in-store.

7. We're never too old to play with Lego, especially when it's designed for storage. Best of all, you can use the bricks to stack all your precious cargo in before unloading at your new home. A storage bundle includes four large, three medium and one small block in a new range of chic colours. Giant Lego storage blocks, design colours bundle, £115.60.

8. Chances are your new bathroom may be so streamlined there's no room to spend time in front of the mirror. This handy organiser will hold your basic beauty kit.Umbra Vana organiser - charcoal, £35, Amara.

9. It's not rocket science but tea and coffee are vital ingredients to get the day off to a good start. Keep yours fresh and tidy in these colourful caddies.Ben de Lisi Home set of three cactus print tins, £14, Debenhams.

10. If you're suffering from writer's block, the jewel-like hummingbirds adorning stationery from Sara Miller London could inspire thoughts of a tropical adventure, or just help manage your tasks. Hummingbird to do pad, £8, Birds in Tree magazine rack, £15, Hummingbird A5 luxury journal, £16, Sara Miller London.

11. No one wants to air their washing in public and this generously sized basket with carry handles will comfortably take your weekly wash. Colour block laundry basket, £59, Amara.

12. Available in a selection of colours and designs, notebooks can be personalised with your name or other inspiring words or catchphrases .Genuine Moleskine and Leuchtturm personalised notebooks and diaries, from £17.76, from a selection, Urban Cottage Industries.

13. A dinosaur memo holder with space for a few pens and pencils makes a fun addition to any desk. Dinosaur Memo Holder, £12, Natural History Museum Shop.

14. No matter what's brewing, everything will taste better in your own message mug. Personalised mug - I'm Not Lazy, pink, £9.99, Getting Personal.

15. Finally, cute and original Girotondo table lamps designed by King Kong for Alessi provide high-efficiency LED technology. Equipped with a rechargeable battery, they can be plugged into the mains or used as portable units, and will be available from mid-September. Girotondo small table lamps, £58 each, visit www.alessi.com for your nearest stockist.