Experts Reveal How to Keep Your University Room Quiet and Peaceful

It comes during the Chaos of Freshers' Week

Living in university accommodation can be exciting, especially as a fresher, but noisy neighbours, thin walls, and busy hallways can make it challenging to focus or sleep. Soundproofing your room doesn’t require a major renovation – with a few simple tricks, you can block out noise and create a peaceful space. 

Here are nine practical tips from bedroom furnishings experts Bed Kingdom to reduce noise in your university accommodation:

 1. Use heavy curtains or blackout blinds

Thick curtains or blackout blinds can block out external noise from the street or hallway. They also help insulate your room, making it warmer and more comfortable. If your university room comes with thin curtains, consider investing in a set of heavy-duty ones to help absorb sound.

2. Rug up

Adding rugs or carpets to your floor can significantly reduce noise from the room below or footsteps within your room. Opt for thicker, high-pile rugs that absorb sound more effectively. If allowed, layering rugs will boost the soundproofing effect.

3. Door draft stoppers

A significant amount of noise can seep in through the gap beneath your door. Door draft stoppers or seals can block that noise out, while also helping with insulation. You can easily find inexpensive options that fit most standard doors.

 4. Furniture positioning

Rearranging your furniture can help reduce noise. Place your bed, desk, or bookshelf against shared walls to add mass and create a buffer zone. If possible, position your bed away from the window and door to minimize exposure to external sounds.

 5. Wall hangings, foam panels or acoustic tiles

Hanging thick blankets or fabric on your walls can help absorb sound. You can get creative with aesthetic wall hangings that match your room’s décor while improving acoustics. If you’re dealing with persistent noise, consider investing in removable foam soundproof panels or acoustic tiles. These can be easily attached to your walls without causing damage, making them perfect for halls and rented spaces. They’re designed to absorb sound and are commonly used by musicians or gamers to reduce echo.

 6. White noise machine or sleep apps

While not a soundproofing method per se, white noise machines or apps can drown out external noise, making it easier to sleep or study. These devices emit soothing, continuous sounds that mask sudden, disruptive noises.

 7. Soundproofing strips for windows

If your window is letting in noise from outside, apply soundproofing strips around the window frame to create a tighter seal. This will help block out sounds like traffic, construction, or late-night parties.

8. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones

When all else fails, a good pair of earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re trying to study or sleep, these tools can help you stay focused and drown out distractions.

9. Talk to your neighbours

Sometimes, the best way to reduce noise is to communicate. Politely ask noisy flatmates, housemates or neighbours to keep the volume down during study or sleep hours. Setting boundaries can make a big difference to everyone’s living experience.

Ashley Hainsworth, spokesperson for Bed Kingdom, commented: “University halls and houses are notoriously noisy environments, and while some noise is unavoidable, creating a peaceful space for studying and sleeping is key to maintaining focus and well-being. “Simple and affordable soundproofing techniques, like using heavy curtains, foam panels, and rugs, can make a significant difference in reducing noise disturbances. With a little creativity and effort, students can turn their university rooms into a much-needed quiet retreat from the busy student life.”