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St. Andrews | Culture

Feng Shui Your Uni Room

Updated Published
Sofia Podini Student Contributor, University of St Andrews
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at St. Andrews chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Is your uni room feeling just a little bit off? Perhaps it seems slightly unbalanced, and the placement of everything is, well, awkward. It may be a sign to improve the feng shui of your bedroom. This ancient Chinese practice aims to create balance between you and your physical space to encourage the flow of positive energy, or qi. If you’re living in a flat this year, you should especially consider changing the layout of your furniture or other smaller items to reap the rewards in true Feng Shui. 

Optimize Your Bed Placement

Begin with the most essential element of a bedroom: the bed! Your bed shouldn’t block any doors or windows, according to feng shui. If you can’t place your bed in front of a stable, solid wall, try to mitigate this negative energy by installing a headboard or heavy curtains to create a barrier from the outside. It’s best if your bed is in a ‘commanding’ position, which means that it should have a clear, unobstructed view of your bedroom door. Ideally, your bed should not be opening in a direct line with the door. This is known as the ‘corpse’ or ‘coffin’ position, which will drain your energy as you sleep. If you can’t avoid this, consider a small bench for the end of your bed (like this cute pink one from The Range or this green bouclĂ© one from Danish-brand Sostrene Grene), or a footboard to act as a barrier from the door.

The Clutter-Free Rule

The simplest thing you can do to improve the feng shui in your uni room is to declutter your space and tidy up. Clutter is considered stale energy that blocks the flow of qi; a room free of clutter allows energy to flow unrestricted. Clean up that pile of clothes, put away all the knick-knacks on your bedside table, and take all the old mugs and cups back to the kitchen. A clean room leads to a clear mind. 

Additionally, if you want good feng shui, you want to keep the space under your bed clear. This means positive energy can flow freely as you sleep. If, like me, you can’t give up this prime storage space, fill it up only with ‘soft’ things like extra linens, blankets, or out-of-season clothing. Shoes and luggage are a no-go as they make you feel like you are moving instead of relaxing.

Neutrals for the Win

For optimal feng shui, your bedroom must elicit a calm and soothing environment. Palettes of pale blues, greens, and creamy-toned neutrals are best for bedding and décor to create that relaxing ambience. I love this simple corkboard from Amazon or this pale blue bedding from H&M. If you prefer to incorporate more color, opt for reds, pinks, and oranges that bring warmth and complement the neutral tones. 

Create Symmetry

Creating symmetry in your bedroom will further promote harmony and balance. Ensure you have the same number of pillows on each side of your bed. If you have a dresser or an extra wardrobe, place it on the wall opposite your closet. If your room is big enough, ensure your nightstands and lamps match for that seamless, hotel-room feel.

Separate Work and Play

This is probably the hardest to achieve as a uni student, but try to create a separate zone in your room for schoolwork. I place all my school items, including books, inside or near my desk in my room. It’s best if your desk is also in a commanding position, facing the door without being directly in line with it. That being said, try to separate your bed and desk/workspace as much as possible. I would recommend a different carpet for the desk area, or try something as simple as concealing your laptop and electronics inside a drawer to create a more restful environment. 

At university, our bedrooms are often more than just a place to sleep–it’s where we study, hang out with friends, and unwind. While it’s easy for them to feel cluttered or stressed with their many purposes, weaving in a few feng shui principles can help restore balance. You can easily create a more functional space that supports rest, focus, and calm. If you’re interested in learning more about this traditional Chinese geomancy, check out Cliff Tan’s book, Feng Shui Modern (or TikTok page), or other books by other feng shui practitioners like Eva Wong and Lillian Too.

Sofia Podini

St. Andrews '27

Sofia Podini is a third year international relations and management student from Washington, DC. Outside of her studies, she enjoys travelling, yoga, skiing, and trying out new coffee spots.