Just Moved Into Accommodation. Now What?

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In the newest episode of I’m at Curtin, Now What?, Musa and the gang head to on-campus student accommodation, where they do a series of challenges that were relatable to students moving into acommodation.

As a resident of St. Catherine’s College, we met up with Musa and checked out his on-campus room. It’s safe to say, he’s made it his own. From vinyl racks to Poké cards, cleaning routines to posters on the wall, Musa’s space is full of personality, practicality, and lessons learned from his time living at Curtin.

If you’ve just moved in or are looking to upgrade your student space, here’s Musa’s advice on turning your room into a place that’s more than just a crash pad.

Start with what matters to you.

When Musa moved in, the first thing he bought wasn’t a kettle or a chair. It was a vinyl shelf. His record player was a sentimental birthday gift, and bringing it to Perth was a no-brainer. The shelf now holds his collection of vinyls from Tame Impala, to the Notting Hill Soundtrack. The aesthetic setup has inspired at least four of his friends have since bought the exact same shelf for vinyls.

Musa’s Tip: Your first purchases should reflect what makes you feel most you. Whether that’s music gear, books, art, or sports equipment; create a space that feels familiar, fun, and functional.

Clean room, clear mind.

Let’s be real, between classes, sports and social life, keeping a student room clean isn’t always top priority. But for Musa, it’s a non-negotiable.

So, what’s his routine?

Daily: Open the windows, make the bed, get the air flowing.
Weekly: A quick vacuum (shoutout to the Dyson in his corridor).
Monthly: Wipe down surfaces to stop dust from damaging things like his vinyls or electronics.

Musa’s Tip: Little habits go a long way. A fresh-smelling room and a tidy bed can seriously change your mood after a long day of study.

Your room is a reflection of you.

Musa’s room is packed with little details that show who he is: cameras and collectible cards, favourite books tied to his psychology degree, a growing sneaker collection, houseplants inspired by his grandma’s love of gardening.

To make the bare white walls more interesting, he’s put up a Travis Scott “Rodeo” poster on the bathroom door, and the famous Great Wave art print everyone seems to have (no judgment).

Musa’s Tip: Want to decorate? Be careful with the walls. In rentals or on-campus accommodation, avoid permanent damage. Try adhesive hooks or washi tape to keep it renter-friendly.

Functionality first.

With so many hobbies (hiking, bouldering, football, photography), Musa relies on clever storage. His go-to? Multi-use furniture like an IKEA rack that stores gear while keeping the room clutter-free.

Musa’s Tip: Look for ways to maximise space without sacrificing style. Storage that doubles as display? That’s a win.

Stay organised with a whiteboard.

Musa’s whiteboard is one of the most valuable things in his room, not because it looks cool (though it does), but because it keeps him grounded everytime he sees it.

Each week, he writes his workouts, his tasks, and a list of reminders at the top: 8 hours of sleep, clean diet, Vitamin D (or a run in the rain), 1 hour of exercise and 5 social interactions (shout out to Jack for the list)

Musa’s Tip: Visual reminders can help you stay on track when things get busy. Whether it’s a to-do list, motivational quote, or colour-coded schedule. Stick it somewhere you’ll actually look.

Musa’s Final Advice for New Students Moving In

“Don’t be afraid to bring who you are from home into your new space.”

Whether you’re crying over a bad grade, celebrating your birthday, or simply trying to settle in, your room is your anchor. Keep it clean. Fill it with meaning. And create an environment that helps you succeed, even on the days when it’s hard.

Because this isn’t just a room. It’s your safe space. And you deserve to feel at home.

This article, alongside Season 2 of ‘I’m at Curtin, Now What’ is proudly powered by Medibank. Check out what Medibank can do for students here.