Edinburgh flats are a… unique part of the student experience in this city. We all dream of a classic Old Town apartment, with its high ceilings, huge windows and dreamy period features. Many of us are lucky enough to live in one. But we won’t feel so lucky in a few weeks when we’re either freezing our tits off in an ice-cold flat or watching our student loans dissipate before us on the sky-high cost of central heating.
If this is your first year out of the bliss of bills-included student halls, fear not. Here are some tips for making your new flat a cosy sanctuary where you can stay warm without wreaking havoc on your bank balance.
1. Blankets galore
It seems obvious, but blankets are your best friend as the weather gets colder. Get some good blankets that you can get cosy under. The thicker and fluffier the better. Alternatively, invest in a heated blanket. Though it is a bigger spend initially, electric blankets cost pennies to run, and if it means holding off putting the heating on for longer, you’ll be saving money long term.
2. Cosy lighting
Now, this admittedly won’t make your flat warmer, but trust me, the big light is your worst enemy. As the days get shorter and it gets darker earlier, the harsh glare of overhead lighting will just emphasise how dark it is outside. The Danish practice of Hygge centres around creating a calming atmosphere in your home, and warm lamps and fairy lights help to achieve this. You can also use candles, or for a safer option, LED candles can have almost as good an effect.
3. Layer up
You’re already familiar with wrapping up warm for the cold conditions outside, but in Edinburgh, you’ll need to do that inside, too. Fluffy socks on top of ordinary socks, jumpers on top of pyjamas, dressing gowns on top of jumpers… layering is a necessity. Wearable hooded blankets are popular are very effective at keeping you warm. Plus, it’s a bonding experience with your flatmates to sit around the kitchen table in your huge blanket hoodies and defiantly insist that you don’t need to put the heating on just yet.
4. Hot water bottles
A classic but effective little device, get yourself a hot water bottle (or two) if you don’t already own one. Fill it up half an hour or so before you want to get into bed so that by the time you do it’s nice and warm in there. There’s nothing worse than tucking yourself into cold sheets.
5. Put the heating on
The bottom line is that you will have to use the heating, and that is ok. With all these other tips you can keep it to a minimum, but sometimes you will need to heat your flat to make it comfortable to live in. It is expensive, but living in unbearable cold is terrible for your wellbeing. Don’t fear the central heating, just use it wisely and when absolutely necessary. It’s not worth sitting at home shivering.
Image ‘Edinburgh Chimneys and Rooftops’ courtesy of Tommy Manning.