A Student Club President Wanted a Space That Was “Affordable and Decent Quality” — He Ended Up with a “Refuge”
Apartment (off-campus)
SUNY Oneonta
Industrial
Modern
Oneonta, New York
99
99
Quadir Noel, a senior and president of the Black Student Union at SUNY Oneonta, worked hard to show off his personality in his space, and it shows. Here’s how he created a room that highlights his own creativity and tells you a lot about who he is.
Quadir’s Space
How’d you end up in this space? In summer 2024, I was in search of a space that was both affordable and decent quality. My two previous apartments were either decent quality but way too expensive, or affordable but very low quality. I wanted to make this one different. I did a video tour of the space and instantly felt that the space was mine.
Now that you’ve made it your own, what specifically do you love about it? I think the thing I love about my room the most is the personality that it holds. Last [year] was the first year that I attempted to decorate my space, and due to the size of my room, I couldn’t go all out. This year my room is a lot bigger, so that means a lot more creativity — more things on the wall, like vinyls or posters of King James and Kylian Mbappé. Another thing I like about my room is the sunlight. I have two windows that invite the sun in every morning.
What’s your space best known for? I see my space as a refuge from the day-to-day tasks I deal with as a club president and a student on campus. I get to unwind, play on my PS5, and forget some of the day’s problems.
Quadir’s Style
Define your personal home style: My personal style takes a bite out of all my favorite hobbies and interests. I have two posters of my two favorite athletes, and then behind my bed I have vinyls of my favorite pieces of music.
What’s your proudest DIY or product hack? I’d say the assembly of the table and my headboard are what I’m most proud of. I see them as the stepping stone into me assembling more complex materials.
What’s your favorite element of your space? The color scheme.
Quadir’s Budget
In an effort to remove the stigma associated with talking about money in college, we’re asking students to share how they plan and budget for their space.
How much does your housing cost per semester? $3,500
Do you have anyone helping to fund your housing? Yes
How much did it cost to decorate your space? $250
Do you have anyone helping to fund your decor? No
Do you pay for your living expenses? Yes
How do you earn your income? A paid internship and a part-time job
What was your biggest splurge for this space, and how much did it cost? My headboard and table cost over $60 each.
What was your best budget find for this space, and how much did it cost? My comforter set cost $50.
Quadir’s Advice
What was your biggest challenge in designing your apartment? My biggest challenge was my short timeline. I chose the space in late July and moved in no more than two weeks after. I did a lot of trips to Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, and Walmart looking for things to make my space more personal. I tried to blend in what I thought worked best in my last apartment into this new one, along with the new elements to make this space unique to me.
What’s your best design tip? I highly encourage candles [if you’re permitted to have them in your space]. They change the vibe of a space 100%. One thing I love is a fresh-smelling room, and candles just do the trick.
This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.
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