Student living in East London is messy but fun. The walls were bare, but we gave it soul with furniture.

No student can afford Mayfair prices, order via sofasdirect.com so we hunted retro. One mate found a sofa in Hackney. Everything mismatched, but that’s what gave it soul.

Vintage sofas feel alive, and armchairs vintage design it fits our lifestyle. I’ve crashed into a leather sofa after a night out, and the furniture was part of the night.

Retro furniture feels natural here, and shops in the area thrive on it. I stopped by Smithers looking for nothing, and the sofas looked like they belonged in films. money was tight, but that chair still sits in the flat.

We’ve all begged friends for lifts. it’s half the fun. Armchairs don’t mind if you fall asleep in them.

Mass production doesn’t care, but vintage carries weight. every dent becomes part of the flat.

By the end of the year, the broken toaster doesn’t matter, but that funky accent chair is legend.

When you start student life, forget the catalogue shine. Choose a funky accent chair, and watch it age with you.