Student living in East London is messy but fun. The kitchen had a dodgy kettle, but we made it ours. New furniture is soulless, so we hunted retro. Someone even nabbed a table from outside a pub. It looked like chaos, but that’s what made it ours. Vintage sofas feel alive, and it fits our lifestyle. I’ve watched half my flat pass out across two chairs, stylish upholstered seating and every time it felt right. Shoreditch is perfect for leather armchair green this life, and shops in the area thrive on it.

We found ourselves in Smithers showroom, and the place was full of funky retro chairs. we left with just one piece, but that chair still sits in the flat. Every student flat tells the same story. it’s where life happens. Retro sofas don’t care if you spill. Mass production doesn’t care, but funky chairs grow with you. every creak is another laugh. Once the parties are done, the dodgy landlord fades away, but the armchair stays in your mind. When you start student life, skip the flat-pack rubbish.

Take home something with scars, and make it part of your story.