The cheapest and safest way to heat a student room is to first reduce drafts and heat loss and then use a compact heater with a timer and safety features to heat the room specifically. Only heat the room when you are in it, keep the heater away from flammable items, and check what your landlord or student house rules allow.
Start by reducing drafts and heat loss
Before you use electricity to heat the room, check where heat is escaping. Drafts under the door, through gaps, and around the window can quickly cool a room. Draft excluders, a draft snake, and closed curtains in the evening will keep much of the heat inside. Milieu Centraal has general tips on heating efficiently. You still need to ventilate; see how you can ventilate your home.
Clothing also helps: a sweater, warm socks, and a blanket cost nothing and reduce the need for extra heating. If the heating in a shared house is centrally controlled, a heater is often the only way to make your own room warmer.
Use an electric heater to heat the room specifically
A compact electric heater is well suited to a small room. Turn it on when you are at your desk or before going to bed, and turn it off when you leave. A timer and thermostat help prevent unnecessary heating. You can calculate how much an electric heater costs per hour. Keep in mind that an 1800W heater on the highest setting will quickly increase costs, so choose a lower heat setting whenever possible.
Do you have a small workspace? Then also read how to heat a home office without heating the entire house; many of the tips also apply to a student room.
Safety in a small room
In a small room, everything is close together, so safety requires extra attention. Place the heater away from bedding, clothing, and curtains, and plug it directly into a wall socket. Also see how far to keep a heater from curtains and furniture. The fire department provides general advice on heating your home safely and healthily. Do not leave a heater on while you sleep or when you leave the room. Do you want to heat your room using a clothes rack or a heater? Then it is better not to dry too much laundry in your small room, as this will create extra moisture.
Direct answer: first reduce drafts, then use a compact electric heater with a timer, thermostat, and safety features to heat the room specifically, and only use it when you are present.
Example: the Dynter Aerva HT18C
The Dynter Aerva HT18C electric heater is compact and suitable for use in a study, bedroom, home office, and more.
Power: ceramic PTC heater, 900W or 1800W
Temperature: six settings from 10°C to 30°C
Timer: 0 to 9 hours
Safety: overheat protection and tip-over protection
Size: approximately 23 × 18 × 13 cm, 1.5 kg, and a 1.5-metre cable
Display: dimmable (100%, 50%, 25%, or off)
Comparison: ways to heat a student room
| Option | Advantage | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Draft excluders and curtains | Cheap, no electricity | Still need to ventilate sufficiently |
| Warm clothing and a blanket | Free | Not always enough |
| Compact electric heater | Fast and specific | Electricity consumption, safety |
| Turn up the house heating | No separate device | Often cannot be adjusted and costs are shared |
Is a heater cheaper than the house heating? That depends on the situation; see is an electric heater more energy-efficient than central heating?
Choose a heater for your room
Check out the Dynter Aerva HT18C, the Dynter HW2002 heater, or all Dynter heaters.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an electric heater in a student house?
This varies from house to house. Check the house rules and rental agreement, and ask your landlord if necessary.
Which setting is more energy-efficient: high or low?
A lower setting uses less electricity per hour. Only use the highest setting to heat the room quickly.
How long can a heater be left on?
As long as you are present and the room does not overheat. Use a timer and never leave a heater on unattended.
Will a heater make my room damp?
An electric heater does not produce moisture itself. However, moisture can build up from breathing and drying laundry, so continue to ventilate.