What to Do With That Empty Room Now the Kids Have Gone to Uni

The car is loaded, the bags are packed, and just like that, your child is off to university. You come home to a house that suddenly feels a little bigger, and quieter, than it did before. That once-busy bedroom is now an empty space, and while it tugs at the heartstrings, it also opens up possibilities.

So, what can you do with that extra room? Here are some ideas that might spark inspiration (and perhaps soften the silence).

A home office that really works

Over the last few years, working from home has become the norm for many people. If you’ve been balancing your laptop on the kitchen table or sharing space with laundry piles, now’s the perfect chance to create a dedicated office.

A proper desk, decent chair, and a little thoughtful décor can transform the room into a productive, comfortable workspace. And when your child visits? The laptop folds away, the bed folds out, and it’s still their room too.

A fitness or wellbeing space

Gym memberships aren’t for everyone, and squeezing in exercise at home can be tricky without space. That empty room could be turned into your personal fitness zone, whether it’s yoga mats and resistance bands, or a couple of weights and a stationary bike.

For something calmer, think about a meditation nook, reading space, or even a craft room where you can finally spread out those projects without clearing them away for dinner.

Guest room upgrade

If the room already has a bed, why not elevate it into a proper guest room? Fresh bedding, softer lighting, and a few thoughtful touches can make it welcoming for friends, family, or even the child who’s just gone off to uni (they will be back, with laundry in tow).

Hobby haven

Whether it’s painting, sewing, music, or gaming, hobbies thrive on having space. Many parents put their own interests on hold while raising kids, but now could be the time to reclaim that creative spark. An empty room is the perfect excuse to finally set up the easel, the keyboard, or the sewing machine.

A quiet retreat

Not every room has to be practical. Sometimes what you need most is a sanctuary, a quiet space with a comfortable chair, shelves of books, and a door you can close when life gets noisy. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A cosy reading corner or a calming space with plants and soft lighting can do wonders.

A mix-and-match approach

Of course, there’s no rule that says the room has to have one purpose. A sofa bed can turn a home office into a guest room. A set of shelves can make a hobby space double as storage. With a little creativity, you can have the best of both worlds.

Remember: it’s still theirs too

One final thought, as much as you might be itching to transform the space, it’s worth remembering that your child may still want to come home to something that feels familiar. Keeping a few personal touches, posters, photos, or even their bedding, can make their return visits feel more comfortable.

The takeaway

An empty bedroom doesn’t have to feel like a loss. It can be an opportunity to add something valuable to your home, whether that’s productivity, relaxation, or creativity. And when your child comes back, they’ll see that their space has evolved but is still part of home.

Barry, The Mortgage NetworkMortgage Adviser, here to support homeowners through every stage of life.