If you’re living in student housing, chances are it’s a tight squeeze. But don’t fret, there are some simple ways to make the most out of the space you have.

Jumia House, the leading global online real estate marketplace shares five tips that can help create the illusion of more space in tiny living areas.

Decorate with lighter colors.

You might be tempted to go for cooler, cozy colors. But the lighter the better, as these will reflect the light rather than absorbing it, helping to make a small space appear bigger. Choose furniture, bed covers and other accessories in lighter shades to keep the space feeling airy and open. Stick to cream, beige, light grey and white as a color palette. Other small touches – like installing two large mirrors facing each other – can help open up the space.

Use bookshelves to divide a room.

Need to block off a corner in the living room to study, or just for a bit of privacy? Separate study areas from the rest of the lounge by using a bookshelf as a divider. Other items – like curtains or screens – can work just as well. This tip is particularly useful in studio spaces, as it helps to separate living and sleeping areas.

Buy multi-purpose furniture.

Dual-use furniture is one of the easiest ways to save on space. Go for pieces that also provide storage, such as coffee tables like this with plenty of extra room to hold your textbooks. You could also invest in a futon or fold-out sofa, providing a couch and guest bed in one. Alternatively, try going vertical. In the bedroom, a loft-style bed allows for extra seating or storage space underneath.

Fold it away to use later.

Unless you’re planning to host a fair share of fancy dinner parties, you can save on space by putting a small table in the kitchen. A fold-up mounted table, like this classy wooden version from Ikea, on the wall is the perfect space saver for a tiny kitchen. There are other fold-away furniture options – ranging from king-size beds to entire living room sets – that can also help you maximise the space you have.

Stay organised.

A cluttered room instantly feels smaller, so set aside a bit of time every day for staying neat and tidy at home. Keep counters and tabletops free of clutter. Come up with a weekly cleaning roster with your housemates so that the chores are split evenly. And make sure you have some good storage options: add a hanging closet organiser to your wardrobe to help maximise the space or look under the bed for extra space.