First year in London was chaos. The flat looked more squat than home, but we gave it soul with furniture. IKEA lasts a term at best, so we hunted retro. Another dragged a chair from Camden. It looked like chaos, but that’s what gave it soul. Retro luxyry armchairs have weight, and it doesn’t matter if it’s scratched. I’ve balanced takeaway boxes on a mismatched chair, and the chairs became mates. Markets spill chairs onto the streets, and designers take inspiration from it.

We wandered past Smithers one Saturday, and the sofas looked like they belonged in films. we were broke students, but it’s survived three house parties and a flood. We’ve all begged friends for lifts. it’s what makes memories. Accent chairs don’t flinch when four people pile on. Flat-pack won’t last a term, but funky chairs grow with you. every creak is another laugh. Looking back after twelve months, the cracked window gets forgotten, but that funky accent chair is legend.

When you start student life, forget the catalogue shine. Make space for a classic seat, and unusual settees see how it shapes your memories.