When I moved to Shoreditch I had nothing but a mattress. The walls were bare, sofa vintage retro but we gave it soul with furniture. Flat-pack breaks too quick, so we begged, borrowed and carried. I spotted a funky armchair on Brick Lane. It felt like Shoreditch, but that’s what made it real. Retro armchairs have weight, and students get that instinctively. I’ve hosted ten people on one sagging retro sofa, and every time it felt right. Retro furniture feels natural here, and shops in the area thrive on it.

My flatmate dragged me into Smithers, and the vintage armchairs carried scars I loved. we were broke students, space-saving seating options but everyone fights to sit in it. We’ve all begged friends for lifts. it’s half the fun. Furniture with scars feels built for students. Flat-pack won’t last a term, but old sofas age into character. Every scratch adds more story. Once the parties are done, the stress disappears, but you remember the sofa. So if you’re moving to London, funky chairs for living room forget the catalogue shine.

Grab a retro sofa, and let it carry your student nights.