Furnished vs Unfurnished Student Housing: How to Avoid Costly Mistakes
Furnished or unfurnished? That’s one of the first decisions you’ll need to make once you’ve found the university you want to attend. Your options are between a place that is furnished and a place that isn’t, and there are several things to consider when deciding what will work best for you.
This choice affects more than just comfort; it impacts your budget, how quickly you can settle in, and how much effort you’ll need to put into turning your space into something livable.
Some students prefer convenience and flexibility; others want full creative freedom and lower long-term costs. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of both options, compares upfront and hidden costs, and helps you figure out which setup fits your lifestyle, study plans, and budget best—without the guesswork.
What are we talking about?
When you think of furnished accommodation, think of ‘move-in ready.’ In a furnished apartment you will typically find a bed, study desk and chair, bar fridge, stove and microwave. Basically, all you need to bring is your books and bags.
Regarding unfurnished accommodation, you are looking at a black slate, you will likely find a stove, kitchen cabinets and your wardrobe outside of that the sky (and your budget) is the limit in terms of how you furnish and decorate the place.
Both these places have their pros and cons that you should consider carefully before you decide
Once you’ve narrowed down your accommodation options, the next step is understanding what each setup actually offers. Both furnished and unfurnished student accommodation come with distinct pros and cons that can significantly affect your budget, convenience, and day-to-day comfort.
To help you decide, here’s a side-by-side breakdown of what you can typically expect from each:
Furnished Accommodation
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient – Especially if you’re travelling from a different part of the country or are an international student. | Tends to cost more than unfurnished apartments. |
| Move-in ready – It’s already kitted out with all the basics you’ll need. | Limited in how much you can personalise the space. |
| Fewer upfront costs – No need to buy furniture or kitchen appliances. | You’ll be liable for damage to provided furniture (always inspect items upon move-in). |
| Flexible lease options – Often available for a semester or short-term stays. | – |
| Ideal for exchange students and first-years. | – |
While furnished units offer ease and convenience, they’re not the right fit for everyone. If you’re after more control over your space and are prepared to invest in furniture and setup, unfurnished accommodation might be the better option.
Here’s what to expect:
Unfurnished Accommodation
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower cost of rent. | High initial setup cost – Furniture and appliances can be expensive. |
| More flexibility – Decorate however you like, with furniture that suits your preferences. | Logistics – You need to transport and set everything up, which adds time and cost. |
| More economical long-term – Ideal if you plan to stay for the full duration of your degree (3–4 years). | Less common among students – Often located in general residential complexes with fewer student-focused amenities. |
While furnished units offer ease and convenience, they’re not the right fit for everyone. If you’re after more control over your space and are prepared to invest in furniture and setup, unfurnished accommodation might be the better option. Here’s what to expect:
Know what to expect
In a furnished unit you will typically find a bed and mattress, study desk and chair, wardrobe, bar fridge (large, shared fridge), microwave, curtains or blinds and basic internet access and utilities. However, make sure to check what is included in the offer. The term ‘furnished’ is very broad and can mean different things to different landlords and different managing agents.
Pro tip: If you want the convenience of a furnished room but still want to have your personality shine through, then ask the accommodation managers if it is possible to remove some stuff. Maybe put up your own curtains or bring your own super comfy desk chair.
Maybe you have a standing desk that you want to bring from home instead of using the one provided by the accommodation. Just remember that while most place will likely be amenable to removing some furniture they will likely not change the rental amount you’re paying.
How quickly do you want to settle
If you want to move in without the work of buying furniture and moving it around, setting it up and the logistics of it all, then the furnished apartments are the way to go. This is especially the case if you are in first year or if you are an international student.
On the other hand, if you love a DIY project and are willing to spend a few weekends shopping, decorating and styling your new place to suit your taste then the unfurnished route is the way to go.
Personal touches
An unfurnished unit gives you the freedom to choose the type and size of bed you want. The size of your TV and the type of curtains you want. The options are endless. If you so choose you can even repaint the walls to suit your style if you remember to paint it back to the original colour before you leave.
That’s not to say that a furnished unit can’t be customised. You can put up posters and rearrange the furniture. However, realistically the options are a lot more limited. But check out these pictures that show you different ways you can decorate and use your space in one of our furnished units.
Think about who’s in charge of fixing things
In a furnished unit, the furniture isn’t yours. Therefore, if something breaks (and it’s not your fault) it falls on the landlord to fix said thing. Even if it is your fault, the landlord will likely come out to fix whatever it is and then charge you at the end of the month together with your rental. If you are in an unfurnished unit, anything you bring is your responsibility.
So, if your microwave breaks then it’s your job to get it fixed or to replace it. However, if something happens to the building, for example a leaking ceiling, then the landlord will step in and have to fix that.
Read More: How to Choose Student Accommodation in Ruimsig
Moving out
Moving out of a furnished place is very easy. You pack your things into your suitcases, hand in your keys and off you go!
Moving out of an unfurnished apartment is a little more complex and require a little more planning. If you don’t want to keep something you need to sell it. Either on marketplace, to a find who needs said item or to the likes of cash converters.
If you want to keep some of your stuff, then you either need to have your next place lined up so you can move your stuff there or have a storage unit that you can use in the interim.
Decisions, decisions
So, you’ve done some research, and you’ve read all this information, how do you decide what will work for you? To try and help you out here is some practical advice:
- Consider you budget. Remember to factor in all costs not just what you are going to be paying in rent.
- Think about the length of your stay. If you are unfamiliar with the area, choose a furnished place since you can have a short terms lease and that gives you time to shop around
- Consider if you want to fully customise your space or if you are happy with ready-made comfort.
- Read you lease carefully! Ensure that you understand how far you can go with the customisations and who will be taking responsibility for what maintenance.
- Start your search early. If you are looking for a furnished place near campus, be aware that these are typically the first to sell out. On the other hand, if you are looking for an unfurnished place you need to give yourself the time to shop, have the stuff delivered and to set up shop before the semester starts.
So, which one is best?
There is no answer to which one is better than the other. It’s all about what works for you. Whatever lets you sleep at night (literally), and what will be most conducive to your lifestyle and academic success. With all that in mind, happy house-hunting and may the odds be ever in your favour.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Furnished accommodation offers simplicity and speed, especially if you’re new to the city or need a place without the admin.
Unfurnished units give you control and long-term value if you’re willing to put in the effort. Weigh the trade-offs based on your budget, how long you plan to stay, and how hands-on you want to be.
Browse available units or book a viewing with KCI Management Properties. Whether you want fully furnished convenience or the freedom of an unfurnished space, we’ll help you secure a place that works for your needs and your student life.
