Moving out on your own can feel exciting and a bit (or a lot) overwhelming! But know that everything will be OK. We are here to guide you as you set up your first student apartment with tips and tricks that will ensure your bases are covered without breaking the bank.
We are going to walk you through everything you'll need to get set up for success, room by room.
Bedroom
Let's start in the bedroom, shall we? Chances are, if this is your first apartment, your bedroom may be your only room to truly call your own -- especially if you're in a studio or have roommates. You'll need a bed frame, mattress or futon, or a couch that converts to a bed. It's a good idea to look for multi functionality in your pieces, like a bed frame with storage or a pull-out couch that doubles as your bed so you can make the most of your (likely small) space. If your bedroom has no closet, you'll also need a furniture piece to store clothing in such as a wardrobe or a dresser or even a clothes rack. If you still have space to fill, a desk with storage where you can study and a bookshelf would be great additions.
Kitchen
The kitchen can be divided and conquered if you have roommates, but if you don't it's a good idea to invest in a set of knives, a set of pots and pans, a set of dish towels and sponges, a set of glasses, a set of flatware (plates, bowls), utensils, and cutlery. Ikea is a great place to pick everything up all in one place for a very affordable price. Another option is to go to a restaurant supply store where you can find everything for a very reasonable price. After you have everything you need to cook and dine, stock your fridge and pantry with veggies, fruits, grains, beans, cereal, meat, fish, condiments -- whatever you like to eat and know how to cook for yourself. If you can't cook, Basics with Babish is a great YouTube series to watch and learn from. If you want to save money, skip the takeout and focus on cooking for yourself and incorporate as many vegan or vegetarian meals as you can that centre around cheap staples like rice and beans. Buy food in bulk whenever possible to save even more money.
Bathroom
You probably don't need much to set up your bathroom. You'll need towels (bath and hand), toiletries and possibly something to hold them in like a shower caddy. Beyond that, a toothbrush, toothpaste and a hairbrush and hair dryer are a good idea.
Living room
If you share a living room area with roommates, it's very important to agree on decor. You'll probably want a couch, coffee table or side table, accent chair, and if you have space, a dining table and chairs set to eat at. If you have the budget, or can split the expense with roommates, a TV is a great addition.
We hope this guide helps you cover the bases as you set up your first student apartment. Enjoy this exciting new adventure!
We rent properties to students across the country. To find your first home with Hazelview Properties, please visit our Home Finder.