Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments: What’s Best for International Students?
One big decision international students in the UK have to make is - should you rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment?
This choice can impact your budget, convenience, and overall student experience. Do you want a move-in-ready space? Or do you prefer the freedom of decorating your own place?
In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of each option, helping you decide which fits your lifestyle best.
Key Takeaways
Furnished apartments come with all essential furniture, which is ideal for short-term stays and stress-free moving. In contrast, unfurnished apartments offer flexibility and lower rent but require an upfront investment in furniture.
International students should consider budget, length of stay, lifestyle preferences, and convenience when choosing.
Furnished options are best for first-year students, exchange students, or those staying less than a year, while unfurnished apartments work well for long-term students looking to personalize their space and save on rent.
Student Luxe provides access to the most exclusive, luxury furnished apartments UK has to offer. These apartments are located in the best neighbourhoods in various cities near popular universities. You can explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.
What is a Furnished Apartment?
A furnished apartment comes equipped with essential furniture and appliances, allowing tenants to move in without purchasing additional items. These apartments are a practical choice for students looking for a simple, stress-free housing solution, especially those staying for a short period. Typically, a furnished apartment includes:
bed and mattress
desk and chair (especially in student accommodations)
sofa and coffee table in the living area
dining table and chairs
basic kitchen appliances like a fridge, stove, and microwave
wardrobes or storage units
Pros
Move-in ready
Convenience
Short-term flexibility
Cons
Higher rent
Less personalization
Potential for wear and tear charges
What is an Unfurnished Apartment?
An unfurnished apartment is a rental property that comes without furniture, meaning tenants need to purchase or rent their own. Unfurnished apartments are best suited for international students planning to stay for multiple years because they offer more flexibility and potential cost savings over time. Unfurnished apartments may include basic fixtures such as:
Kitchen appliances (fridge, oven, stove)
Bathroom fittings (toilet, sink, shower)
Curtains or blinds (in some cases)
Built-in wardrobes or storage units (varies by property)
Pros
Lower Rent
More Personalization
Less wear-and-tear liability
Cons
Higher upfront costs
Time-consuming setup
Resale or moving challenges
Which Option is Best for International Students?
The choice between a furnished and an unfurnished apartment depends on factors like budget, length of stay, and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help international students decide:
Best for Short-Term Students (1 Year or Less): Furnished Apartments
Ideal for exchange students, first-year students, or those on a one-year master's program.
No need to worry about buying, transporting, or selling furniture.
Higher rent, but the convenience outweighs the cost for short stays.
Best for Long-Term Students (2+ Years): Unfurnished Apartments
A better option for students pursuing multi-year degrees who want to save money on rent.
Allows for personalized living spaces that feel more like home.
Higher upfront costs but can be more affordable over time.
Bottom Line: If you value convenience and minimal effort, a furnished apartment is the best choice. On the other hand, if you plan to stay for several years and want flexibility, an unfurnished apartment offers better long-term savings.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing
When deciding between a furnished and an unfurnished apartment, international students should consider the following factors:
Budget
Furnished apartments typically have higher monthly rent but remove the need to buy furniture. Unfurnished apartments usually have lower rent but require an initial investment in furniture, which can be costly upfront but more economical in the long run.
Length of Stay
If you are staying for one year or less, a furnished apartment is a more practical choice since there's no need to buy and resell furniture. For students staying two years or more, an unfurnished apartment may be the better financial decision.
Convenience & Move-In Time
Furnished apartments are ready to move into immediately, making them ideal for students arriving from abroad. However, unfurnished apartments require time and effort to furnish, which can be stressful if you have a busy schedule.
Personalization
Unfurnished apartments allow students to decorate and furnish their space according to their style and needs. However, furnished apartments may have limited flexibility, as students must use the provided furniture.
Resale & Moving Costs
Furnished apartments eliminate the hassle of reselling furniture or arranging transport when moving out. On the other hand, unfurnished apartments require students to either sell or move their furniture when they leave, which can be inconvenient.
FAQs
What is the difference between a furnished and unfurnished apartment?
A furnished apartment comes with essential furniture like a bed, sofa, dining table, and appliances, while an unfurnished apartment is mostly empty and requires tenants to provide their own furniture.
Can I rent furniture for an unfurnished apartment in the UK?
Yes, several companies in the UK offer furniture rental services, allowing tenants to furnish their apartments without purchasing expensive items.
Are furnished apartments more expensive?
Yes, furnished apartments typically have higher rent than unfurnished ones because they include furniture and appliances, but they save tenants from upfront furniture costs.
Wrapping Up
Choosing between a furnished and an unfurnished apartment depends on your budget, length of stay, and personal preferences. Furnished apartments offer convenience and an easy move-in experience, while unfurnished apartments provide flexibility and potential long-term savings.
For international students looking for premium, fully furnished accommodations, Student Luxe offers high-end student apartments in top UK cities. With modern amenities, stylish interiors, and prime locations near universities, Student Luxe ensures a comfortable and stress-free living experience.
About Us
Student Luxe are the preferred choice for guests seeking superior comfort, flexibility & service for their studies - providing some of the most luxurious and private student accommodation London has to offer.
Most of these apartments are in the best parts of the city, with amazing on-site amenities and flexible booking perks.
If we can assist with your apartment search in any way, please let our experts know.
We look forward to hosting you soon.
