Moving to a new student flat? Check our tips how to furnish with a student budget!

Furnish with a student budget

Moving to your new student flat? Or maybe your old apartment just needs a small update? It can cost quite a lot of money to create a homey, cosy space to live in. We got you! Here are some tips for you to furnish your house/room with a tight student budget.

Get second-hand stuff

Flea markets and websites that offer second-hand stuff have a wide assortment. With a bit of luck, you can find beautiful items that deserve a second chance at your place. When you are patient, you may find treasures with very affordable prices! Stroll around with an open mind, as you can pimp almost any furniture to fit to your style. Flea markets are also a great place to find tableware, and some unique decor pieces to make your home look more personal.

Sign up for Facebook groups 

There are many great groups on Facebook where to get stuff for cheap or even for free! Whether you live in a big city or a small town, usually every municipality has a group like this. Some are more active than others, but keep your eyes open for nice bargains! There are a lot of things that you could get for free. If you are interested in of a certain brand, check if there's a group for this specific one. 

DIY

Roll up your sleeves and get started! The internet is full of inspiration from YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest, you'll find plenty of ideas. A popular item among “do-it-yourselfers” is the humble wood pallet. You can use pallets for making a bed, couch or a table on wheels. The possibilities are endless. You can easily paint or refurbish furniture that you have found second-hand or gotten for free. Some paint, new knobs or refining a piece can change the look completely. 

Invest in textiles, plants & posters 

When you have the bigger pieces collected, it’s easy to make your apartment more cosy with textiles. Curtains, bed sheets, pillows, and a carpet change the whole vibe of a room and do not cost a ton). Get some affordable green plants (there’s even a Facebook group where people give away theirs!) and place a poster or two. If your flat is small, it may be a great idea to get a bigger mirror to give an impression of extra square meters. You can also get creative and find new ways of using the items you already own. Use wine bottles as candlestick holders or a basket can become a flowerpot. Find more ideas from Pinterest or TikTok! 

Student discounts

Keep an eye on student discounts and sales when making bigger investments. Black Friday, for instance, is a great time to check discounted furniture. Also, January is typically the time when shops are emptying their storage. Remember also the ISIC App, where you find plenty of discounts! See discounts from here!