Once you move into your first off-campus apartment, your next challenge is to transform its drab interior into a comfortable place to study and relax. For many Ohio University students, one of the biggest questions is whether to buy furniture new or secondhand.
The answer depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how long you’ll stay in Athens. Both options have pros and cons; Regardless of which route you choose to go on, you can still furnish your space and make it yours. Also, you don’t have to buy everything new. In fact, certain furniture and items might be best bought secondhand or even received for free from graduating seniors.
With Every Purchase, Start By Creating a Budget
Before browsing furniture stores or online marketplaces, determine how much you're comfortable spending. Students often underestimate how many items they'll need in their Ohio University Rental. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but here are some essential furniture and functional items that you’ll want to have:
- Sturdy bed frame
- Comfortable mattress
- Desk and chair set for studying
- Couch or other seating
- Dining table
- Lamps
- Storage like shelving racks, organizers, and baskets
- Kitchen utensils and cookware
Depending on what you need, you can narrow down this list to the top priorities. The size of your apartment also matters. When you live in a studio apartment, you shouldn’t buy large furniture. This can actually help you save money, too.
If you’re not a fan of cooking, then you can simply go for the bare basics like plates and utensils. Having a realistic furniture budget helps you prevent overspending when you move in.
When You Should Buy New Furniture and Items
New furniture offers several advantages, particularly for students who expect to stay in the same rental for multiple years. One of the biggest benefits of buying new is knowing exactly what you're getting. New items may often come with a warranty and require little to no DIY or repair on your part.
Additionally, if you want your apartment to have a coordinated look, buying new furniture often makes it easier to create a consistent design. This can make your entire home feel more cohesive. Last but not least, new quality furniture may last throughout your college years and even beyond graduation. Students planning to remain in Athens for several years may find new furniture to be a worthwhile investment.
For essential items such as mattresses, many students prefer buying new ones for comfort and hygiene reasons. Although you can save money with secondhand items, consider buying new pillows, bedding, and dinnerware.
Things You Can Find Secondhand to Save Money
Secondhand furniture is often the go-to option for OU students who are on a tight budget. The most obvious advantage of used furniture is affordability. From Facebook Marketplace, local forums, and other platforms, you can find desks, bookshelves, chairs, and couches for a fraction of their original retail price. The money you save can be put toward other expenses like textbooks, utilities, or groceries.
Aside from the cost savings, getting preloved furniture helps reduce waste and gives these items a second life. Plus, used furniture often features unique designs that you can use to make your apartment feel alive.
Also, sometimes, you might not even need to shell out any money for secondhand furniture. Graduating students often give away everything they can’t bring, from unfinished toiletries and used textbooks to storage bins and other smaller furniture. These pieces can also be found in excellent condition.
Coordinate With Roommates to Avoid Duplicate Purchases
One of the most common furnishing mistakes is purchasing duplicate items. When you live with roommates, it’s ideal to discuss what items are already covered and which would be shared purchases.
Good communication can prevent unnecessary spending and help create a more functional living environment. After all, one of the benefits of living in a house in Athens with roommates is being able to lower living costs.
Aesthetics and Comfort Both Play a Role in The Comfort of Your Apartment Near Campus
Many students focus on aesthetics when furnishing a rental, but comfort and functionality matter just as much.
Likewise, when you’re looking to move into off-campus apartments near OU, you should evaluate each place based on the features it offers and the overall state of the student rental. When you tour an apartment, you can check which furniture will already be available and consider whether the size and layout of the rental fit what you’re looking for. Carefully checking these details will help you make the right decision on which lease to sign.
Kleinpenny Rentals has been providing OU students with comfortable, functional, and student-friendly apartments and homes since 1989. Our housing options range from studio apartments to sprawling 8-bedroom houses perfect for an entire group of friends. Each of our off-campus OU rentals is kept up to date and consistently maintained. When you choose to live in any of our student apartments, you can focus on furnishing your place and live your best student life, without having to worry about anything.