Moving into a new student apartment is exciting, but one of your biggest decisions is whether to go with a furnished or unfurnished space. In a college city like Salt Lake City—where students, interns, and young renters move in and out year-round—furnished apartments can be super convenient. But they’re not always the perfect fit for everyone. Before signing a lease, it helps to understand what you’re getting (and what you’re not). 

Pros of Furnished Student Apartments 

1. Convenience from Day One 

With a furnished student apartment, everything you need is already waiting for you—bed, desk, couch, dining setup, and sometimes décor. You can show up with your suitcases, move in within minutes, and start living. For busy students or anyone moving from out of state, that convenience is unbeatable. 

2. Cost Savings Upfront 

Buying furniture gets expensive fast—especially on a student budget. Furnished apartments let you skip the cost of mattresses, dressers, desks, and couches. If you’re just starting college, only staying for a year, or trying to avoid big spending at once, furnished options take a lot of financial pressure off. 

3. Ideal for Short-Term or Flexible Leases 

Doing a summer term, internship, or only planning on being in SLC for a school year? Furnished apartments make short-term living super easy. You don’t have to buy, move, or store furniture every time your plans change. 

4. Much Less Moving Stress 

No truck. No borrowing a friend’s pickup. No hauling a couch up three floors. With furniture already in place, move-in and move-out are fast and stress-free—perfect for students juggling class schedules, work, and relocation all at once. 

Cons of Furnished Student Apartments 

1. Higher Monthly Rent 

Furnished student apartments typically cost more per month. While you do save upfront, that slightly higher rent can add up over time—especially if you’re staying in the same place for multiple years. 

2. Limited Personalization 

Since most major furniture pieces are already chosen for you, you may not have full control over the aesthetic. You can still make the space your own with décor, but if you’re someone who wants a fully customized setup, an unfurnished apartment may be a better fit. 

3. Responsibility for Furniture Condition 

Because the furniture isn’t yours, you’ll need to keep it in good shape. Normal wear and tear is expected, but anything beyond that—stains, damage, broken items—could come out of your security deposit. 

4. Less Cost-Effective for Long-Term Students 

If you plan to stay in SLC for several years, buying your own furniture for an unfurnished apartment often ends up cheaper in the long run. Once you own your furniture, you aren’t paying a monthly premium for it. 

Choosing between a furnished or unfurnished student apartment really depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how long you plan to stay in Salt Lake City. If you want a move-in-ready space with minimal hassle, a furnished unit is a major win. But if you’re looking for long-term savings or want full control over your space, unfurnished might be the better route. 

At Montaire, you get the best of both worlds. Our SLC student apartments come in both furnished and unfurnished options, so you can pick the setup that fits your college experience. Whether you want instant, stress-free move-in or a blank canvas to design from scratch, Montaire has a home that works for you. 

Moving into your first student apartment is an exciting part of college life. Whether you’re leaving the dorms, relocating closer to campus, or moving out on your own for the first time, the process can feel overwhelming at first. Between coordinating move-in day, packing for school, and adjusting to a new routine, there’s a lot to manage. With a little planning, though, your move can be smooth, organized, and stress-free. 

This beginner’s guide to student apartment living covers everything college students should know before move-in day so you can settle into your new space with confidence. 

1. Plan Ahead for Move-In Day 

College move-in weekends can get busy quickly, especially in student housing communities near campus. Start planning early by creating a checklist of important tasks like packing, confirming move-in times, setting up utilities if needed, and coordinating transportation. 

If you’re moving with roommates, communicate ahead of time about who is bringing shared items like kitchen supplies, cleaning products, or living room décor. Planning together can help avoid duplicate purchases and save money. 

2. Budget for Student Apartment Expenses 

Your monthly expenses will likely include more than just rent. College students should also plan for groceries, utilities, renters insurance, parking, school supplies, and personal expenses. Creating a simple budget before moving in can help you stay financially organized throughout the semester. 

It’s also smart to leave extra room in your budget for move-in essentials like bedding, storage bins, toiletries, and small kitchen items you may not already have. 

3. Pack Smart for College Living 

Packing strategically makes move-in and unpacking much easier. Label boxes clearly by room or category so you can quickly find what you need once you arrive. 

Keep a separate “first-night” bag with essentials like: 

• Toiletries  

• Phone chargers  

• Medications  

• A change of clothes  

• Bedding and pillows  

• Snacks and water  

• School or work essentials  

Having these items easily accessible can make your first night in your new student apartment much more comfortable. 

4. Make Your Student Apartment Feel Like Home 

One of the best parts of apartment living is creating a space that feels personal and comfortable. After move-in day, spend some time decorating and organizing your room to fit your style and study habits. 

Add cozy touches like: 

• Throw blankets and pillows  

• Photos or wall art  

• Desk organization supplies  

• Plants or small décor items  

• Good lighting for studying  

Even small decorations can make your student apartment feel more relaxing and welcoming during a busy semester. 

5. Learn the Basics of Roommate and Apartment Etiquette 

Living with roommates is a major part of the college apartment experience for many students. Clear communication and shared expectations can help prevent unnecessary stress. Talk early about cleaning schedules, quiet hours, guests, and shared expenses. 

It’s also important to understand your apartment community’s policies regarding parking, trash disposal, amenities, and noise so you can avoid issues and maintain a positive living environment. 

6. Take Advantage of Student Apartment Amenities and Community Life 

Student apartments often include amenities designed to make college life more convenient and social. From study lounges and fitness centers to resident events and community spaces, these features can help you balance academics and downtime while meeting other students. 

Getting involved in your apartment community is also a great way to make friends and feel more connected during your college experience. 

Enjoy the Experience of Student Apartment Living 

Moving into your first student apartment is a big milestone and an exciting step toward independence. With careful planning, smart budgeting, and a few personal touches, you can create a comfortable space that supports both your academic and personal life. Stay organized, communicate with roommates, and enjoy making your new apartment feel like home throughout the school year. 

Keeping your student apartment clean doesn’t have to take over your schedule. Between classes, studying, work, and social plans, it’s easy for chores to pile up. With the right routine, though, you can stay ahead of the mess and enjoy a clean, comfortable space without sacrificing your weekends. This student apartment cleaning checklist breaks tasks into manageable routines that work for busy college life.

Daily Cleaning Tasks

These quick habits only take a few minutes each day but make a huge difference in keeping your student apartment clean and organized.

• Make your bed to instantly make your room feel more put together.
• Wipe down kitchen counters and tables after meals or late-night snacks.
• Wash dishes or load the dishwasher right away to avoid clutter and odors.
• Pick up backpacks, shoes, jackets, and study materials before they pile up.
• Take out the trash when it’s full, especially in shared spaces.
• Do a quick reset of common areas if you live with roommates.

Weekly Cleaning Tasks

Set aside a little time each week to keep your student apartment feeling fresh and roommate-friendly.

• Vacuum or sweep floors in bedrooms and shared spaces.
• Mop high-traffic areas like the kitchen and entryway.
• Clean bathroom surfaces including the sink, toilet, shower, and mirror.
• Dust desks, shelves, electronics, and décor.
• Wash bedding and towels.
• Wipe down appliances like the microwave, refrigerator handles, and stovetop.
• Organize school supplies, papers, and chargers to keep study areas clutter-free.

Monthly Cleaning Tasks

These deeper cleaning tasks help prevent buildup and keep your student apartment in great shape throughout the semester.

• Wipe down baseboards, windowsills, and ceiling fan blades.
• Deep clean the microwave and oven.
• Clean mirrors and windows for a streak-free shine.
• Declutter closets, drawers, and under-bed storage.
• Vacuum under furniture and between couch cushions.
• Toss expired food from the fridge and pantry.

Seasonal or Semester Cleaning Tasks

At the beginning or end of each semester, give your student apartment an extra refresh with these larger cleaning projects.

• Shampoo or deep-clean carpets and rugs if needed.
• Rotate or flip mattresses.
• Wash curtains or wipe down blinds.
• Reorganize your closet and donate unused items.
• Restock cleaning supplies and essentials for the new semester.
• Coordinate a shared cleaning day with roommates before move-out or holiday breaks.

Keep Your Student Apartment Comfortable All Year Long

Breaking your cleaning routine into daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks makes it much easier to stay organized during a busy semester. A clean student apartment not only feels more relaxing, but it can also help you stay productive, reduce stress, and create a better shared living environment with roommates. With a simple routine in place, keeping your space tidy becomes much more manageable.

Decorating your student apartment doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a few thoughtful choices and creative hacks, you can make your space feel elevated, stylish, and cozy—all without overspending. Whether you’re moving into your first student apartment or looking to refresh your current space, here are some simple ways to create a luxe vibe on a college budget.

1. Start with a Neutral Base

Neutral tones—like beige, gray, cream, and soft white—set the foundation for a chic and timeless look. They make smaller student apartments feel larger and give you flexibility to add pops of color through accessories. A neutral rug, bedding set, or curtains can instantly bring cohesion to your space.

2. Layer Textures and Fabrics

Luxury isn’t just about what you see—it’s about what you feel. Mix and match textures like faux fur throws, velvet pillows, or woven baskets to create depth and coziness. Even affordable fabrics, when layered thoughtfully, can give your student apartment a rich and inviting feel.

3. Upgrade Your Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to transform a room. Since many student apartments come with standard overhead lighting, adding warm-toned LED bulbs, a desk lamp, or string lights can make your space feel more comfortable and personalized. Battery-powered lights and small accent lamps are also budget-friendly ways to create a cozy atmosphere.

4. Add Statement Wall Art

Blank walls can make a student apartment feel unfinished. Instead of splurging on expensive artwork, try budget-friendly options like framed prints, posters, DIY canvas art, or even a gallery wall of personal photos. Large art pieces—whether thrifted, handmade, or printed online—can instantly elevate your space without taking up valuable floor space.

5. Incorporate Greenery

Plants breathe life into a room—literally and figuratively. From small succulents on your desk to larger corner plants, greenery makes a student apartment feel more vibrant and welcoming. If you don’t have a green thumb or travel home often, faux plants can still give your space that fresh, upscale look without the maintenance.

6. Use Mirrors to Open Up Small Spaces

Mirrors not only make a room feel larger, but they also reflect light and brighten up your apartment. This is especially helpful in smaller student apartments or shared bedrooms. Affordable mirrors from discount stores or thrift shops can double as both functional décor and stylish design pieces.

7. Focus on Small Details

The little things make a big difference. Use matching storage bins to reduce clutter, add a stylish tray to your desk or coffee table, or swap out basic bedding for layered blankets and accent pillows. These simple details help your student apartment feel more polished and organized without spending much money.

8. Thrift and DIY Smartly

Secondhand shops, online marketplaces, and DIY projects can be goldmines for stylish décor at a fraction of the cost. With a little creativity—like painting old furniture, customizing wall art, or repurposing vintage finds—you can create a student apartment that feels curated and unique to your personality.

Decorating on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing style. By focusing on textures, lighting, greenery, and thoughtful details, you can transform your student apartment into a space that feels both luxurious and comfortable—without overspending.