12 First Apartment Essentials and Must-Haves For Students

About to stay in your first apartment on your study abroad journey? This is super exciting, but it also comes with its set of challenges and opportunities, and maximising the potential of a new space is an art in itself. Whether you're a student venturing into the world of independent living or simply looking to make the most of your limited square footage, this blog will be your go-to resource. We'll explore multifunctional furniture, storage solutions, apartment necessities, and other first apartment essentials to turn your first apartment into a functional home. Let's look into the best first apartment essentials!

Multifunctional Furniture

In your first apartment, multifunctional furniture is your key to maximising space. Let's look at the versatile options that effortlessly adapt to your ever-changing needs.

1. Sofa Beds and Futons

Average Price - £150 - £500

In the world of first apartment essentials, sofa beds and futons shine as versatile solutions. Sofa beds effortlessly shift from cosy seating to a comfortable sleeping arrangement, making them absolute apartment necessities. Futons, with their minimalist design and ease of conversion, are perfect for small spaces. These apartment essentials offer stylish seating and save valuable floor space, ensuring a functional yet elegant living area. 

2. Space-Saving Dining Tables and Chairs

Average Price - £150 - £500

While living in your first apartment, you get to select from a range of various student essentials. It is essential to come up with creative solutions to ensure a comfortable and organised space. The compact dining tables and chairs help carve out a designated dining area within your limited space. Explore compact dining tables that seamlessly fold or expand, allowing you to optimise your dining space when needed and reclaim floor space when you're done. Complement them with space-saving dining chairs, including stackable and collapsible options.

3. Foldable Furniture Options

Average Price - £50 - £200

As you curate your first apartment essentials checklist, don't overlook the magic of foldable furniture options. Enhance your student learning experience with these first apartment essentials. Incorporate foldable desks into your workspace to create an efficient area when needed, and simply stow them away when done. Foldable chairs are perfect for providing seating during gatherings and can be easily stored in closets or corners, ensuring a clutter-free space. 

Storage Solutions

With limited space comes the need for smart storage. Learn how to keep your apartment organised and clutter-free with the first apartment essentials below.

4. Wall-mounted shelves and Organisers

Average Price -  £20 - £100

Wall-mounted shelves and organisers are unquestionably some first apartment essentials. These clever additions maximise vertical space, creating a stylish and organised haven. Store books, decor, or kitchen essentials on these shelves, making the most of every square inch. From floating shelves to modular wall grids, explore various options to suit your style and needs. Wall-mounted organisers with compartments and hooks keep your belongings in check, reducing clutter in your space. 

5. Under-bed storage

Average Price - £10 - £50

Under-bed storage is a game-changer on your first apartment checklist. It is a great new apartment essential, in a space where every inch matters, these first apartment essentials transform wasted space into valuable storage. Utilise storage bins or drawers beneath your bed to stow away seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or miscellaneous items. This clever solution maintains a tidy living area while ensuring easy access to your belongings.

6. Closet organisers and dividers

Average Price - £10 - £50

Closet organisers and dividers are great first apartment essentials for small-space living, allowing you to maximise your wardrobe's potential. Utilise dividers to sort your clothing, making your closet a model of efficiency. Closet organisers with shelves, drawers, and hanging spaces create designated spots for shoes, accessories, and folded garments. With these first apartment essentials, you can keep your closet clutter-free and ensure easy access to your favourite outfits. 

Kitchen Must-Haves

Efficient cooking in an apartment requires the right tools. Let's look at the kitchen must-haves that make your small kitchen a culinary haven.

7. Compact appliances

Average Price - £50 - £150

The inclusion of a mini-fridge and microwave in your first apartment essentials is a smart move for maximising your limited kitchen space. These new apartment must-haves provide the convenience of storing perishables and reheating meals while conserving precious countertop space. When outfitting your small culinary haven, compact appliances are non-negotiable additions to elevate your cooking experience in a cosy setting.

8. Cookware essentials

Average Price  - £30 - £100

Every well-rounded studio apartment catering to student food and lifestyle should feature cookware essentials, vital for whipping up delightful meals within your compact kitchen. Invest in a versatile selection of pots, pans, and baking sheets, focusing on space-saving, stackable designs. Multifunctional cookware, like a skillet that doubles as a baking dish, offers flexibility in your cooking endeavours. Prioritise durable, non-stick options to ease meal preparation and cleaning in your small kitchen space. 

9. Space-saving dining utensils

Average Price -  £10 - £50

Opt for compact cutlery sets and stackable plates, bowls, and glasses that efficiently utilise your kitchen space. These essentials can be easily stored in drawers or cabinets without causing chaos. The convenience of space-saving dining utensils not only enhances mealtime organisation but also elevates the aesthetics of your dining area. Ensuring an enjoyable and tidy dining experience in your new apartment, these new apartment essentials are important for making the most of your limited kitchen storage.

Bedroom Essentials

Average Price - £10 - £50

Discover some apartment necessities that will make your sleeping space cosy and organised. From comfortable bedding to bedside storage solutions, we'll help you create a peaceful retreat within the confines of a small space.

10. Space-saving bedding options

Average Price - £10 - £30

Consider a platform bed with built-in storage to maximise under-bed space. Opt for a foam mattress to ensure a restful night's sleep without compromising on comfort. Space-saving bed linens, like fitted sheets and duvet covers, simplify bed-making in tight quarters. These first apartment essentials transform your sleeping area into a cosy retreat, promoting both relaxation and efficient use of space.

11. Bedside storage solutions

Average Price -  £10 - £50

In a new apartment, bedside storage is vital for keeping your essentials within arm's reach. Nightstands with drawers or shelves provide a spot for books, electronics, and bedtime essentials. Wall-mounted shelves or floating nightstands save floor space while offering a stylish place for your nighttime necessities. 

12. Privacy solutions

Average Price - £30 - £200

Creating a sense of privacy in the bedroom area is important in your first apartment. Consider using room dividers, such as decorative screens or curtains, to separate the sleeping space from the rest of the apartment. These privacy solutions offer a visual barrier while maintaining an open and airy feel in your apartment.

First Apartment Shopping Tips

Living in your first apartment can be daunting. What’s even more daunting is shopping for it, especially if you are super particular about your space! Here are some shopping tips to help you navigate this process.

1. Take a good look at your budget 

Moving into your first apartment can be an expensive affair, and it is recommended that you check your finances and allocate certain amounts and limits on your first apartment essentials and shopping expenses. 

Take advantage of student discounts and exclusive offers to save on new apartment essentials. Visit stores that have pre-loved items, buy home items in bulk, and make sure you show your student ID during checkout to ensure you get the discount.  

2. Talk to your flatmates 

Sharing your new apartment with friends/flatmates? You can split the costs of apartment essentials that you will be sharing, like kitchen appliances, TV, or furniture. Discuss how you plan on splitting expenses to ensure fairness and transparency. 

By creating a list of shared items and apartment essentials, defining essential vs. personal items, and allocating costs, you can collaborate and contribute to your first apartment essentials together. 

3. Save for a rainy day 

Save some of the first apartment essentials budget for a rainy day. There are certain items that can be purchased later on, like plants, room decorations, etc., so you could use this money for any unforeseen expenses and emergencies. 

In the world of studio apartment living, making the most of limited space is an art. By embracing the studio apartment essentials, you can turn your compact apartment into a functional haven. We hope our guide has shown that small spaces need not sacrifice comfort or convenience. With the right studio apartment must-haves and some creative thinking, you can elevate your place. Happy living!