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Student Accommodation Blog

Cost of Furnishing vs All-Inclusive Accommodation: What Saves You More?

Modern student accom room with bed, desk, refrigerator, and city view through large windows.

Moving out for university starts with big plans and small realities, like discovering “unfurnished student housing” means beds, chairs, tables, and hope are sold separately. Suddenly, weekends are spent comparing mattress prices, begging to borrow a friend’s van, and wondering how household basics became so expensive. 

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Many students weigh up furnished vs unfurnished student housing. While private rentals can look cheaper at first glance, the real costs often tell a different story. For students and families trying to budget wisely, it’s worth breaking down where the real value of each lies before making the call. 

What Does “Unfurnished” Really Mean?

In Australia, most private rentals are listed as unfurnished. In practical terms, that often means you’re getting four walls, a kitchen, a bathroom, and not much else. Here is what you’ll need to consider taking care of if you’re looking to rent unfurnished student housing. 

  • A bed and a mattress 
  • Lounge seating or sofa 
  • Dining table and chairs 
  • Kitchen equipment and small appliances 
  • A refrigerator and sometimes a washing machine
  • Lamps, storage, household basics 
  • Internet connection and utility set up (gas, water, electricity) 
  • Cleaning supplies 

And while that all might sound pretty manageable, the reality is that a few shopping trips can easily turn into hours spent assembling flat-pack furniture and arguing over whose turn it is to collect the marketplace bargain from the other side of the city. Many students underestimate how quickly these everyday essentials add up, both in cost and effort. 

The True Cost of Furnishing a Rental

Setting up even a modest student apartment involves a surprising number of purchases and ongoing additional costs that there isn’t always room for in a student budget. Some typical costs for furnishing a basic apartment might look something like:  

Bed and mattress: $500–$1,200 

Desk and chair: $250–$600 

Sofa or seating: $600–$800 

Kitchen equipment and appliances: $300–$800 

Fridge or washing machine (if not supplied): $600–$1,500 

Household items and decor: $300–$700 

Delivery and transport fees: $200 

Before long, students can easily spend between $3,000 and $5,000 or more just to make a rental apartment livable. And that’s before you’ve factored in utility costs. 

Ongoing Expenses in a Private Rental

Furnishing costs are only part of the picture. Living in a private rental also means managing ongoing bills that sit outside the weekly rent cost. Students usually pay separately for electricity, gas, water, and internet, and the billing amounts can fluctuate depending on the season and how much everyone in the household uses. 

There are also occasional extras to factor in, like repairing or replacing furniture and covering moving costs at the end of a lease. Because these expenses aren’t fixed, monthly spending can vary, which can make budgeting a bit harder to keep consistent throughout the year. 

What’s Included in All-Inclusive Student Accommodation

Unilodge properties provide all-inclusive student accommodation. That means that your main living essentials are bundled into one predictable weekly amount. As well as covering the essentials, you also get access to a range of shared facilities to make day-to-day living, cooking, washing, and relaxing super easy. All-inclusive accommodation is perfect for maximising fun and minimising costs. 

Here’s what’s typically included: 

  • Fully furnished room including bed and desk. 
  • Utilities such as electricity, gas, water, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. 
  • Laundry and shared kitchen facilities. 
  • Access to communal facilities like study rooms, gyms, and social spaces. 
  • Secure building access and parcel handling. 
  • On-site staff and community support. 

Furnished student housing means you can move in, unpack, and start enjoying student life from day one. And when the lease ends, there’s no furniture logistics or utility headaches, just a smooth move to whatever comes next. 

Cost Comparison: Furnishing vs All-Inclusive Living

Costs for furnishing a private rental vs all-inclusive student accommodation can vary by city and lifestyle, but looking at a typical academic year on average gives a clearer picture of how expenses compare once setup and ongoing bills are included: 

Cost Area (Approximate Annual Spend)  Private Rental  All-Inclusive Accommodation 
Furniture  $3,000–$7,000 upfront  Included 
Utilities (electricity, water, gas)  $1,500–$2,500  Included 
Internet  $800–$1,000  Included 
Maintenance  $200–$600  Included 
Moving costs  $300–$800 per move  Minimal 
Estimated additional yearly costs  $5,800–$11,900+  Mostly included in the rent. 

Time, Convenience, and Peace of Mind

Moving away for university is not just about budgets and furniture lists; it’s a big adjustment on every front. For many students, it’s the first time living away from family, navigating a new city, and building a routine from scratch. Having furnished student housing where things are already set up (and purpose-built) can make that transition far less daunting, especially in those first few weeks when everything is new. 

All-inclusive student accommodation also makes it easier to find your feet socially. Shared spaces, structured support programs, organised activities, and a community of students going through the same experience help friendships form more naturally. And for parents, there's the extra comfort in knowing their child isn’t starting out alone, and that support and community are built into everyday living. 

Which Option Makes Sense for Different Students?

For international arrivals, first-year students, and anyone moving away from home for the first time, choosing furnished vs unfurnished student housing can make a big transition feel far more manageable. Arriving in a furnished room with the Wi-Fi already connected and the lights on means you can focus on finding your way around campus, settling in, studying well, and making new friends. 

Private rentals, on the other hand, may suit students settling in for the long term, already have furniture, or are sharing with friends over multiple years. For those who know the city well and are ready to take on the extra logistics, a private rental can offer a sense of independence and flexibility that works for that stage of student life. 

A Smarter Way to Budget for Student Life

When you zoom out, budgeting for uni life isn’t just about chasing the lowest rent. Fully-supported and purpose-built student living is hard to put a price on. Being part of a community, having shared spaces to study and unwind, and access to programs and events that help students connect all help shape and enhance the student experience. For a stress-free start to uni life, explore our all-inclusive student accommodation or get in touch for a chat.