Furnishing Tips for Renting to College Students: Budget $9,000

[Seth Baumgartner]

Hi BiggerPockets Community,

I'm preparing to rent out a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit to college students and would love some advice on how to furnish it effectively. What are the essential pieces of furniture and amenities I should include to make the unit attractive and functional for college students? Additionally, I'd appreciate any tips on balancing cost-effectiveness with durability. I currently have $9,000.00 to work with.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

[Ron H.]

Quote from @Seth Baumgartner:

Hi BiggerPockets Community,

I'm preparing to rent out a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit to college students and would love some advice on how to furnish it effectively. What are the essential pieces of furniture and amenities I should include to make the unit attractive and functional for college students? Additionally, I'd appreciate any tips on balancing cost-effectiveness with durability. I currently have $9,000.00 to work with.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

$9,000. ?????

I'm probably usually closer to $500 for reasonable furnishings.  Students completely responsible for bedrooms.  I provide leather sofa and chair, end tables.  One TV. Dining table and chairs, maybe a high table and stools depending on layout.  Microwave, toaster.  If you look around you can get very good stuff on Craigslist and Facebook.  OK, with washer/dryer I am maybe closer to $800.  Possibly add can opener, utensils, corian and plastic glasses.  I tended to not add dishware.  That way less issues on who's dirty dishes. 

I used to rent by the room in UCF area, but long term rentals are less work.

[Ron H.]

Quote from @Ron H.:

Quote from @Seth Baumgartner:

Hi BiggerPockets Community,

I'm preparing to rent out a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit to college students and would love some advice on how to furnish it effectively. What are the essential pieces of furniture and amenities I should include to make the unit attractive and functional for college students? Additionally, I'd appreciate any tips on balancing cost-effectiveness with durability. I currently have $9,000.00 to work with.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

$9,000. ?????

I'm probably usually closer to $500 for reasonable furnishings.  Students completely responsible for bedrooms.  I provide leather sofa and chair, end tables.  One TV. Dining table and chairs, maybe a high table and stools depending on layout.  Microwave, toaster.  If you look around you can get very good stuff on Craigslist and Facebook.  OK, with washer/dryer I am maybe closer to $800.  Possibly add can opener, utensils, corian and plastic glasses.  I tended to not add dishware.  That way less issues on who's dirty dishes. 

I used to rent by the room in UCF area, but long term rentals are less work.

I would also furnish internet/wifi service.

[Seth Baumgartner]

Quote from @Ron H.:

Quote from @Seth Baumgartner:

Hi BiggerPockets Community,

I'm preparing to rent out a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit to college students and would love some advice on how to furnish it effectively. What are the essential pieces of furniture and amenities I should include to make the unit attractive and functional for college students? Additionally, I'd appreciate any tips on balancing cost-effectiveness with durability. I currently have $9,000.00 to work with.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

$9,000. ?????

I'm probably usually closer to $500 for reasonable furnishings.  Students completely responsible for bedrooms.  I provide leather sofa and chair, end tables.  One TV. Dining table and chairs, maybe a high table and stools depending on layout.  Microwave, toaster.  If you look around you can get very good stuff on Craigslist and Facebook.  OK, with washer/dryer I am maybe closer to $800.  Possibly add can opener, utensils, corian and plastic glasses.  I tended to not add dishware.  That way less issues on who's dirty dishes. 

I used to rent by the room in UCF area, but long term rentals are less work.

 Thank you for your response! I'd appreciate your insights on cost-effective furnishing.

I'm curious, how do you find the balance between quality and cost when looking for items on Craigslist and Facebook? Any specific tips on what to look out for or avoid? Also, considering I'm renting to college students, what kind of wear and tear should I anticipate, and how can I best prepare for that?

Thanks again for your valuable advice!

[Ron H.]

Quote from @Seth Baumgartner:

Quote from @Ron H.:

Quote from @Seth Baumgartner:

Hi BiggerPockets Community,

I'm preparing to rent out a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit to college students and would love some advice on how to furnish it effectively. What are the essential pieces of furniture and amenities I should include to make the unit attractive and functional for college students? Additionally, I'd appreciate any tips on balancing cost-effectiveness with durability. I currently have $9,000.00 to work with.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

$9,000. ?????

I'm probably usually closer to $500 for reasonable furnishings.  Students completely responsible for bedrooms.  I provide leather sofa and chair, end tables.  One TV. Dining table and chairs, maybe a high table and stools depending on layout.  Microwave, toaster.  If you look around you can get very good stuff on Craigslist and Facebook.  OK, with washer/dryer I am maybe closer to $800.  Possibly add can opener, utensils, corian and plastic glasses.  I tended to not add dishware.  That way less issues on who's dirty dishes. 

I used to rent by the room in UCF area, but long term rentals are less work.

 Thank you for your response! I'd appreciate your insights on cost-effective furnishing.

I'm curious, how do you find the balance between quality and cost when looking for items on Craigslist and Facebook? Any specific tips on what to look out for or avoid? Also, considering I'm renting to college students, what kind of wear and tear should I anticipate, and how can I best prepare for that?

Thanks again for your valuable advice!

I only purchase good, like new furniture.  Quality I wouldn't mind in my house, maybe just a little lower end.

Never had much issue with extra wear.  Was very conservative on applicant selection.  No smoking, no parties, no alcohol in common areas of house.  I know a little drinking happens but we let it be known strongly the rules of the house.