College move-in season is the perfect time for to refresh your space without draining savings. This guide breaks down furniture must-haves, smart shopping strategies, and payment options.

Key takeaways

• Start with functional furniture essentials to make the most of small student spaces.
• Stretch your budget with secondhand and multifunctional finds.
• Back-to-school deals make local shopping easier and cheaper.
• Consider lease-to-own financing if paying all at once isn't realistic.

The start of a new school year brings excitement, goals, and a chance to start fresh. For college students, that often means creating a space that feels like home – whether it's a dorm room, student apartment, or shared housing.

A functional and comfortable space can make everything from late-night study sessions to video calls with family a little better. But setting up your new dorm room or apartment doesn’t have to wipe out your savings – or your parents'.

This guide will walk you through the essential bedroom furniture for students, budget-friendly furniture options, and smart shopping tips. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can design a stylish, practical space that’s perfect for the school year ahead.

Bedroom furniture must-haves for students

A student’s bedroom isn’t just a place to sleep – it’s also a study zone, lounge area, and even a dining spot on busy days. To make your room work for all these functions, there are must-have furniture pieces to include in your setup.

But keep in mind – if you're living on campus, including in a sorority or fraternity, most large furniture items will be provided. Once you venture off campus, your furniture shopping list will likely grow.

Here's the furniture you might need.  

Bed and mattress

The bed is the centerpiece of your room. Whether you're in a dorm or an off-campus apartment, you'll want a comfortable and supportive mattress. Consider twin XL beds, a dorm-room staple, or look for bedframes with built-in storage to maximize space. If buying new is out of reach, check out gently used frames and mattresses or invest in a high-quality mattress topper to refresh an older mattress.

Desk and chair

Your study spot drives productivity, so a sturdy desk and a supportive chair are key. If space is tight, look for compact desks or even wall-mounted folding tables. Your chair should be comfortable for long hours of sitting. Adjustable options are often a smarter, more ergonomic choice. Even if a chair is provided for your space, you may want to opt for a more comfortable chair if you plan to do most of your studying at your desk.

Clothing storage

Dorms and apartments typically come with limited storage, so a dresser or an under-bed organizer is a lifesaver. Consider multipurpose or stackable storage options to keep your clothes, accessories, and other essentials organized without cluttering your space.

Nightstand

A small nightstand or side table is convenient for holding your phone, glasses, and a lamp. Look for models with drawers or shelves for some added storage.

Bookcase or shelving unit

Between textbooks, notebooks, and personal items, shelving is a must. Choose a lightweight and easy-to-assemble option if you’ll be moving frequently.

Decor and extras

Soft furnishings like rugs, blackout curtains, and throw pillows not only make a space cozier but can also reflect your personal style. Command hooks, string lights, and foldable storage ottomans are functional touches that bring warmth to the room while maximizing limited space.

Budget-friendly picks for dorms or apartments

You might think putting together a bedroom costs a small fortune, but there are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. Here’s how to furnish your space without splurging.

Shop discount and secondhand stores

Thrift stores and online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are goldmines for gently used furniture. You can often find desks, chairs, and bedframes in good condition for a fraction of the retail price.1

Opt for multifunctional furniture

Why buy multiple pieces when one can do it all? Storage ottomans, futons, or Murphy beds save space and money by serving more than one purpose.

Affordable retailers

Retailers including IKEA, Walmart, and Target carry budget-friendly furniture that’s perfect for students. Plus, many of their designs are space-efficient, which is great for dorm rooms and small apartments.

Rent instead of buy

If you’re only staying in your current living situation for a year or two, furniture rental services might be worth it. They’re often convenient and allow you to avoid the hassle of moving heavy items later. Some colleges allow you to rent refrigerators, microwaves, and other items for the school year.

DIY upgrades

If you have basic furniture that feels plain, don’t skip the DIY route. A coat of paint, adhesive vinyl, or some creative fabric can transform a bland desk or chair into a chic decor piece.

Score student discounts

Many furniture stores offer discounts to students, especially during back-to-school season. Check online or show your student ID in-store to see where you can save.

Paying over time vs. paying all at once: What works best for you?

When it comes to back-to-school shopping, how you pay matters. If you’re on a tight budget, deciding between paying upfront or over time can impact how much financial breathing room you have.

Paying upfront

Buying furniture outright often saves money in the long run. You avoid interest rates or extra fees associated with financing or payment plans. It’s also simpler – you’re done after one payment. This option works best if you have savings or can buy secondhand at a lower rate.

Paying over time

If paying upfront isn’t an option, payment plans can help you make payments over time. Lease-to-own financing from Snap Finance can be a solution for students or parents with limited budgets.

Lease-to-own financing is typically available on durable goods, such as furniture, appliances, electronics, and mattresses.2 In a lease-to-own agreement, the merchandise is generally available immediately or quickly delivered, making it a convenient option for essential items, such as a laptop or bed, that are hard to live without.

Snap Finance is a leading provider of lease-to-own financing. In a lease-to-own agreement with Snap Finance, Snap purchases the merchandise from the retailer and then leases the merchandise to you, the customer.

As part of your agreement, you make payments over time to Snap. Once you make all your payments and have completed the terms of your lease agreement, you obtain ownership of the merchandise and it's yours.

What to know about lease-to-own financing

Lease-to-own financing is typically more accessible to those who have bad credit or no credit, compared to traditional financing. That makes lease-to-own financing an option when you need something and don't have the funds to pay upfront – and don't qualify for traditional financing. All credit types are welcome to apply for Snap’s lease-to-own financing.3

Paying now in full or paying over time have their pros and cons – consider your income, expenses, and financial goals when deciding which approach is right for you.

Tips for shopping smart near campus

Finding affordable options close to campus can simplify your furniture hunt and lower your costs. Here’s how to get the best deals near school.

Check out campus sales

Many colleges run yard sales or swap events at the start or end of the academic year. These are fantastic opportunities to score affordable or even free furniture from students graduating or moving out.

Use social media marketplaces

Local buy/sell/buy-nothing groups on Facebook or apps like OfferUp often feature furniture listings from people in your area. If you’re quick, you can snatch up deals before they disappear.

Buy back-to-school specials

Back-to-school season means big sales, especially at national retailers. Compare prices online and watch for deals on the basics like desks, shelves, and bedding.

Consider delivery and moving costs

If you don’t have access to a truck or trailer, delivery and moving costs can quickly add up. Look into rental services or split costs with roommates if you’re buying larger items from nearby sellers.

Don’t wait until the last minute

Procrastination can narrow your choices and force you to pay more. Start shopping early to take advantage of sales and avoid competition with other students arriving on campus.

Back-to-school doesn’t mean breaking the bank

You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a functional and cozy bedroom for the new school year. By choosing functional essentials, exploring affordable options, and shopping smartly near campus, you’ll be ready to hit the books in no time.

Whether you prefer buying secondhand, paying over time with options like lease-to-own financing from Snap, or finding budget solutions from big retailers, your perfect setup is within reach. Take these tips as your starting point and create a space that feels like home, even on a student budget.

Interested in learning more? Check out these additional resources from Snap Finance.

• Money 101: Financial literacy for college students and young adults
• Planning for your child’s higher education: How to save for college
• Understanding your credit score and how it works

The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.

¹Snap Finance only leases merchandise that is new, tangible, and durable. Lease-to-own financing is not available for used or secondhand goods.

²Some restrictions may apply on leasable auto parts, electronics, or sporting goods. Please check with merchants for details.

³Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected