The Ultimate College Apartment Checklist: Furniture Edition (2024)

So, you’re moving from a dorm to a college apartment? Congrats! With your first college apartment comes your own room, a new level of independence, and finally, a chance to furnish a place that feels like home.

But, let's face it, furnishing your own space from scratch can be a little overwhelming. Don't worry, though, because we’ve got you covered with our all-encompassing college apartment packing list.

This guide will tell you what you need to turn your apartment into a home sweet home that looks straight off your Pinterest board. And the best part? These college apartment must-haves don’t have to break the bank! Let’s get into the top college apartment essentials you’ll need this school year.

College Bedroom Furniture

Bed Frame

Let's kick things off with the centerpiece of your bedroom: the bed. A solid wood bed frame is a durable and stylish choice to last you through all-nighters and lazy Sundays alike. Plus, it won’t creak like a metal bed frame. Go for a wooden bed with slats to avoid the added expense of a box spring.

If you're working with a smaller space, a full-size bed frame is your best bet—it has enough sleeping space to stretch out but is small enough to fit in your room. For a sneaky extra storage option, consider a storage bed frame. A wooden bed frame with storage drawers easily and discreetly organizes your bedroom essentials, whether it's your shoes or an extra set of sheets.

Memory Foam Mattress

Dorm mattresses? No, thanks. Upgrade to a memory foam mattress – it's like sleeping on a cloud. Look for a mattress-in-a-box option for easy transportation and setup.

These lightweight mattresses are a game-changer. The best memory foam mattress will ensure you wake up ready to tackle whatever college life throws at you (yes, even your Monday morning 8:30).

Dresser

A tall dresser is a genius way to make the most of vertical space in your cozy college apartment. A tall bedroom dresser offers plenty of storage space for your club t-shirts and gameday outfits without making your room feel too cramped. Opt for a solid wood dresser for a durable option that will last you the rest of your college years and beyond.

Bedside Table

Solid wood nightstands are essential for keeping your essentials within arm's reach. Whether it's your phone, a glass of water, or that required reading you swear you'll finish tomorrow, a nightstand has got you covered. If your room is spacious enough, go for two to balance out the space, but one will also suffice.

Small Desk and Desk Chair

Even though your bed is tempting, you need a dedicated spot for studying and Zoom classes. A small writing desk is a perfect fit for your bedroom. Pair your solid wood desk with a comfy chair to keep you focused through those late-night study sessions.

Extras

• - Bedding: Think cozy duvet or comforter, soft sheets, and plenty of pillows.
• - Décor: Show off your personality with posters, photos, and fairy lights.
• - Curtains: Blackout curtains can be a lifesaver for those mid-morning sleep-ins.
• - Lamps: Good lighting is key for late-night study sessions.
• - Mirrors: Perfect for checking out your outfit and making your room feel bigger.
• - Hamper: Because laundry day is inevitable.
• - Hangers: More than you think you'll need.
• - Trash Can: Keep your space tidy.

College Living Room Furniture

Sofa

The living room is where the magic happens – Netflix marathons, wine nights, or just hanging out with friends. A comfy couch is essential. Look for one that can fit in your apartment’s elevator to avoid moving-day disasters.

Coffee Table

A wooden coffee table is the perfect companion for your couch. It’s a place to set down drinks, play board games, and more. Look for a solid wood coffee table with storage underneath for remotes, blankets, and games to keep your living space tidy. If space is tight, a small coffee table will do the trick.

TV and TV Stand

A TV is a staple for bonding over the drama on the latest episode of The Bachelor or cheering on your school’s football team during away games. Opt for a TV stand instead of mounting your TV and risking wall damage (and your security deposit). Bonus points if it offers extra storage for your gaming consoles and movie collection.

Décor

• - Pillows & Blankets: Cozy up your space with plenty of throw pillows and blankets.
• - Rug: A stylish rug can tie the room together and add warmth.
• - Other Décor: Think plants, artwork, and other personal touches.

College Kitchen Furniture

Kitchen Table

You might not have room for a piece of furniture as large as a dining table, but a small kitchen table is a must-have. Your kitchen table is an excellent spot for quick breakfasts, late-night study sessions, or roommate heart-to-hearts.

A round kitchen table is a space-saver and fits perfectly into corners. Look for a solid wood kitchen table for easy cleaning and easy-to-assemble options to keep move-in stress-free.

Kitchen Chairs

Pair your table with comfortable, solid wood dining chairs. Two to four chairs will usually be enough for smaller tables.

Extras

• - Dishes: Plates, bowls, mugs, and glasses.
• - Silverware & Organizer: Keep your utensils neat and accessible.
• - Kitchen Tools: Cutting knives, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons, colander, spatula, mixing bowls, bottle/can opener, Tupperware, dish towels, oven mitts, etc.
• - Pots and Pans: Essential for all your culinary experiments.
• - Baking Sheet: For those midnight cookie cravings.

Moving from a dorm to a college apartment is a significant milestone, but it's a breeze with the right college apartment furniture.

To save room in your car and avoid the hassle of hauling furniture, get your pieces shipped right to your door from Plank+Beam. We offer high-quality furniture that’s easy to move, assemble, and disassemble. And even better, it’s college-budget-friendly. We also partner with Angi for assembly services, perfect for those too busy with the hectic move to put furniture together.

Ready to make your new place feel like home? Find the perfect college apartment furniture with Plank+Beam, a stylish and affordable place to turn your new apartment into a home away from home.