When you’re moving to Melbourne for university, you face a choice: furnished or unfurnished accommodation?
For international students especially, the answer is almost always furnished — and not just for convenience. When you add up the real costs, furnished accommodation often saves you hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars.
The Hidden Costs of Unfurnished Accommodation
Unfurnished accommodation might look cheaper on paper. You see a weekly rent that’s $0–$50 lower than a furnished option and think you’re getting a deal. But then reality hits.
Here’s what you actually need to buy, transport, and set up:
Bedroom: Bed frame and mattress $500–$800, desk and chair $150–$300, wardrobe $200–$500, bedding $100–$200, lamp $30–$60.
Shared Areas: Sofa $300–$600, dining table and chairs $200–$400, TV $300–$500.
Kitchen: Cookware and utensils $80–$200, plates/bowls/glasses $40–$100, microwave $60–$150, kettle/toaster $40–$100.
Total upfront cost: $1,660–$3,010 before delivery fees ($100–$150 per item) and selling/disposing costs when you leave (second-hand furniture rarely sells for what you paid).
The True Cost Comparison
Unfurnished option:
- Rent: $250/week
- Upfront furniture costs: $2,000 (mid-range estimate)
- Delivery and setup: $200
- Furniture resale at the end (recover maybe 30%): minus $600
- Total cost over 1 year: $250 × 52 + $2,000 + $200 − $600 = $14,600
Furnished option:
- Rent: $275/week
- Furniture costs: $0
- Total cost over 1 year: $275 × 52 = $14,300
The furnished option is actually $300 cheaper, saves you days of setup time, and eliminates the headache of selling furniture before you fly home.
Beyond the Dollar Savings
Week 1 in Unfurnished Accommodation:
- Day 1: Sleep on the floor (your bed hasn’t arrived yet)
- Day 2: Wait for IKEA delivery (4-hour window, you miss orientation)
- Day 3: Spend 6 hours assembling furniture
- Day 4: Realise you still need kitchen basics, make another shopping trip
- Day 5: Finally have a functioning room — just in time for your first assignments
Week 1 in Furnished Accommodation:
- Day 1: Move in, unpack, meet your housemates, explore your suburb
- Day 2: Attend orientation, settle in
- Day 3–7: Focus on starting classes, making friends, getting to know Melbourne
Which would you rather?
What Fully Furnished Actually Means
Not all furnished accommodation is created equal. Here’s what you should expect in a fully furnished student room:
Your Private Room: Bed with mattress (usually single or double), study desk and chair, wardrobe or built-in storage, shelving, lighting, curtains or blinds.
Shared Spaces: Kitchen appliances (fridge, oven, microwave, kettle), dining table and chairs, lounge seating, washing machine, basic cookware and utensils (varies by provider).
What You Still Bring: Bedding (sheets, pillows, doona), towels, personal items, laptop and study materials.
Always check the inventory list before you sign the lease so you know exactly what’s provided.
When Does Unfurnished Make Sense?
Furnished is the obvious choice for most international students, but unfurnished might suit you if you’re staying for 3+ years and want to build a real home, or you already own furniture in Melbourne. Even then, factor in the upfront cost and whether you’ll recoup it.
The Birch Ridge Approach
At Birch Ridge Group, our student accommodation comes fully furnished as standard. Every room includes: quality bed and mattress, study desk and ergonomic chair, built-in or standalone wardrobe, shared kitchens fully equipped with appliances.
We’ve seen too many international students arrive expecting furnished only to find a bed and nothing else. Our inventory is clear, our rooms are move-in ready, and you can focus on what you came to Melbourne for: your education.
Furnished Accommodation Checklist
When comparing furnished options, ask:
- Is bedroom furniture included (bed, desk, wardrobe)?
- Are shared spaces furnished (lounge, dining, kitchen appliances)?
- What condition is the furniture in?
- Are basic kitchen items included?
- Is there a detailed inventory list in the lease?
- What happens if furniture breaks (repair/replacement policy)?
- Are utilities included in the rent, or separate?
The Bottom Line
When you add up the upfront furniture costs, delivery, setup time, and the hassle of selling everything before you leave, furnished accommodation saves you money, stress, and time you’d rather spend enjoying Melbourne and succeeding at university.