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Student Housing
#1 Student Lettings Agency
In today’s student lettings market, expectations are higher than ever. Gone are the days when a tired sofa and basic desk would cut it. Today’s students want style, comfort, and a home that feels like more than just a stopgap. And if you’re a landlord in Lincoln, Nottingham or Hull, there’s huge value in investing in small upgrades that elevate your property from average to outstanding — especially in a competitive market where top-tier listings rent faster and command higher yields.
This guide walks you through the key items, recommended suppliers, and design-led tweaks you can make to transform your student property into a modern, welcoming space that tenants love — and look after.
Let’s start with the centrepiece of most student living rooms — the sofa. While faux leather might seem practical, it often wears poorly, especially in high-traffic homes. Instead, opt for fabric sofas that are more visually appealing and homely, or a genuine designer leather sofa if budget allows.
We recommend sourcing from Go2Beds.co.uk, a local supplier that offers quality sofas from just £199 and often stocks overstocked models from national retailers — giving you premium quality without the showroom price tag.
Pro tip: Modular sofas or corner units can help define lounge spaces and make rooms feel larger and more social in marketing photos.
When it comes to interiors, design sells. Properties that feel stylish, curated and homely not only photograph better but also attract higher-calibre tenants. Avoid clichés like cityscape canvases or local landmark posters. Instead, lean into artwork that feels high-end and eclectic — think Airbnb, not student halls.
Look to TK Maxx, Homesense, The Range, and B&M for interesting framed prints, minimal canvases, and even statement mirrors. Cushions, throws, floor lamps and rugs help soften hard floors and bring warmth to communal areas — all things that enhance your property’s appeal with minimal cost.
Students won’t remember the kitchen cupboards, but they’ll definitely remember the mattress. A poor-quality mattress can lead to complaints and early replacements, so aim for medium-firm models with at least 18cm of depth.
Go2Beds also supplies mattresses from £99, and we’d advise including mattress protectors as standard to prolong their life and ensure hygiene. You can check with your Property Manager — we often supply these as part of our setup.
Bed size tip: 4ft beds are ideal in shared student houses. For 1-bed flats or larger rooms, 4ft 6” doubles are a great upgrade.
Study spaces are key. The desk is often where students spend hours each day, so comfort and design matter. Ditch the old-school blue office chairs — opt for designer-inspired, cushioned task chairs that suit the aesthetic of the room. Stick to chairs without arms to avoid scuffs on walls and wear to desks.
Under-desk storage, open shelving, or wall-mounted notice boards are great additions. Filled walls deter students from hanging posters, which helps prevent wear and tear. The fuller the room looks from the start, the less likely students are to personalise in ways that cause damage.
First impressions count. By adding mirrors, coat hooks, hallway consoles or shoe racks, you help students feel like your property is a real home, not just a temporary let. These can all be sourced from IKEA, The Range, B&M or Amazon, but aim to avoid budget-tier pieces. Spending a little more on accessories often gives the property a much more premium feel.
Full-length mirrors in bedrooms are especially appreciated, and help rooms feel bigger and brighter in photos.
We’re often asked where to source good-quality, affordable furniture and accessories for student lets. Below are our top recommendations — all suppliers we’ve worked with across Lincoln, Nottingham, and Hull.
Sofas & Beds:
Go2Beds.co.uk is a brilliant local supplier for both mattresses and sofas. Prices start at around £299 for sofas and £99 for mattresses, often stocked from overstock or ex-display ranges from national retailers. For beds, Argos is a solid choice — just make sure to select 4ft beds for shared student houses, or upgrade to 4ft 6” doubles in larger rooms or one-bed homes.
Browse beds at: https://www.argos.co.uk
Dining Tables & Chairs:
Amazon and The Range are ideal for affordable, stylish dining sets. Look for space-saving options for tighter kitchens.
The Range: https://www.therange.co.uk
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk
Décor & Accessories:
To create a warm, homely feel, we recommend hunting for artwork, mirrors, lamps, and other soft furnishings from:
TK Maxx – https://www.tkmaxx.com
Homesense – https://www.homesense.com
B&Q – https://www.diy.com
The Range – https://www.therange.co.uk
These retailers are excellent for picking up unique, design-forward pieces that elevate your property and look fantastic in photos.
Kitchen Packs:
We don’t recommend supplying full kitchen kits. Instead, landlords should only provide a microwave — students typically bring their own utensils, pots, and pans. You can find decent microwaves from Argos, Currys, or even Amazon, depending on budget.
Landlords often ask how often to replace key items. Here’s our recommendation:
Mattresses: every 3–4 years (depending on quality)
Sofas: every 5–7 years, or sooner if updating the design
White goods: every 7 years, unless earlier failure
Looking for easy wins that modernise older student homes? Try these:
Lighting zones: Use floor lamps or reading lights to define spaces and add depth
USB/USBC plug sockets: Students love these and they’re a great value-add
Full-length mirrors and thoughtful lighting make rooms feel bigger
Avoid door stops — not permitted in HMOs — but do invest in clever furniture placement
There’s no need to supply starter kits — we already provide welcome packs for student tenants, including essentials to get them settled in from day one.
By making small upgrades and shopping smartly, you can attract better tenants, reduce wear and tear, and achieve a premium rent year after year. If you’re not sure where to start, our Property Managers are happy to help. Whether it’s sourcing furniture, arranging staging, or giving your house a design refresh — we’ve done it all.
Want to find out how we can manage your property?
Contact our team today or visit your local branch to talk all things student lettings.
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#1 Student Lettings Agency
Student Housing is a top-rated student lettings agency offering fully furnished, bills-included accommodation across Lincoln, Nottingham, and Hull. Run by former students, we provide hassle-free, transparent housing tailored for university life.
