Why Cheap Student Rent Isn’t Always the Steal You Think It Is

When you're a student, cheap rent can feel like the holy grail.

€350 rent per month? Yes, please.
More money for travel, coffee, late-night souvlaki? Even better.

But here’s the truth no one really tells you:

Sometimes, cheap rent costs you more than you save.
In time. In energy. In mental health. In missed experiences.

Let’s break down why “cheap” isn’t always a good deal—and what to consider before you jump on that budget-friendly flat.

1. You’ll Pay in Commute Time (and Sanity)

Let’s say your dream apartment is €80 cheaper—but it’s 45 minutes away from campus.

That’s 1.5 hours every day.
7.5 hours a week.
  Almost a full workday—gone.

Time you could’ve spent studying, socializing, sleeping, or just chilling.
Instead, you're memorizing metro schedules and racing to catch the last train.

💡 Pro tip: Always factor in commute time. Time is a currency too.

2. You’ll Miss Out on the “Drop By” Lifestyle

There’s something magical about spontaneous student life:

• Random coffee dates after class
  
  
• Group dinners that start with “hey, you around?”
  
  
• Study sessions that turn into pizza nights
  
  

If you live far away, you start saying no. Not because you want to—but because it’s too much effort.

Slowly, the spontaneous stuff—the fun stuff—fades.

3. You Might Spend More Anyway

Cheap rent feels like a win… until the hidden costs pile up.

• Daily transport
  
  
• Occasional Ubers or taxis when you miss the last metro
  
  
• Eating out more because you're not around to cook at home
  
  
• The "loneliness tax" of needing to constantly go elsewhere for a social life
  
  

Add it all up, and that €80/month saving? Gone.

4. Living Far Can Be… Lonely

This one hits hard.

If you’re far from your classmates, friends, or the main student areas, your apartment might start to feel like a bubble.

No one drops by. You don’t go out as much.
The city feels less like your home and more like a place you visit.

And loneliness, especially during study abroad or university years, can creep in fast.

5. The Vibe Matters More Than You Think

Even if the rent is great, ask yourself:

• Is the neighborhood safe and walkable?
  
  
• Are there cafes, markets, or life nearby?
  
  
• Are other students around, or are you surrounded by retirees and office workers?
  
  

A cheap place in a dead zone might be quiet… but it might also be too quiet.

You want to feel part of it. Not like you’re watching from the sidelines.

So… Should You Skip Cheap Rent Altogether?

Not at all.

Affordable housing is important—especially for students. But cheap shouldn't mean isolated, inconvenient, or miserable.

The sweet spot?
✅ Reasonable rent
✅ Walkable or well-connected
✅ Close to your uni and social life
✅ A neighborhood you feel good in

Because at the end of the day, your student years aren’t just about saving money.
They’re about experiences, friendships, late-night adventures, and belonging.

And sometimes, that’s worth a little extra.
 

Another important factor to consider, are having the bills included or not. Some may think it is cheaper...

Having bills included in rent is a major win for students—and here’s why:

1. One Less Thing to Worry About

As a student, you’re already juggling assignments, exams, and probably a part-time job. The last thing you need is to remember when to pay your electricity bill or keep track of your water usage.

When bills are included, it’s one less task to add to your already full plate. You pay your rent, and that’s it. No stress about fluctuating utility costs, deadlines, or surprise fees.

2. Predictable Monthly Costs

Budgeting is hard enough without unexpected expenses. If your rent is €400 but utilities add up to €80 in the winter months, suddenly you’re paying €480. But with bills included, you know exactly what you’re paying every month.

That predictability can make managing your finances much easier and prevent those “I spent how much on electricity last month?!” moments.

3. Avoiding Utility Price Surprises

Utility costs can fluctuate depending on the season—heating in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, and even just the overall energy consumption. This can make your monthly bills unpredictable. With bills included, you avoid the headache of rising prices and energy-saving guilt trips.

No more adjusting your lifestyle just to avoid a crazy energy bill at the end of the month. It’s just one fixed cost, and you can plan around it.

4. More Freedom to Live Comfortably

When bills are included, you don’t have to feel guilty about turning on the heat or cranking up the AC during a heatwave. You can focus on being comfortable in your living space without stressing about energy conservation every time you flick on a light.

This makes it easier to feel at home—especially when you're living away from home for the first time.

5. Easier for Students Living in Shared Accommodation

In shared flats, utility bills can lead to awkward situations: who used the most water? Did someone leave the lights on all night? If you’re sharing a flat with others, splitting utilities can lead to disagreements or confusion over who owes what.

With bills included, it’s a hassle-free setup. Everyone pays their share of rent, and there’s no need to chase down your flatmates for their portion of the electricity bill at the end of the month.

6. It Can Be a Bargain

In some cases, bills are included in the rent as part of a flat or apartment that’s priced slightly higher than average. But when you calculate the overall savings—especially in areas with high utility costs—it can actually work out as a better deal than renting a cheap place with no bills included. You avoid those extra fees and the mental effort of managing multiple payments.

7. Peace of Mind for International Students

For international students, having bills included is a game-changer. The last thing you want to do in a new country is deal with the complexities of setting up utility accounts, understanding local tariffs, or navigating unfamiliar payment systems.

With all bills covered, you can settle in without worrying about whether or not your water or electricity is about to get cut off for non-payment.

Conclusion

Overall, having bills included in rent is like having a little extra peace of mind in the chaos of student life. It simplifies budgeting, reduces stress, and gives you more time and energy to focus on your studies, social life, and everything else that makes the student experience memorable.

So next time you’re house-hunting, don’t just look at the rent price—consider the full package with all bills included. It could be the hassle-free, stress-free choice you never knew you needed!