As the saying goes, “good things come in small packages.” But is that true when it comes to your living space? 

Studio apartments are a very popular housing option for singles who want to live on their own. In particular, they can be a great option for students and young professionals with a limited budget and don’t want to live with roommates. There are both pros and cons of living in a studio—here’s what you need to know before you start the apartment hunt. 

Pros and Cons of Living in a Studio 

Studios are small, compact apartments, typically designed for a single person to live in. The primary difference between a studio and a one-bedroom is that a studio apartment combines the living room, kitchen and bedroom into one space, while one-bedrooms separate these two spaces. This means that in a studio, the bathroom is the only area that is separated by a door. 

Studios can come furnished or unfurnished and may even have some outdoor living space, either a patio or a balcony.

Because studio apartments have a smaller footprint, the rent tends to be less than on a one-bedroom apartment.

Benefits of a Studio Apartment

  • Affordability. Because studio apartments are small, their rental prices are usually much lower than one-bedrooms in the same area. The smaller floor plan also means you’ll save on heating, cooling and electrical costs. If you’re on a tight budget, renting a studio apartment can help keep costs down. 
  • Privacy. Many renters have to choose between renting their own apartment or sharing an apartment with roommates. Having roommates often means you get more space, but it also means that you lack privacy. This can be tricky, especially if your routines and preferences clash with your roommates. Renting a studio apartment gives you a space of your own and freedom to do as you please. 
  • Less is more. When you rent a large apartment, you’ll need to invest in furniture to fill it up—which gets expensive quickly. Studio apartments don’t require much furniture to feel complete. Plus, because studio apartments are smaller, they are also much easier to clean. 

Disadvantages of a Studio Apartment

  • Short on storage. Many people find that they just can’t fit their belongings in a studio apartment. Most don’t have much storage space, which can leave you feeling very cramped and overwhelmed. 
  • Entertaining is a challenge. If you like to socialize at home, you might find it hard to do so in a studio. Because of their small footprint, studio apartments don’t leave much room for a large couch or dining room table to accommodate a group of people. 
  • You’ll have to haul your laundry. A small apartment limits the amount of appliances you can have. As a result, most studios don’t have laundry in-unit. This means that you will likely have to take your laundry to a communal laundry room or a public laundromat. 

Is a Studio Right for You?

Weighing the pros and cons of a studio apartment is just the first step. Figuring out how they stack up against your needs is the next. 

If you already have a lot of furniture, you might want to consider a larger apartment. Or, if you value your privacy and have a roommate, a significant other or children, a studio won’t provide it.

But, for many students, recent graduates and first-time renters, renting a studio apartment can be a practical and cost-effective option.

With its inherently low upkeep, a studio apartment can also be an ideal option for busy single professionals, those who have to travel a lot for work or residents who don’t want a home with a lot of upkeep.

How to Make a Studio Seem Bigger

Living in a studio doesn’t mean you can’t “live large.” Renting a studio apartment just means you have to be smart and creative when it comes to making the space functional. Some of our favorite tips include: 

  • Use multifunctional furniture to help your apartment feel bigger. Specifically, a foldout couch or daybed can be a great option for a tight studio layout. 
  • Add shelving throughout the apartment. This gives you extra storage space and gets your belongings up off the floor, which makes the footprint feel larger. 
  • Using curtains and mirrors to customize your space. Curtains create the illusion of two different rooms, while mirrors reflect light in a way that makes your apartment feel larger. 
  • Stay on top of your organization solutions, maximize your closets with these hacks, and turn your outdoor balcony or patio into an extension of your living space.
  • Embrace your amazing small space! There’s joy in less—just ask Marie Kondo. 

Experience the Benefits of a Studio Apartment with Southern Management

Studio apartments can make for cute, cozy and private living spaces at a reasonable price point. Southern Management has studio apartments located throughout the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. Contact us today to learn more about the pros and cons of living in a studio apartment or to schedule a tour with one of our apartment communities. 

Don’t forget that many of Southern Management’s apartment communities have student discounts on rent or a graduate student lease program for full-time graduate/post-graduate students at select colleges and universities.