Second-Hand Checklist for Student Homes in North Cyprus

Moving out of a dorm or setting up your first home after arriving in North Cyprus quickly turns into a long shopping list. The good news is that most of what a student home needs is easy to find second-hand. Every semester, graduating students and people leaving the island sell their belongings, and newcomers buy them.

In this post we list what a student home needs, room by room. For each item you will find whether it makes sense to buy it used or new, and what to check before you buy.

If you are new to the island, our Life in Cyprus Guide covers the basics of settling in. When you search for items, use the city filter: buying close to home also makes transport easier.

Before you start: three quick questions

1. Furnished or unfurnished? Homes rented to students in North Cyprus are usually furnished: white goods such as the fridge, washing machine and cooker, as well as the bed, are often already there. Still, get a written list of what is in the home and cross those items off your list. The white goods and bed tips in this post are for you if you rented an unfurnished or partly furnished home.
2. How many people will live there? Agree early with your housemates on who buys shared items such as a fridge, washing machine or vacuum cleaner.
3. How long will you stay? For a one or two year plan, choose items that are easy to sell when you leave instead of expensive, heavy ones.

Bedroom and study area

• Bed and bed base: Furnished homes usually come with a bed. If yours does not, a used bed base or frame is a good buy; choose one that is sturdy, does not squeak and can be taken apart for moving.
• Mattress: If the mattress in the home is worn out or missing, buy a new one if you can, for hygiene reasons. If you do buy used, check it in person for stains, smells and sagging.
• Wardrobe or clothes rack: A good second-hand option. Check that doors and rails work smoothly, and measure your room first.
• Desk and chair: You will study for long hours, so make sure the chair is sturdy and comfortable. Office and gaming chairs are among the items that often change hands, like this gaming chair listing.
• Desk lamp: Cheap and easy to find second-hand.
• Computer and monitor: Browse used computers and accessories in the computer category. Ask the seller about battery health and warranty.

You can see all furniture listings through the furniture filter on the home essentials page.

Kitchen

In furnished homes the fridge and cooker usually come with the home. If yours is missing or broken, looking second-hand makes sense:

• Fridge: Check that it cools properly, the door seal is intact and there is no smell inside. An example listing: Beko fridge.
• Cooker or hob: For gas cookers, always check the gas bottle and the connecting hose. Replace the hose if it looks old.
• Kettle, toaster, microwave: Small appliances are a great second-hand buy. Make sure the cable has no crushed or exposed parts. For example, this kettle listing.
• Pots, pans and plates: A good second-hand option, sold individually or as sets. Check that non-stick pans are not peeling.

For white goods use the white goods filter, and for small appliances the small appliances filter.

Bathroom and cleaning

• Washing machine: Most furnished homes have one. If yours does not, buying one together with your housemates makes sense. Listen to it while it runs, check for leaks and ask for the drum to be secured before transport.
• Clothes drying rack: With North Cyprus's sunny weather, most students choose a drying rack over a tumble dryer. Affordable options are available, such as this drying rack listing.
• Vacuum cleaner: When buying used, test the suction and check the filter.
• Towels, bedding and bath mats: We recommend buying these new.

Living area

• Sofa or armchair: One of the most traded second-hand items. Check the fabric for stains and the frame for damage, and measure whether it will fit through your door.
• Coffee table and shelves: Choose light pieces that are easy to move. For example, this coffee table on wheels.
• Rugs and curtains: Fine to buy used, but it is a good idea to have them washed first.

Heating and cooling

There is no natural gas supply to homes in North Cyprus. That is why homes are mostly heated with air conditioners or electric heaters in winter, and the same air conditioner keeps you cool in summer. If your home has no air conditioner, or not enough for every room, these items should move to the top of your list:

• Air conditioner: The most practical option because it both heats and cools. When buying a used unit, include installation and gas refill costs, and have it installed by a qualified technician.
• Electric heater: A practical solution for rooms without an air conditioner. The plug and cable should be in good condition; prefer models that switch off automatically if tipped over.
• Fan: Useful in summer to run the air conditioner less and lower your electricity bill. An example fan listing.

All air conditioner and heater listings are on the home essentials page.

Checklist for buying second-hand

1. See it in person. Especially for white goods and electronics, do not pay before you see the item working.
2. Measure. Make sure the item fits through the door, the stairs and the lift.
3. Plan the transport. Ask the seller whether they can help with large items; if not, include transport costs in your budget.
4. Compare with the photos. Check that the item matches the photos in the listing.
5. Do not send a deposit. Be careful with listings that ask for money before you have seen the item.
6. Meet safely. If possible, meet during the day, in a public place or together with a friend.

Where to start?

We have gathered the furniture, white goods and small appliances a student home needs on one page: home essentials listings. If you are looking in Girne, go straight to home essentials in Girne. In other cities, use the city filter on the listings page.

When the semester ends and you want to sell your things, follow the same path: take photos, describe the condition honestly and post a free listing. The items you used can help the next student moving into a home.