It's that time of year again: college dorm shopping. There are hundreds of lists on things you should buy. A new freshman may feel overwhelmed when thinking about what all they need. This article will help you to figure out the best way to save money on college dorm shopping.
The first thing you need to evaluate is the amount of space you are working with. If you have limited space, the best option would probably be to invest in storage containers. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Stores like Walmart, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond have them for various prices. Also, for maximizing closet space, hanging storage would be a good thing to look into. They come in handy when you need to cram extra things into your tiny closet (which you might be sharing with 3-5 other people.) I know for girls especially this is a must!
The second thing you need to consider is bulk-buying. This can be used for toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste, paper towels and feminine items. Cleaning supplies can be bought at dollar stores over time and stored in boxes in your dorm (or in cabinets.) Stores like Costco and Sams Club offer good deals on bulk-buying items such as these. Other items that should be bought in bulk are stationary items. These can include: notebooks, loose leaf paper, printer paper, pens, pencils and index cards. Walmart and Target usually have Back-To-School sales before August. The steals are worth scavenging for. There are $0.15 folders and notebooks (I usually buy them by the box.) Index cards especially will be something you need to have stored for midterms and finals.
The third category you need to think about when shopping for school is technology. Best Buy and other technology stores sell Back-To-School deals for college students. (This means discounts!) There are bed raisers (found at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond or Walmart) that have outlets built into them. Power strips, extension cords and back-up chargers are also handy items to pick up. Flash drives, computer virus software and other accessories all go on sale around this time of year.
The fourth element involved in the first year of college is room decor. Things like pictures, frames, Christmas lights and bean bag chairs can be hunted down for the best prices. Walgreen's has discounted printing prices that are straight from your smart phone (in store.) There are also sections in stores for decor. To be able to save money, hand-making your decorum is also an option. Paintings, paper weights and painted bricks can all bring life to the dull white cinder block room you'll be living in for the next 9 months.
Lastly, emergency snacks need to be purchased. Oatmeal, granola bars and jars of peanut butter can go a long way. In my experience, buying candy after Halloween helps to satisfy my cravings whenever I have a sweet tooth. Another thing to remember is that there will be food given to you at your school. Taking snacks back with you (and not forgetting them in the bottom of your backpack) is helpful for someone who doesn't have a lot of money to spend on food.
Hopefully, this article has given you an idea of what you will use in your first year and the rest of your years at college. Happy discount hunting!
Here are some links to find different checklists from Bed Bath and Beyond, Walmart, and Target.
