College dorm shopping. A three-word phrase that evokes both fear and excitement. That fear can be even bigger when you don’t know where to start! Today, I’m sharing with you six tips for college dorm shopping when you don’t know where to start, because I’ve been there! You don’t have to go in on your own.
This post shares tips for college dorm shopping when you don’t know where to start!
You probably don’t need everything on the lists.
I know, I know, you want to be prepared. But considering some stores are still promoting lists with items such as pizza cutters, wall clocks, DVD players, alarm clocks, and even full on stereo systems. Seriously? I do not know of any college student who has a wall clock, especially for their first-year college dorm. Most people don’t even have TVs in their room, let alone space for DVD players…
Check your school’s list of items that aren’t allowed.
Then check to see if your specific building has any rules (if you know your building) and then check them again. If your school says don’t bring it, do not, I repeat, DO NOT bring it!
As an RA, let me tell you, it is so disappointing when we come across contraband. Some schools give students the opportunity to take an item back over breaks, some don’t. Don’t chance it. The candle isn’t worth it – just think how satisfying it will be to use candles at home when you go back!
Check out the areas of the store that aren’t trying to sell you things for college.
Why? You may find better deals.
Things that you need for college such as hangers, laundry baskets, plates and bowls, things for your bathroom, may be cheaper or have more options in other areas of the store. Make sure you look in the home areas as well as the college sections! You never know what you’ll find.
If saving money is important to you, do your research…
But don’t forget to invest in quality items that will make student life easier, like a quality mattress topper!
I saved money when shopping for college by comparing ads online, looking for things in my own house that I could take instead of purchasing new, and taking advantage of sales! Amongst other things.
Related: 5 Items to Invest in for College
Check the weather trends for the area where the college is located, to help give you an idea of what weather you’ll be facing.
This may help you determine if you need to upgrade your gear! And something to keep in mind when it comes to things like rugs – do you really want the fluffy, fuzzy rug if you’re going to be tracking salt and ice into your room all winter? Probably not.
This is also really important to consider when you’re buying your bedding and backpack!
If you don’t know where in the room you’d put it, you probably shouldn’t buy it.
That adorable piece of décor? Yeah, that. Those five extra throw pillows – will they actually stay on your bed? Function is just as, if not more important than aesthetics.
When I was shopping for my dorm there were a couple of storage items I thought would be useful, but bought them without a clear idea of what would be stored in them or where they would go. Some I tried to use, while I know my mom ended up returning a couple of items for me that I sent back home with my family on my first-year move-in day. The ones I tried to use ultimately I could have gone without. At the end of the day, I just didn’t need them!
Learn from my mistakes, if you aren’t sure how you’re going to use an item, skip out for now. You can always pick it up later after you’re in your space or order something online!
Thanks for reading!
College dorm shopping can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to start. I get it. Just remember, you can do this!
Did you find these tips helpful and learn something new? Let me know in the comments, or feel free to share your own college dorm shopping tips! Good luck shopping!
