Welcome to back-to-school week on Suddenly Frugal. Today, we’re tackling the topic of kids going back to college. I mean, if you’ve got a kid heading off to college in the next few weeks, then soon enough you will be facing one of the biggest challenges (besides paying tuition) that students face when they first arrive–how to furnish a dorm room without busting a budget. Here are 5 tips to do just that, courtesy of the experts at Bed Bath & Beyond:
Check it Out! Check with your school before you shop to learn about the specific rules and regulations of your on-campus housing. This will ensure you don’t spend your money on things your school won’t allow–like mini fridges or microwaves–or things they may provide.- Check it Off. Use a comprehensive checklist to figure out what you need to buy and what you can take from home. If the college you’ll be attending doesn’t have a checklist, check out the checklist on the Bed Bath & Beyond website.
- Split it Up. Students should reach out to their roommates before they shop to decide who is bringing what so they avoid bringing (and buying) duplicates. They can split up the checklist online, discuss a color scheme and even email their future roommate their selections.
- Cheat Sheet. Many college and university dorm rooms have twin extra long mattresses – make sure you know the appropriate size before selecting bedding to avoid return trips to the store.
- Find it Near Home, Pick it up Near School! Bed Bath & Beyond stores offer a unique “Pack & Hold ” service that eliminates the hassle of packing the car or the cost of renting a moving van. Simply shop at a store near home and then pick the items up at the store near college.
Do you have other advice for furnishing a dorm room on the cheap?
READ LEAH ON HOME GOES STRONG
We provide on campus consignment events where students can sell items (they set their own prices) they no longer want or need for cash, while other students can shop for gently used clothing and dorm room essential items right on campus.