How to outfit a college dorm room on a budget
Outfitting a dorm room can be a bit overwhelming. There are endless checklists of things you “need” and endless options of things to buy. Not all families have a large budget to decorate a dorm room, so let’s break down a few ways to keep expenses down.
Write out a list of “needs” and “wants”. It’s easy for your new college student to think they “need” everything, but there’s a good chance most of the items on their list are not truly necessary. So, what are some of those “needs”:
Dorm Room Necessities
Bedding for a twin XL bed - the standard size in most college dorm rooms. Now, many college packing lists are going to include every possible accessory for the dorm room bed, but think about what your child uses at home and what they really need. Here are my thoughts on necessity:
Mattress Pad
Sheet set
Comforter/Weighted Blanket/Quilt (Tip: a full size works on a twin XL!)
Personal Hygiene Items
Laptop
Clothes
Medications/Prescriptions
Lamps/refrigerator/microwave/fan/curtains - See what is provided by the college before making any purchases
Containers to add extra storage under and next to the bed
Other Ways to Save Money When Setting Up a College Dorm Room
Check in with the roommate(s) to see what they are bringing and what can be shared. For example, can you share a refrigerator, and who can find one the cheapest?
What can be taken from home?
Clothes
Room Decor
Basic School Supplies
Hamper
Clothing Hangers
Medicine
What things have a dual purpose?
Can your laptop also be your TV?
Can these bags that are great for moving in also be your laundry basket and your under-bed storage?
What can be found for free or at a discounted rate? There are many ways to find free stuff for college. Here are just a few!
See if a local college near you puts things out for free or for discounted sale after move-out day in May
Join your local Buy Nothing or Free groups on social media
Reach out to friends and family who may have children wrapping up their college years and may be ready to get rid of some of their items
Thrift stores and garage sales
Put out an “ask” in your local social media groups!
Put together an Amazon Wish list and if folks ask what they can give as a graduation gift, you’ve got the list ready to go.
Are you looking for links for some of the non-necessities? Check out my Dorm Room Organization Essential Buying Guide Blog Post.
Final Tip on How to Create a Great College Dorm Room on a Budget
Even though it’s exciting to buy things ahead of time, sometimes the best sales/deals are closer to move-in day. If you do buy something ahead of time, keep those receipts and see if the store will do a price adjustment
