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”:

  1. 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:

    1. Mattress Pad

    2. Sheet set

    3. Comforter/Weighted Blanket/Quilt (Tip: a full size works on a twin XL!)

  2. Personal Hygiene Items

  3. Laptop

  4. Clothes

  5. Medications/Prescriptions

  6. Lamps/refrigerator/microwave/fan/curtains - See what is provided by the college before making any purchases

  7. Containers to add extra storage under and next to the bed


Check in with the roommate(s) to see what they are brining 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?

    1. Clothes

    2. Room decor

    3. School supplies (pens, paper, etc.)

    4. Hamper

    5. Clothing hangers

    6. Medicine


What things have a dual purpose?

    1. Can your laptop also be your TV?

    2. 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?

    1. There are many ways to find free stuff for college. Here are just a few!

      1. See if a local college near you puts things out for free or for discounted sale after move-out day in May

      2. Join your local Buy Nothing or Free groups on social media

      3. 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

      4. Thrift stores and garage sales

      5. Put out an “ask” in your local social media groups! 

      6. 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 a way to find deals and connect with other parents and students? Check out my Facebook Group about Dorm Organization here.


Previous
Previous

Dorm Room Organization - Essential Buying Guide Updated for Fall 2024

Next
Next

Outsourcing: Giving Mom’s Back the Gift of Time