Shopping For Your Room: A Quick Guide to Cost Cutting for Your Dorm Essentials
In this brief guide, readers will learn ways to save money for their dorm room needs.
By Adison Bollman — September 6, 2022
Transitioning from high school to college can be quite challenging. The lifestyle change is quite stressful for incoming students, from adjusting to different class structures to living independently from their parents. For those moving on to campus, whether in dorms or apartments, the change may be hard to wrap one’s head around. Financial independence is very stressful for new students, especially those who aren't financially secure. In this brief guide, readers will learn ways to save money for their dorm room needs.
Shopping with a Budget
Shopping on a tight budget can seem daunting but is achievable with planning, preparation, and self-control. However, do not be aghast. There is no need for accounting every purchase or whipping out a calculator if prepared for the big move.
Saving For Your First Trip
To adequately finance your move-in shopping spree, saving money in advance is necessary. Putting away a tiny fraction of each paycheck in the summer should set you up for success. Aim for between 300 and 500 dollars for your essentials and housewares, and save more for any devices, decor, and furnishings your room may need.
Store Selection
Be sure to shop at inexpensive stores. You don't need a Gucci toiletry bag; you need a toiletry bag. Dollar stores, consignment stores, thrift stores, and Walmart are all fantastic destinations for your spree. Also, be sure to buy store brands as often as possible. Although Great Value isn't the most glamorous brand, but it does the job.
Shopping Lists
A great way to spend wisely is to write a shopping list. Although it may sound trivial, having a prepared list of what to buy can save time and money. Making a second trip to the store to grab the trash bags you forgot is infuriating. Shopping lists also help avoid making impulse purchases. Do yourself the due diligence of having a list prepared to keep your final receipt shorter and your bank account happier.
Groceries
Buying groceries may be difficult for your dorm. You may lack an oven or share appliances with many people. The best way to save money on food is to sign up for your school’s meal plan. Meal Plans are typically significantly cheaper than your other food options. Frozen foods, ramen, and microwaveable foods, while stereotypical of the college experience, are all inexpensive options for other meals. Avoid making trips to fast food joints as much as possible. Fast food is unhealthy for your wallet and your body.
Cost Cutting Tips:
Unit Price
There are many ways to pinch pennies at the store. Buying bulk items is a great way to save money in the long run. Also, most stores have a unit price labeled for each item on the shelf. Check these labels and select the cheaper item per unit price. If a 16 oz bottle of shampoo is 6$, and a 32 oz bottle is 10$, the 32 oz bottle is more cost-effective. The 16 oz bottle costs 0.38$ cents an ounce, and the 32 oz bottle costs 0.31$ per oz.
Rewards Programs
Most chains you'll shop at offer rewards programs that offer free rewards and deals that help you to save big. Some also provide discounts that save at the pump. Identifying stores with rewards programs can expand the purchasing power of your budget.
Bring What You Can
You should already have a significant amount of your dorm essentials at home. Bring your TV, minifridge, chair, and other furnishings and housewares if you have them. These items are expensive, so take them to your new dorm. Taking all your bedroom's décor with you is also a way to bring a touch of home to your new dorm while shortening your receipt.
Cost Reduction on Campus
Your college campus will have a variety of options available to reduce spending. University services may offer a student health center where you receive reduced or free healthcare and medicine. Campus meal plans also reduce meal costs and are required for most first-year students. Campuses offer a variety of events that include prizes; make sure you attend these as often as possible. After all, who doesn't love free stuff?
Budgeting, shopping, and expense tracking while in college takes time to learn. College students work a few hours and make little money, so disciplined shopping becomes essential. Your first experience of financial independence will be stressful. With these tips, you should have no problem getting everything you could ever need for your room.
Adison Bollman
Adison Bollman was born and raised in smalltown Iowa and graduated from North Mahaska High School in New Sharon, Iowa in 2021. Adison currently attends William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa as a double major in Political Science and History. Adison articles help new students navigate through their college journey with emphasis on personal experiences and advice from professors and staff.
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