2017 College Dorm shopping on a Budget

[sk!mom]

I remember my mom starting to stockpile stuff away when she found good deals, when I was in my senior year of HS. She filled like three Rubbermaid tubs with full listings of contents and I was pretty much set for anything household or hygiene for the first year of my college.

Honestly I would avoid stockpiling unless you can keep it at home for them to restock on visits home. Dorm rooms are tiny shared spaces. My best tip is to send only necessities. DD took 2 towel sets but only one sheet set. She took them off to wash and then immediately put them back on. She only had room for a small hamper so extra sheets took up precious space rather dirty or clean.

I would spend on a really good mattress topper as the beds were very uncomfortable without. DD also loved having lots of pillows on the bed as it was often used as a sofa so pillows to lean on were helpful.

I would check the schools list of allowed/disallowed. My nephew is headed to a Uni this fall that has a fridge and microwave in every room and that is the only one allowed. I would also recommend checking with the roommate. Space is so limited that 2 of each might not be a good use of limited space or even possible.

DD did have a rug on the tile floor. I would buy the minimum now and then fill in after move in. DD loved and used command hooks but had no need for fans or extra lamps. Her dorm had AC and plenty of light including desk lamps. Over the door organizers are great but DD couldn't use them- the room door wouldn't close with one on it and the closets had sliding pocket doors. They can also be good hung on the end of a raised bed if they will fit.

Amazon Prime was my friend Freshman year and beyond.

 

[sk!mom]

DD didn't have a printer in the dorm- again due to space and the availability of printers in the dorm and everywhere else. Once she moved into an apartment, it was more convenient to have her own printer.

As far as phones and theft, my best advice is a student insurance policy. We've used http://www.nssi.com. It's very affordable and they replaced DD's Macbook after it was drowned with us only paying a small deductible. It is better than relying on our homeowners due to the size of the deductible. That one replacement has made it worth the 4 years of cost.

DD also has AAA since she has a car 4 hours away. She's used it for flat changes a couple of times and free tows. Totally worth the expense.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

Honestly I would avoid stockpiling unless you can keep it at home for them to restock on visits home. Dorm rooms are tiny shared spaces.

Yeah I guess you could pack a tub for each quarter of the year and keep it at home, if they are relatively close.

My first college experience did not involve dorms - the school had actual apartment buildings they kept us in... more like 600sq ft 1 bedroom apartments.

 

[robinb]

Hey! I didn't know about this thread! I'm in .

 

[Westcoastwild]

DD didn't have a printer in the dorm- again due to space and the availability of printers in the dorm and everywhere else. Once she moved into an apartment, it was more convenient to have her own printer.

As far as phones and theft, my best advice is a student instance policy. We've used http://www.nssi.com. It's very affordable and they replaced DD's Macbook after it was drowned with us only paying a small deductible. It is better than relying on our homeowners due to the size of the deductible. That one replacement has made it worth the 4 years of cost.

DD also has AAA since she has a car 4 hours away. She's used it for flat changes a couple of times and free tows. Totally worth the expense.

Renters insurance might actually be a great idea.

I never worried about theft in the dorms. It wasn't a huge problem, and there was no room at all for footlocker.

That said, I made sure my roommates locked the door when the last one left, and my wallet and laptop were usually with me or not in plain sight.

I don't get the stockpiling thing. When they are out of detergent or whatever, they can stop at the store or Walmart. I didn't have a car but I transported all of that via bike or bus or just tagged along with whoever was doing a late night junk food run. It's not like students never leave campus.

 

[robinb]

Has anyone thought of a laptop lock? The IT section at my DD's college recommends one and to keep your laptop locked in the dorm room.

 

[sksjasams]

I have also read about a laptop lock. You can lock you laptop to your desk or even a table in the library in case you need to run to the restroom.
Something like this but on sale: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/targus-defcon-coiled-cable-security-lock/8848378.p?skuId=8848378

Why yes, @robinb Great minds...

 

[robinb]

Why yes, @robinb Great minds...

LOL. I missed that. It looks like it won't work for MacBook Pro because it doesn't weigh enough. I'll probably just buy the lock with the laptop.

 

[sk!mom]

Renters insurance might actually be a great idea.

I never worried about theft in the dorms. It wasn't a huge problem, and there was no room at all for footlocker.

That said, I made sure my roommates locked the door when the last one left, and my wallet and laptop were usually with me or not in plain sight.

I don't get the stockpiling thing. When they are out of detergent or whatever, they can stop at the store or Walmart. I didn't have a car but I transported all of that via bike or bus or just tagged along with whoever was doing a late night junk food run. It's not like students never leave campus.

DD had no issue with theft in her 1 year of dorming. In her dorm, the doors automatically locked from the outside when closed. They had to remember to always take the key when leaving the room. She didn't have any kind of footlocker or safe and didn't use a laptop lock either.

We have the insurance that will cover loss or theft but the drowned laptop has been the only incident in 3 years (knock wood) and that was in her first month in an apartment.

 

[DaisyJ]

Renters insurance is a must, even in a dorm.

 

[dreamin_disney]

This may be weird but I started buying things for my son at Christmas last year. He got a Keurig, a printer and a charger with multiple ports. Since then, I started picking up other items as I saw them on sale. I got a mattress topper with cool gel at Target for $11 and a mattress pad for $12. Towels at Target were on sale a few weeks ago, as well as a XL Twin comforter - with my Target Red Card and a discount code, I paid $32 for 6 towels and a comforter! I have also bought storage bins when I see them on sale as well as desk supplies. I got a dorm rug at Walmart last week for $16. I am continuously lurking the sale aisles to get good deals!

I think buying ahead makes it easier on the pocket especially if things are on sale or coupons.

She should carry her phone everywhere. If something happens that she is concerned about her security, you want her to be able call campus security or escorts asap.

Yes, I agree. I was just worried about the pool area. I dont think theres lockers and if shes near the pool just never know if theres an idiot trying to be funny and push people in for laughs :/

I'm wondering if its practical to plan to take a guitar. This is the only item my son really wants to take, and he likes to play a lot when he is hanging out. He would take the acoustic, not electric one. I imagine he could keep it under his bed but sure would hate for him to have it stolen.

I dont see why not. He would just have to be respectful and not play it without room mates permission. I think maybe playing it when theres a group or outside depending how loud it is. If it doesn't bother the surrounding rooms etc. When we went to visit a different college we passed by a group of students and one was playing the guitar. Looked like they were all enjoying it. In one of the meeting days at the same college one of the speakers said a group of student who play music meet up and play together and others come around to hangout and listen it nice hangout in the evening or wherever they meet up

Yeah I guess you could pack a tub for each quarter of the year and keep it at home, if they are relatively close.

My first college experience did not involve dorms - the school had actual apartment buildings they kept us in... more like 600sq ft 1 bedroom apartments.

I have a box full of tide pods lol! I wont dare send them all! I will give her a bag a month and depending on how it goes 1-2 the following time. Hopefully we can drive up once a month if shes ok with it and take her to dinner or lunch and take her the stuff she needs or take her to buy other things she needs. I will keep the stockpile here at home

Renters insurance might actually be a great idea.

I never worried about theft in the dorms. It wasn't a huge problem, and there was no room at all for footlocker.

That said, I made sure my roommates locked the door when the last one left, and my wallet and laptop were usually with me or not in plain sight.

I don't get the stockpiling thing. When they are out of detergent or whatever, they can stop at the store or Walmart. I didn't have a car but I transported all of that via bike or bus or just tagged along with whoever was doing a late night junk food run. It's not like students never leave campus.

Stockpiling I'm buying stuff on sale or with good coupons. I will keep the items here and just take them to her once a month or drive out there every two months. Dorms are small to hold extra stuff but buying stuff on sale or with coupons saved me money vs, buying it not on sale

LOL. I missed that. It looks like it won't work for MacBook Pro because it doesn't weigh enough. I'll probably just buy the lock with the laptop.

Mac Book require special locks? I bet more expensive??

Renters insurance is a must, even in a dorm.

I know each lan will be different but how much would dorm insurance cost, an estimate please? I hope not to expensive

 

[Westcoastwild]

Renters insurance might actually be a great idea.

I never worried about theft in the dorms. It wasn't a huge problem, and there was no room at all for footlocker.

That said, I made sure my roommates locked the door when the last one left, and my wallet and laptop were usually with me or not in plain sight.

I think buying ahead makes it easier on the pocket especially if things are on sale or coupons.

Yes, I agree. I was just worried about the pool area. I dont think theres lockers and if shes near the pool just never know if theres an idiot trying to be funny and push people in for laughs :/

I dont see why not. He would just have to be respectful and not play it without room mates permission. I think maybe playing it when theres a group or outside depending how loud it is. If it doesn't bother the surrounding rooms etc. When we went to visit a different college we passed by a group of students and one was playing the guitar. Looked like they were all enjoying it. In one of the meeting days at the same college one of the speakers said a group of student who play music meet up and play together and others come around to hangout and listen it nice hangout in the evening or wherever they meet up

I have a box full of tide pods lol! I wont dare send them all! I will give her a bag a month and depending on how it goes 1-2 the following time. Hopefully we can drive up once a month if shes ok with it and take her to dinner or lunch and take her the stuff she needs or take her to buy other things she needs. I will keep the stockpile here at home

Stockpiling I'm buying stuff on sale or with good coupons. I will keep the items here and just take them to her once a month or drive out there every two months. Dorms are small to hold extra stuff but buying stuff on sale or with coupons saved me money vs, buying it not on sale

Mac Book require special locks? I bet more expensive??

I know each lan will be different but how much would dorm insurance cost, an estimate please? I hope not to expensive

I pay 36 a month through USAA. About 6 months ago, it covered around $4000 dollars of stuff stolen from my house and car, so it was definitely worth it.

But if I was 18 and only owned a computer, I don't know if I'd bother if you can afford to replace the computer. Or I'd see if you can put it as a floater on your home owner's insurance. The stuff stolen last year was stuff that I would not have owned in college because I tended to be a minimalist. I buy expensive purses, bikes, electronics now.

 

[scottmel]

I got a Dyson fan for DD this weekend at Costco for 60.00 off. VERY COOLING FAN!Worked well when she took it to her orientation. Signed up for Bed Bath Beyond college student day July 16th Sunday we are on vacation but they allowedme to choose another day. Whole store 20 percent off...Got a good mattress topper and sheets and bedding set already along with a drying rack on clearance at Costco and the Fan. Renting a fridge. Cost had them for 99 but by the time you haul it up there set it up etc. I would rather just rent. Very good size though.

 

[DaisyJ]

DS 's renters insurance is just over $100 a year for $10,000 coverage.

 

[robinb]

Don't forget Amazon Prime day on July 10th!

 

[sksjasams]

I did buy her shower shoes at Shoe Carnival. They are slides, but they have holes in the bottom for drainage. My DD doesn't wear flip flops (can't stand it between her toes).

I was trying to find these online...were they the Nike Kawa or some other ones? TIA

 

[tcufrog]

Living away from home during college is supposed to be training wheels for being on your own when you (hopefully) have a job after college. Please encourage your child to become an adult during that time which includes filling his or her own medical prescriptions, making annual checkup appointments, buying his or her own laundry detergent, etc. It will be harder for your child to grow into an adult if you do everything for him or her during this crucial developmental period.

 

[robinb]

Mac Book require special locks? I bet more expensive??

I don't think so. A couple of the reviews of the lock that @sksjasams provided said that the coil in the lock was very strong. Since the Macbook Pro was very light, the coil would pull on the laptop off of a table top.

 

[powellrj]

My DD will be a senior this year, so we have been around this before. Some suggestions we have found. Big Lots has wonderful mattress toppers for much less than other places. I know many people say no TV, but my DD loves having hers at school. In fact, she bought a big screen one black friday. She is an RA, and has movie night in her room lots of times. She also has a box of movies that they watch. She said it was much easier to have a printer in her room, she has a prime account and orders her ink and paper from there. She has found she does better renting most books. She gets many from Amazon. Also have your student find out if they have a text book trade facebook page. She has used that often.

Speaking of facebook, her school also has a ride page for kids that need rides home. I know she has taken kids to the airport many times when she has the time. I made her take a plunger with her and she fought me about it. She was the most popular girl on her floor once others found out she had one! She didn't want to take an umbrella, but once she needed it she was glad to have it.

She loves her hammock. She also uses her long board. It sounds like she has lots of things with her, but her room still has room in it! She rents a storage unit with her roommates so she doesn't have to bring it all home with her.

 

[afan]

It's amazing how much has changed in 20 years. I was getting ready to go away to college at that time and wasn't worried about theft but no one really had laptops or cell phones then either.

Just a note about the automatically locking dorm doors. Ours did and we'd make sure it was locked when we were the last to leave the room, but there's a way to make them not lock. We'd cut down an expired credit card, old rewards card or gift card and punch a hole in it, unscrew the top screw for the lock on the side of the door and screw the card on. We'd flip the card down to keep the door from latching when we were in the room so friends could come and go and then flip it up when we left

I do recommend a robe for those using a communal bathroom. There's nothing like forgetting your key in the morning and not realizing it until you are done with your shower, hair up in a towel. Thankfully I always had my robe

I also didn't keep my car keys with my room key but that was mostly because I didn't carry my car keys with me unless I was using my car. No reason to take them to class.

I also recommend thumbtacks. We had a giant bulletin board on each wall wall in our room. The actual walls in most rooms were cement and you couldn't tack anything up.

I also agree with the pp that said they can buy the stuff they need at the store themselves or can even buy it online if they need to. It's better to teach them how to budget and show for deals than it is to keep supplying them with the stuff, even if you are providing the money they need to budget with.