College Students Pinching Pennies for Dorm Room Decor

[missmanors]

In past years, college dorm rooms were full of colorful, trendy, expensive items, but this year, many college dorm rooms may have a more spartan appearance when it comes to decor. With the rising cost of tuition, books, food, gas etcetera, students may not be able to afford all the luxuries that past students were able to buy.

If you are planning to go off to college this fall, or have a child who is leaving home this year to begin his/her higher education, some choices may have to be made as to what is needed and what is not a necessity.

The first thing you need to do is to contact the college to see exactly what is allowed in the dorm. Some colleges have some strict rules as to what a student is allowed as far as hanging anything on the walls, or changes to the room that can be made. This step can save some headaches down the road.

First of all remember that pricey is not always better, or more functional. For instance: A $30 wastebasket is not a necessity when one costing a couple of dollars will do the job just as well.

When it comes to bedding and curtains for your room, think practical and colorful. Buy bedding for your dorm that is easy to care for. You want to be able to just throw it in the washer and dryer and be able to put it back on the bed. Bedding with special laundering needs shouldn't be in a dorm room. There are many choices as to color and style that are relatively inexpensive and durable. The same goes for curtains, they also should be easy to wash and to care for.

The same principle applies to things like towels, throw pillows and throw rugs. You can find many attractive additions for your room, without breaking the bank. Just be sure to check for durability, and read care instructions carefully to get the most bang for your buck.

Many stores have back-to-school items on sale right now that will help you save a few dollars. Check out the stores' sales ads or website to find the best deals and shop accordingly.

Buying electronics? If so, you may be able to save some money in this area as well. Closely check out the features that each has, and base your buying decision on what is really needed, and will be used. Too many times we end up buying something that has features that are never used, and that costs us more for a feature that we don't even need. So many electronics these days have an added price tag because they are colorful.......the color does nothing for the functionality of it.

This is a good time to teach your student about finances, and making good choices about spending. Take the opportunity to help them learn to make good choices and teach them how to be successful on their own.

[homealone]

There is some really great information here. Thanks for posting this. I know of someone who is going off to college and she is saving herself alot of money by actually making some of the stuff she will be needing in her dorm room. The last I spoke to her she had already made a blanket, pillow case, curtain and a rug for in her room. She even mentioned that she would weave her own trash can. She is a craft loving person and very talented. This of course will save her alot of money. If a college student is able to make some of the items they will need or know someone who will do it cheaply then that would be the better bet.

[flip_it_fast]

Young folks need to learn to shop at the same places a lot of the rest of us do. Second hand shops. Why spend all of the extra money on deco when they will need it for basic living? College is expensive in and of itself.

You can find all of things mentioned by Missmanors at second hand shops. Some items can be found brand new in these types of stores. You may be suprised at the items you can find in these stores.

There is nothing wrong with learning to be thrifty, especially at a young age.

[AtTheBeach]

When I was in college we were definitely thrifty Secondhand shops ARE great places and many college students I know are smart enough to get things there. For instance, there is no need to spend hundreds on a new couch when you can get one that will work for a dorm for 50 bucks