Nailing your dorm shopping can be a challenge as there are lots of things to consider, and knowing where to start can be taunting. Here are 14 essential dorm shopping tips that will not only save you time and stress but also ensure your new space feels like home. I remember my college days, frantically trying to figure out what to pack and what to leave behind, wishing I had a guide to make things easier. That’s exactly what you’ll find here: a comprehensive guide filled with practical advice, personal insights, and, to sweeten the deal, a free packing list to keep you organized.
This post is all about dorm shopping tips, designed to make your transition to college life as smooth as possible.
You don’t need to buy everything you need before moving in
I think we all get so excited, we just want to have everything ready for the exciting move-in day. However, it is smart to wait to buy some things until after you’ve moved in. Especially if your college campus is a few hours away from home. For example, toiletries. They can take up precious space in the car and you can always find a Target close to campus to purchase all of those essentials.
Another thing you should wait to buy until after you’re all moved in is the decor. Dorms are very small and you’ll likely have roommates. So, it is a better idea to move in, see how much space you have left, see which areas you’d like to decorate, and then place an Amazon order for all of your dorm room decor needs.
Focus on saving space
As mentioned before, dorms are very small and they are shared with at least 2 to 3 roommates. Therefore, you should focus on saving space. Think twice before buying something that might not be 100% necessary. That goes for clothing as well. I wrote a college clothing packing list, so you know exactly what you’ll need.
I remember when I moved into the dorms, I had bought all sorts of decoration items, and also a printer. I never ended up using my printer because multiple printers around campus were cheap, and most of my assignments had to be turned in online anyway. As for the decor items, some of them didn’t fit so I ended up giving them away to friends so they could decorate their rooms.
This is why I recommend, waiting until you’re there to see how much space you have to work with. I even recommend waiting a few weeks to purchase certain items like a printer, this way you have some time to see if you’ll need it or if you can get by without it.
Related: 8 Things You Should NOT Bring to College
Make a budget and stick to it
Setting a budget before you go dorm shopping is very important. It’ll keep you from spending too much and will make you reconsider everything you decide to add to your cart.
I recommend you do your budget by first estimating how much you think you’ll spend on necessities, such as bedding, toiletries, etc. Then, add a certain amount designated to decor & fun stuff that isn’t absolutely necessary. And lastly, try your best to stick to your budget.
This way you won’t be wasting any money. And if there was some money leftover from your budget, you’ll likely need it to go out with your friends, purchase more essentials, for gas, textbooks, etc.
Check multiple stores for prices
Dorm shopping can get expensive and a way to make sure you’re getting the best prices is to look for the same items in different stores.
For example, Dormify tends to be expensive, however you can find some similar items on Amazon or Target.
A quick thing I like to do to check prices is to search for an image on Google. For example, if I find a great printer, I will take a screenshot of the first photo, then go to Google, upload the photo, and go to the shopping tab. This way you can see how much the item retails for in different stores. Nine out of ten times I do this, I always find the item for cheaper!
Related: 16 Tips To Save Money Dorm Shopping
Prioritize needs over wants
Prioritizing is key. As said before, you should first shop for necessities. And no, I’m not talking about those super cute twinkly lights. I’m talking about towels, a duvet cover, a desk lamp, cleaning supplies, you get the idea. After you move in and already have the necessities, then you can go crazy at the decoration aisle. Prioritizing will also help you to stick to your budget if you have one, which you totally should!
Related: 8 Tips For Organizing Your College Dorm Room
Don’t overdo it with dorm decor items
Yes, I know you want an aesthetic & cozy dorm room. But honestly, after a couple of days of moving into your dorm, you stop caring about how aesthetic it looks. You won’t be spending as much time in your dorm, as you will have to go to class, will have library study dates, will go out with friends, etc.
Besides, remember that if you get a lot of decor stuff, it can make moving out a thousand times harder. A lot of times, students just end up tossing a lot of great items in the trash because they are unable to take them home for the summer.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy decor stuff at all, but just don’t go overboard with it. Less is more. Besides, too much stuff up on the walls and can be overwhelming. And you want your room to be a safe and calm place where you can rest.
Make a list of what you need
Or simply download the one I made.
Don’t go dorm shopping without a list. If you’re anything like me, you will get too excited and you’ll just buy everything you think is cute. Even things you don’t need. And if you go dorm shopping without a list, you’ll most likely forget to buy some dorm room essentials.
I made this college packing list to help you out, you can download the PDF below.
Think twice before buying something
Before adding something to your list or buying it – ask yourself whether you’re really going to use it and if it might last 4 years. Be 100% honest with yourself, it’ll save you money and space!
One sign you’re not being completely honest with yourself is when you start making up excuses. Some excuses I make up are: “I might need this for a birthday party”, “I might use it at some point”, or “I’ll totally wear this for x occasion”. That’s me all the time trying to justify my shopping addiction, and the second I start making excuses about why I need something, I walk out of the door.
Another tip I started incorporating a couple of years ago is to wait a few days or a week before deciding to purchase the item you want. Most of the time, you’ll just forget you wanted to buy it in the first place.
Look for multi-functional furniture
Space in dorm rooms is often limited, so opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes. Look for ottomans with storage or a drawer cart that also charges your electronics.
I got Dormify’s Sutton Charging 3-Drawer Cart on Wheels and it was honestly the best purchase I made. It has three drawers which provide ample space for you to store anything, from clothes to toiletries. It has two USB ports and an outlet so you can charge your electronics. I used it as a nightstand, and even though I graduated college almost two years ago, I still have it! It fits perfectly in my tiny New York City studio apartment. There are also some affordable options on Amazon.
Invest in high-quality bedding
A good night’s sleep is crucial for academic success and overall well-being. Invest in comfortable, high-quality bedding, including a supportive mattress topper, soft sheets, and a cozy comforter. Remember, your bed will serve as a sofa, study spot, and sleep sanctuary, so comfort is key.
Maximize vertical space
Take advantage of vertical space to maximize your storage options. Use stackable shelves, hanging organizers, or over-the-door hooks to keep your belongings organized and accessible. This approach not only helps in keeping your dorm tidy but also makes it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Do your research on what you’ll need
If you have friends who are already in college, ask them exactly what they brought to college with them, and what they used and didn’t use. This will give you a more personalized idea of what to shop for.
Check your school’s website
Most schools provide a list of things you should not bring to the dorms with you. I would make sure to either ask for it or look for it on their website. This list usually includes things like candles, microwaves, incense, certain kitchen appliances, etc. These items are considered hazardous because if left unattended they can catch on fire…
Related: What NOT to bring to College
Don’t buy what you already have
I’m guilty of this… I know you’re excited about going off to college and maybe you see this as a fresh start, however, not everything you bring with you has to be new. Let’s all try to be more conscious about what we buy.
Look around your room, I’m sure there are some things you could bring with you, like maybe your twinkle lights or some of your poster decorations.
Talk to your roommate
Talk to your roommate and coordinate who’s bringing what. This way you can avoid buying things your roommate is also bringing. For example, my roommate brought a mirror and I brought a water filter. Just plan it out before you both get there.
Use coupons
Dorm shopping can get expensive. And some stores, such as Bed Bath & Beyond and Target offer great discounts. There are some additional discounts when buying online.
If you’re shopping online, you should use Honey, it’s a browser extension that searches the web for discount codes and automatically applies them to your order – I’ve probably saved hundreds of dollars using this extension! It also allows you to earn points with every purchase, and once you’ve accumulated a certain amount, you can claim a gift card.
Related: What I Do To Save Money & Get The Best Deals When Shopping
Don’t buy school merchandise at your school
I know you’re proud and excited you’re going off to college. However, please do not spend $60 on a sweatshirt that has your school logo on it. The merchandise store that is located in your school is way over-priced. Just wait it out until welcome week, when you’ll receive all sorts of things to show off your school spirit for free! Also, look for stores surrounding your school, they might sell the same T-shirt for half the price.
Think about transportation
Are you going to drive or fly? This will determine how you will pack and what you’ll bring. So, while you shop, think about transportation and how you’re going to get to your dorm.
Consider buying things in one location and picking them up in another
If you are moving to another city or even state, you should consider shopping close to home and picking up your order at a store that’s close to campus. I know you can do this at Bed Bath & Beyond, the service is called Pack & Hold. Also, you can shop online and pick a ship date that works for you. I shopped during the summer and had it shipped on move-in day. And honestly, it was the best thing I could do since I already barely had enough space in the car.
I hope you found these dorm shopping tips helpful and happy shopping! PS. click here for my Amazon dorm essentials picks.
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