Dorm-land Savings Time

For those of us who watch a budget, sending a kid off to college is a weighty expense for the unprepared.  I mentioned costs of applying for colleges in earlier blogs. This time I’d like to get “real world” with the myriad of dorm related purchases and what I do to avoid financial ruin in the process. 

You’ve shelled out a small fortune via applications and testing and mandatory fees. Now it seems that there should be some sort of break for parents. (Like a free spa day where muscular, non-verbal men bring us mineral water and massage our weary carcasses). Alas, after you’ve gotten the kid accepted, it becomes time to dish out yet more money outfitting the dorm.  With three kids already experiencing higher education, I want a punch card that prohibits me from this process for the rest of my life.  

Here’s a rundown on what you need to consider:

Your kiddo will probably need a mini refrigerator, microwave, dishes, flatware, cups, television, blankets, pillows, towels, a fan, computer, (most schools are encouraging laptops these days) and a printer.  Don’t forget paper for printer, power strips, extra ink cartridges, etc.

Purchase personal items like soap, shampoo & conditioner, toothpaste, medicine, dish soap, towels, shaving items, Kleenex.  Send food that can be prepared in the dorm such as; soups, instant foods, granola bars, trail mix, oatmeal, cereal & canned ravioli are great items for late/night early morning munchies.

Dorm rooms often are often equipped with extra long beds. It pains the tightwad in me to have to buy sheets, when I have a linen closet that rivals Martha Stewart’s. Most dorm rooms are NOT carpeted. It is suggested to purchase an area rug to avoid the hospital ward look. 

So looking at this list, comes the vital question, “How can I save money?”

Here’s what I recommend:

1. Get to know the child’s roommate ASAP. Most colleges provide this information. Contact the student’s parents and see what they are providing.  Typically, the other parent is relieved to split expense. One of my kiddos had a roommate whose parents sent a fridge. We in turn, provided a microwave.
2. Armed with this knowledge, start looking on Craig’s List or in garage sales NOW for the future. Even if your kiddo is a senior in high school this year, it’s time to stockpile dorm stuff.  Our family saves about half doing so in advance.
3. See if there is a school posting from graduating students who want to unload a ton of their stuff cheap. Call the school for recommendations.
4. Go online for bedding. The best time to buy bedding is in the spring. Prices go up in the late summer/early fall, but watch for sales.
5. To save computer expense, find a good rebuilt one from a reputable dealer. It is possible to find a new one for cheap on sale- just be sure it’s equipped with software and has lots of memory.
6. Pick up food in pieces, rather than in one giant shopping trip pre-college. It’s easier on the budget to add a few items a week. I buy, starting early summer, non-perishables every grocery visit till the week of college.
7. Garage sales and discount stores such as Dollar General have great finds on dishes, flatware and drinking cups.
8. You will want to pick up medicine the same as groceries, weekly. My suggestions for a “first aid” kit are pain relievers, band aids, Tums, hand sanitizer, cough medicine, decongestant, cough drops, anti-biotic cream.  Do NOT forget a thermometer!  The worst calls I get are from my college kids, “I’m sick.” “I think I have high fever.”  Ugh! A temp of a 104.9 might mean my advice is, “Do not pass Go. Proceed immediately to the ER.” Versus a temp of 99 that may allow waiting till the free clinic is open.
9. Go to an outlet for carpet scraps.  

 It takes time to forage for these discounts and sales. But when I am prepared, it saves a bundle.  I’m in the habit now of continuous college prep for my kids. I’m not sure what I will do when I don’t need mass quantities of canned raviolis stacked up, awaiting a child’s college experience.  Perhaps then I can actually take that spa day, huh?  Send me your ideas on saving and surviving College Prep 101.