subject: Furnishing a College Dorm Room [print this page] Furnishing a College Dorm Room Furnishing a College Dorm Room
As a mother of four, all close in age and all past and present collegians, I have gleaned some insight into the process of furnishing dorm rooms and off campus housing that may save you some money and make the process a lot easier. First and foremost, I have found from experience that it is cheaper for you and your student to shop yourself than buy the packages direct from the school.
Before you head to the stores, read the information you will receive from the school. Your college or university will send out a mailing about housing, computer information, and other pertinent information. The biggest mistake made is that this information is not carefully read.. It may come to the student, who opens it and puts it aside without ever reading it. For example, the housing packet will tell you what size beds are in each dorm room. Most college dorms have twin extra long mattresses, which require specific size bedding. So, you miss that information and buy the regular twin sheets and guess what? They won't fit the bed.
Check to see what the laundry room requirements are.. do the washers and dryers work on the students ID swipe card or do you need quarters? If so, start saving quarters now. Your student will be thankful to have quarters readily available for their laundry.
How about the option of the mini refrigerator rental? Do you need to sign up in advance of arrival? If so, have them get with their roommate to decide what they want. There are usually multiple options in terms of fridges, microwaves or dual purpose units.
Finally, check the information sheet for what you will need to hook up the computer. Some have wireless access but require a card. Others have only Ethernet access which require a cord. You want to be prepared to get them hooked up to the college internet server. The worst scenario is coming unprepared and leaving them with no internet access. They will need it right away to get their class syllabus, find out their textbook requirements as well as to keep in touch with friends and family. Remind them to explore the options out there that will allow them to save money on their college textbooks. The campus bookstore is typically the most expensive route to getting their books.
It is a stressful time for both the kids and parents, so try to relax. You'll be missing them like crazy as soon as you drive off the campus! Before you go check out this list of the top 12 tips for furnishing a college dorm room, as well as ways to save money on college textbooks .
