Dorm decor on the cheap

When you leave for college, you can take a lot of your own stuff with you. But your parents likely will want you to leave the rest of the house relatively intact.

So you'll probably have to do a bit of shopping - and probably with your own graduation or summer job money. Fortunately, with a little thought, you can equip and decorate a dorm for less than $250.

Before you do anything, make a list of what you need (cruise your house for ideas). Be ready to spend anywhere from a day to a few weeks comparison-shopping.

Discount stores are good bets since each one has similar products yet different sale schedules. Small appliances such as hair dryers and irons likely will run you less than $10. Various other small items, like mattress pads, wall mirrors, bicycle locks, water filtration pitchers, camping chairs, coffee makers and telephones, usually are reasonably priced. Don't forget to cruise housewares for storage bins and laundry baskets.

If you're looking for cheap goods, don't be afraid to check out places that sell slightly irregular (think wrong size tags and the like) and completely random items. I found cool Furby bedsheets and flower-covered tap lights for about half-price. You also can find cheap towels, dishes and bedding, especially if you're willing to forgo coordinated decor.

Thrift stores and garage sales also are great places to scout, as long as you don't mind buying used. Item quality can vary, but there's usually enough selection that there's no problem. Fishbowls, toasters, macrame plant holders, picture frames and even retro furniture are there for the taking, as long as you have a bottle of stain remover and some means to haul your purchases home.

If you don't have time to run around town, consider shopping by computer. Target's Web site (Target.com) has a great clearance section, and Kmart online (BlueLight.com) even lets you order flowers and sausages.

Linens 'n Things (LNT.com) has a section of merchandise for dorms, and they offer free shipping on large orders. There are hundreds of other specialty shops online, so it's well worth your time to spend a day browsing, especially with the wonder of cut-and-paste comparisons.

If you're willing to take the risk, eBay is a haven for used appliances and other bizarre finds. I found a lava lamp for $15, a mini-refrigerator for $30, TVs and VCRs for less than $20, and huge stereo systems for about $10. Of course, you'll have to pay for shipping, but if you poke around and ask the seller questions, you can come away with personal appliances for less than you'd pay at a discount store.

Of course, before buying anything, it's best to get in touch with your future roommate(s). More than likely, you can divvy up the list or agree to split costs. And many schools rent refrigerators and similar items at a reasonable rate.

If you're willing to wait a few weeks, you can go shopping with your roommate. Whatever you decide, make sure to find out what the school allows. For example, many colleges don't allow the use of halogen bulbs. When in doubt, call or e-mail ahead of time.

With any luck, you'll find most of your equipment before moving day. You'll still have to hit the grocery store for shampoo, aspirin, room deodorizer, pretzels, soda, batteries, sunblock, wet wipes and a hundred other little things you'll need. But for the most part, you'll be ready for the academic and social world ahead of you.

Or at least you'll think so until your first math test.

Copyright 2001 Cowles Publishing Company
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