Shopping on a College Student Budget

Luther College bookshop sign disclosing a discount

Heading off to college is exciting, but it can also get really expensive. Between dorm room essentials, school supplies, and that occasional craving for takeout, costs add up fast. Don’t worry. With a bit of planning and smart shopping, you can get everything you need without blowing your budget.

Discounts

Being a student has its perks. Use them! Tons of companies offer discounts just for having a .edu email address or a student ID. Taking advantage of these deals can seriously cut costs across categories like streaming, food, clothes, and tech.

• Streaming services: Spotify, Apple Music, and Hulu
• Electronics: Apple, Dell, and Microsoft
• Retail: Nike, Adidas, and American Eagle
• Food: Culver’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, and McDonald’s

When you shop is just as important as where you shop. Retailers slash prices during certain seasons and events, and the savings can be huge. Back-to-school sales (July-August) can be great, and clearance items in late September are even cheaper. The best time to buy electronics or supplies online are during Prime Day on Amazon, Labor Day, or Black Friday. Plan ahead!

Know the Dorm Rules

Before you start loading up your cart with cool appliances or decor, check your college’s dorm guidelines. Many dorms have strict rules about what is allowed. For example, microwaves are often not allowed in individual rooms but are provided in the dorm’s common area(s). Here are some other common dorm guidelines to check:

• Mini-fridges: These are often allowed only if they meet wattage/size limits, so don’t waste extra  money on a huge fridge that will be confiscated anyway.
• Extension cords and surge protectors: These are usually not allowed unless they are UL certified and have under 6 plug-ins.
• Candles and space heaters: These are often not allowed, due to fire hazards.
• Extra furniture: Dorm rooms come with beds, chairs, desks, and dressers. These items usually take up most of the room so don’t waste your money on extra furniture, as most facilities are not willing to remove the default furniture. Once you move in you can decide if buying more furniture is worth it. 

Make sure to check your college’s website for an approved item list before you shop and avoid buying things you can’t use. It will save you money and hassle.

Make a shopping list

Impulse buys are a budget’s worst enemy. It’s very common for it to happen, especially in stores like Target and Walmart where everything looks useful. Before you shop, make a list of what you actually need, organized by category. 

• Bedding: Twin XL sheets, mattress pad, pillows, comforter
• Toiletries: Shower caddy, shower shoes, towels
• School supplies: Notebooks, pens, backpacks
• Storage: Under-bed bins, closet organizers, and desk organizers
• Cleaning supplies: All-purpose cleaner spray, paper towels, small vacuum and/or broom

Going in with a plan will help you to stay focused, avoid duplicate purchases, and help to avoid trendy but unnecessary items. 

Thrift

Don’t underestimate the power of thrifting. It’s one of the best ways to stretch your budget and live more sustainably. You can find tons of gently used (and sometimes brand new) items for a fraction of the cost. 

• Goodwill: Probably the most common thrift store, Goodwill can be a great resource. With a little luck and time in there, you can find excellent secondhand clothes, kitchenware, furniture, and storage. 
• Facebook Marketplace: Online secondhand marketplaces can also be beneficial. Make sure to meet sellers in a public setting.
• Campus move-out giveaways: You can find stuff in giveaways that other students have used in their dorms. I’ve even found a TV in my college’s donation room!

Price Match and Shop Around

Before you commit to a purchase, especially for more expensive items like electronics or backpacks, do a little homework:

• Compare prices online (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, TJ Maxx, etc.)
• Use browser extensions like Honey for coupon codes.
• Take advantage of price match policies. Some stores will match lower prices from competitors if you show proof.

Every dollar counts!

Check With Your Roommate

No one needs two mini-fridges or a double set of LED lights. Reach out to your roommate before move-in day and decide who’s bringing what. Some items you can easily split, like cleaning supplies, kitchen appliances, rugs or wall decor, and shared organizers or shelves. It will save you both money and space in your small dorm room.

Look for Free Campus Resources

Many colleges offer more free services than most students realize. Before buying, check what your school already provides:

• Free printing or computer labs
• Laptop rentals or repair services
• Free counseling, tutoring, and health services
• Library rentals for textbooks, calculators, cameras, or chargers

College is all about learning, and that includes learning how to budget. With a little effort and these strategies, you can set yourself up for success without draining your savings. Save where you can now and your future self will thank you. Happy shopping, and welcome to college life!