As the end of summer draws near, the looming responsibility of back-to-school shopping becomes more intense, even more so for incoming freshmen living on campus.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of videos and lists online of the items supposedly every student needs for school. Yet, beyond the basic necessities of toiletries, school supplies and bedding that fits a twin XL mattress, the sheer number of recommendations can make it difficult to distinguish between what students actually need and what they can live without.
The university also has its own guidelines that should be considered when shopping.
Therefore, knowing what to buy and where to spend can help students save money while still making their dorm room feel like home.
Non-negotiable necessities
There are a few necessities that students moving into dorms often overlook.
The moving process can be stressful, so it is ideal to have the proper items to make it as seamless as possible.
Carts are available to assist students during move-in, but are often sparse. Consider other options in case the carts are in use.
IKEA has one of the most affordable options with their giant blue bags. They come with durable handles that make them easy to carry, fold up easily for storage and cost only $5.
When it comes to dorm living, it is important to use the space efficiently through organization. This can look different for everyone.
As the beds are lifted, many opt for an ottoman that doubles as storage. However, if this is something you are interested in, make sure it fits the university requirements for furniture in the dorm.
Another great organizational tool is a rolling cart, which can come in different sizes and tiers.
These carts can be great for organizing everything from skincare and hair tools to extra snacks. Since they are on wheels, they can easily be moved out of the way when necessary.
One of the best parts of moving into your own space is decorating your dorm to make it feel like it represents you. This can be done with posters and decorations, which can be found at places like Five Below or by printing them out.
Shutterfly allows you to upload your own images, size them and ship them, making customizing your walls easy.
When hanging decor, it is important to use the correct materials and tools.
Sticky tack from Scotch is one of the most handy ways to hang decorations. It is malleable, so it rolls off the wall at the end of the year, and it is not dyed, so it does not stain.
Another non-negotiable should be extension cords with a surge protector—extension cords without one are not approved by the university.
Outlets may be located under beds, behind desks or in the middle of the room, and there is really no planning out where they may be. Extension cords allow you to plug in items while also leaving plenty of leeway to move plugged-in items around.
Something else to consider purchasing is a fan, especially since the buildings control the seasonal transitions for air conditioning and heating. If you prefer to sleep in a cooler room, having a fan can help you stay comfortable.
Convenience at a (mostly) reasonable cost
While these items may be at the top of a lot of the “must-buy” lists, they are not as necessary as the others.
Many lists recommend purchasing an air purifier.
Air purifiers remove allergens and dust from the air, which can be beneficial for students who are susceptible to illnesses and allergies. However, they are not cheap, with many starting at around $40 and requiring filters to be replaced at some point.
Something else less necessary is a set of dishes.
On the downside, dishes can take up valuable storage space in the small dorms.
Living on campus requires a meal plan, so dishware is not necessarily a necessity for SHU students. However, a few dishes are nice to have when microwaving leftovers.
Instead of purchasing an entire dish set, Target sells 50-cent plastic dishware, including plates, cups and bowls. Getting one of each saves space and money.
Outside of a microwave, students are prohibited from having many cooking appliances in their dorm. This includes a hotplate, toaster, electric skillets and more.
Another area where students feel extra pressure to spend money is clothing. While it is crucial to consider the North Jersey weather — a nice heavy jacket for the winter and shorts or light pants for the early fall — an entirely new closet is not imperative.
It is always nice to buy a few new pieces each year (who doesn’t love back-to-school shopping?), but the pressure to have an entirely new wardrobe when going to college is not a standard that needs to be maintained.
Balling on a budget
There is no one store that sells every item you need at the best price.
Walmart is known to have cheaper options for everyday items, including school supplies and clothes.
However, Target has a deal for students to save 20% on one purchase by verifying their student status.
Five Below also has a lot of affordable dorm accessories, from jewelry organizers to mirrors.
TJ Maxx, along with HomeGoods and Marshalls, are other stores that offer a variety of pricing options to help you maximize your savings.
It is best to compare prices from store to store to find the option that works for you and to utilize all of the back-to-school deals and student discounts while they are still available.
The most important part of dorm shopping is to find what works for you. What may be a perfect fit for another student may not be what works for you and your needs.
The mailroom, located in Mooney Hall, started accepting packages Aug. 1. Anything you need during the semester can be sent there to retrieve.
For more clarification on what is permitted and prohibited in SHU residence halls, find the full list here.
Kaelyn Blizard is the head editor of The Setonian’s Features section. She can be reached at kaelyn.blizard@student.shu.edu.
