Preparing for college can be an exciting and overwhelming process, and the shopping portion of your preparations can make you feel stressed.When shopping for college, follow this guide to make the experience a little easier.
Step 1: Get the list from the source.
Federal law requires the college to give you a list of required textbooks once you register for classes, so you can find out which books you need in advance.You don't need to rely on the bookstore to tell you.
Step 2: Shop online if you don't want to go to the bookstore.
In most cases, you can find the books you need for a much lower cost online, even though you might be able to find a good deal at your campus bookstore.If you want to find the lowest prices on textbooks, check out websites like Big Words.com and Campus books.You can sell your own used and new copies of a book on websites like Amazon or Half.com.
Step 3: Consider an earlier edition.
You can buy an old edition of a textbook at a lower price.If there is a significant change in the new edition that you will need access to in order to survive the class, you might want to check with your professors.
Step 4: Rent the textbooks you need.
Renting your textbooks will not guarantee a lower price than buying them, but the price to rent a book will be cheaper.Determine which option will work best for the book.You can check your bookstore for renting opportunities, but there are also online sources.
Step 5: Check for coupons.
If you want to save money on textbooks, you can check for coupons.You might be able to find online stores with these coupons.
Step 6: The cost should be shared with a reliable friend.
If you know a friend who needs to buy some of the same textbooks, you can split the cost and share the book.
Step 7: Buy from upperclassmen.
Upperclassmen who are done with a textbook for good will occasionally sell it, and the cost is usually pretty cheap since they tend to be more interested in making whatever they can on the book.
Step 8: You can check the cost of international editions.
If the international edition is printed in the same language, this can be a viable option.International editions can go either way in terms of cost.Since shipping costs on international editions can cause the book's price to shoot up, check the cost of shipping as well.
Step 9: Make sure you have writing utensils.
Even if you plan to do most of your work on your computer, you still need a range of basic writing utensils for class and study time.Take notes and fill in exam papers with blue or black ball-point pens and pencils.You should get highlighters to help you study.There is a bottle of white-out and a couple of permanent markers.
Step 10: You can buy supplies to keep your notes organized.
There are a few other supplies that could be useful, but they are not as obvious.If you want to stay organized, consider buying a three-ring binder and a hole punch.You can carry a book bag or messenger bag from class to class.
Step 11: Your dorm desk should be organized.
If you want to keep your sanity, you need to buy tools and supplies that can help you keep everything in order.There are rubber bands, a ruler, scissors, stapler, thumbtacks, and tape.
Step 12: A good computer and other tech supplies are a good investment.
You should consider buying a computer if you don't already have one.Most of your classes will require you to type and print papers, and a computer can help you with research and entertainment.Check to see if your campus has a computer lab with printers.You might be able to save yourself money if you skip the printer.Protect your tech.Surge protectors protect your computer from electrical shocks.Buying an external hard drive will allow you to periodically back up the contents of your drive.
Step 13: Before buying a bed, make sure you know the bed size.
Dorm rooms have extra-long twin beds, so it's important that the size of the bedding you buy matches the bed you have.You will need pillows and pillowcases, bed sheets, a blanket, and a quilt or comforter.Purchase a mattress pad to make your bed more comfortable.
Step 14: You should take a good look at yourself.
Most dorm rooms have some form of lighting and mirrors, but you can usually buy a few of these yourself.Buy a full-length mirror if your dorm doesn't have one.The overhead lighting in the room should be supplemented by a desk lamp and floor lamp.
Step 15: It's important to get up on time.
Unless you rely on your cell phone to wake you up, an alarm clock is a must.Having a backup alarm clock is still a good idea even if you don't use your cell phone alarm.You should buy supplies that will help you fall asleep faster.Earphones and an eye mask are possible.
Step 16: To bring clothes, know what to bring.
You can bring the clothes you wore in high school.There are a few instances in which you will need to buy new clothes.Prepare for bad weather.As needed, have a raincoat, rain boots, umbrella, and snow boots.If the climate you are moving to is different from the one you're used to in your home, buy clothes that are more suited for that climate.
Step 17: There is clear space for storing things.
You should buy a few storage bins to store any excess materials until you need them, because some items will not stay out once you get to campus.You need to be able to access shoes, books, and other items easily if you buy temporary rack and shelving.
Step 18: You can decorate your space.
Buying things to decorate your walls and door is not a necessity.This is the room you will be living in for the majority of the year, so you want it to be comfortable for you.Bulletin board Posters, Dry-erase message board, and pens for your door are options worth considering.
Step 19: If it's necessary, buy more luggage.
If you've never owned a suitcase, now is the time to buy one.Purchasing your luggage in sets will give you the best deal, since a set will usually provide you with the most money for your money.
Step 20: There are shower supplies that you can buy.
There are a few shower related items you should look into buying, but you will need a large bath towel and small washcloth.Purchase sandals or shower shoes to protect your feet.Purchase a body wash.Hand towels, a bath mat, and toilet paper can be purchased if your room has its own bathroom.You can store your soaps and other supplies in a shower caddy.
Step 21: Don't forget to care for your hair.
Any product or tool you use at home should be brought with you to college.If you were using your parents' supplies at home, you need to buy your own now.As needed, buy a hair dryer, flat iron, brush, comb, and curling iron.To take care of facial and/or body hair, consider buying a razor and shaving cream.
Step 22: You should make yourself presentable.
Any skin care product you use at home will need to be purchased for college.You can protect your skin with sunscreen.Take care of your teeth with your toothbrush and toothpaste.Purchase a new tube of lip balm.It's important to keep body odor in check.
Step 23: There are first aid items to bring.
A first aid kit is a good idea for college students.The supplies can be bought separately or in a commercially-prepared first aid kit.There are some supplies worth including.
Step 24: Stay fit.
Aside from a first aid kit, there are other things you should have in case you get sick.Over-the-counter headaches medicine, cold medicine and allergy medicine are some of the items worth buying.
Step 25: You should know what you will be responsible for.
In most cases, you won't need to worry about cleaning your room.You will need to buy cleaning supplies for the dorm hallways, bathroom, and kitchen areas if you are responsible for them.
Step 26: Make sure the floor is clean.
Your college shopping list should include a vacuum cleaner, broom, and mop.If you only have a small space in your dorm room, invest in a mini-vacuum cleaner.
Step 27: Laundry supplies can be bought.
Most of the time, you will need to wash your own clothes.Invest in a hamper and stock up on laundry detergent.To save room, buy a collapsible hamper.Purchase fabric softener in either liquid or dry form.
Step 28: You should keep germs at bay.
Regardless of how much you are expected to clean,Disinfectant wipes are advisable.Disinfectant wipes and sprays can help reduce the spread of germs in a small space like a dorm room.Also bring along dish soap and glass cleaner, as well as clean rags that can be used for scrubbing.
Step 29: You should stock up on music and movies.
College students need to relax every now and then.It's an excuse to stock up on any CDs, DVDs, or Blu-rays you've had your eye on.Since you can get in trouble if you make too much noise, don't bother with the fancy sound systems.Purchase a small TV to watch your movies on.
Step 30: A good pair of headphones is necessary.
It doesn't mean that your roommate or neighbors will love your music as much as you do.If you don't own any headphones, buy them now.You can protect your ears from the music and sounds made by other people if you invest in noise-canceling headphones.
Step 31: You should bring books that you enjoy.
Purchase books that you can look forward to reading.It is possible to restore some of the joy of reading that might otherwise be lost.
Step 32: Sports supplies and games are available for purchase.
If you don't have any games you can bring with you to college, indoor and outdoor games can help you relieve stress and make friends.Board games and card games are inexpensive.If you leave your room unlocked and unattended, your video game console could be stolen.Rollerblades, frisbee, or a basketball can be bought for outdoor fun.
Step 33: Know what you can bring.
There are restrictions on the types of cooking instruments you can keep in your dorm room.Make any big purchases if you review the restrictions.Coffee maker, microwave, and small refrigerator are items you should check out before buying.
Step 34: Food storage containers can be found in a range of colors.
Since they allow you to store leftovers,sealable plastic bins and plastic bags are important.If you have plastic bins, make sure they are microwave-safe.
Step 35: The essential utensils are yours to get.
Before you head off to college, you should stock up on utensils, knives, and spoons.If you plan to prepare your own food, you should buy a can opener, funnel, and any cooking utensils.Baking pans, saucepans, and frying pans are included in cooking supplies.
Step 36: Don't forget your dishes.
When you head off to college, you will need plates, bowls, cups, and mugs.Make sure your dishes are safe to use in the microwave.