Does anyone have any experience with any all inclusive dorm sets? Especially from websites like DormCo. that include most things you would need for your dorm room?
We have always had terrific luck with Overstock.com.
The biggest expense seems is buying textbooks. Some books run $300+ if bought new. I searched used books online and managed with much less for daughter’s Freshman year. For her sophomore year, she informed me that she bought all books for the next year from other students at total $100 or so.
If you’re not already set, Amazon Basics are often very inexpensive for sheets, duvet covers, and the like. They’re our go to for son’s twin XL at home, and for summer camp. (BS is a few years away) Recently, a set of sheets, pullow cases and duvet was only $9.99, so we purchased a few. There is a section on Amazon “Interesting Finds” where fun things are highlighted. It’s designed to sort of resemble Etsy, I believe.
IKEA is always fun, if you’re in striking distance.
The sets we found at $9.99 are grey, which sounds boring, but the color is actually a great neutral. I could easily see it seeming elegant if you found a few interesting larger pillows in bright patterns and set it up more as a sofa/day bed when not sleeping. If you have basic sewing skills, you could probably find something cool at a thrift–sweaters to feltand sew together, retro fabric, denim, etc–and create a few one of a kind pillow covers easily.
Oh my…and here I’ve been going to Saturday garage sales…
Ha! I actually have bought myself gently used sheet sets at a thrift in a nearby town with a large summer population. They’re much nicer than I could afford otherwise, and I’ve never had issues with bedbugs or anything nasty. I didn’t suggest it though, as it tends to upset people. My son thinks it’s weird, so his are Amazon Basics.
Definitely check with the school ahead of time to see what they have. Choate had a basement of used books that kids could have instead of buying new ones at the bookstore for anyone on Financial Aid. As mentioned above, seniors donate tons of stuff on graduation and lots of the dorms store it in the basement for freshman who are internationals or who need financial assistance.
My kid didn’t like a top sheet… so all we needed was 2 bottom sheets (so you can wash one while using other), and a duvet on top and that was it… you can start with that and add as you find things on sale (not in back-to-school time). Also, once most colleges go back in late August, even some back-to-school things get discounted…
If you are not picky about colors and can be flexible as to design there are bargains to be had all over!
Target’s good for a variety of items, like towels, plates, and lamps.
I got twin xl sheets from Costco two years ago and haven’t looked back.
Got my oldest hers at TJ maxx. It lasted the 4 years it needed to, but wasn’t going to make it to college. The next kid I found 2 interesting sheet sets on sale at target and since she prefers a duvet, whipped out the old sewing machine and sewed the edges together and some ribbon ties at the bottom.
Yeah text books. Freshman year was the worst, then your kid will know people and be given or buy cheaply their books from friends. My middle ones dorm also has this thing called the freebie room at the end of the year where you can grab all sorts of things, from lamps to textbooks to an increasing number of Chinese language sat prep books. In fact my eldest went to pick her sister up one year, brought home a bag of clothing from the freebie room, kept some, sold the rest to a used clothes store and made about 100 bucks.
I would recommend Walmart, Target and Amazon for really good prices on dorm essentials. If you use a Target Red Card, which is a debit card linked to a checking account, you receive 5% off every purchase and free shipping. Walmart also offers free shipping on purchases over $35. If you have Amazon Prime, there are some great deals you can take advantage of. I use a browser addon called Honey which helps me track prices and applies coupon codes to my purchases on most internet shopping web sites. I usually save between 5 to 40 percent in discounts for each purchase when using Honey. Other stores that may offer some reasonable prices are Kohls, JcPenny’s, Macy’s, Marshalls, Burlington Coat Factory, Kmart, and TJ Max…