<p>What kind of TV's are the kids getting? What about refrigerators? </p>
<p>My D and her roommate are deciding who will buy what. I assume we should buy one or the other when we move her into the dorms. </p>
<p>Any advise?</p>
<p>It is not absolutely necessary to have either. I can tell you that our student and roommate did not have a TV in room fall semester of freshman year. But, they did that spring…esp for watching sporting events when the weather was bad. They did, however, have a refrigerator and it it does help esp to keep snacks and drinks on hand. It is a personal preference and if you can share the costs between roommates (1 purchase a TV and the other purchase the refrigerator) it does help minimize spending.</p>
<p>A lot of kids are buying LCD TVs at Best Buy and places like that for upwards of $400. I personally think that that sort of spending is a bit too much. You can go to Wal-Mart and get a traditional CRT TV for well below $200. Also, refrigerators are a must have. I am not sure what they are selling for these days but you can probably get a good one for around $100.</p>
<p>Running the risk of sounding sexist, I find that TVs are much more ubiquitous and expected in guys dorms. They provide a very good way to bond, especially for newly met guys - sports are sports, and can provide a social context for bonding, especially for guys, that doesn’t require some of the more awkward direct conversation.</p>
<p>There are tones of places to find cheap TVs… I personally like newegg…</p>
<p>kevdude, it is funny how true that is</p>
<p>For some people it doesn’t matter, but I would recommend having both. A TV is a good thing to have (especially for watching away games during the fall) and using your dorm kitchen fridge is inconvenient and runs the risk of having someone else snitch your food.</p>
<p>It doesn’t really matter what kind of TV you get. My freshman year I had a massive TV from the early 80s with fake wooden sides that my parents dug out of the basement. But I also know someone with a brand new flat screen the size of a desk. Usually people have something within that spectrum… </p>
<p>As for fridges, most people just get your standard mini-fridge, since there are size limits, which your daughter’s dorm will probably inform her of.</p>
<p>Also, I suggest that one roomie buys the TV and the other buys the fridge, don’t go 50-50, because then it could get messy if they don’t room together again.</p>