I was planning to buy a mini fridge for my daughter this fall. I’m wondering if it would be better to rent. She will have to take out a small storage for summer. I’m wondering what most kids do.
My daughter will be renting hers.
Buying would be cheaper. But that’s an awful lot of real estate in a crowded car at pick up and drop off time. Not to mention getting that fridge up to her second floor dorm room, in a building with only one elevator.
Considering all we’re spending on college, the cost of renting just seemed worth it for the convenience.
Oh, and has she communicated with her roommate? You don’t want two fridges! (My daughter’s roommate is bringing the TV and the micro, mine has the fridge and the Keurig.)
yes, I’m realizing she would have to move it 8 times. And the storage units are so small. Thanks. That helps
I have heard about how Columbia has an event where people sell their used mini fridges and other things that can go into your dorm, http://housing.columbia.edu/check/ecoreps-green-sale They also sell microwaves and a bunch of other items so I’d suggest visiting it before you purchase those items to help keep the move in easier and not so crowded. They also sell them cheaper which is a huge plus.
I bought one and she ended up giving it away to friends after we paid to store it for the summer. After the first year, your daughter may very well be in an apartment style dorm with a full size fridge and the mini-fridge becomes unnecessary. The microwave was necessary even in the apartment style dorm.
That’s helpful. I didn’t think of the difference dorms after freshman year. Sounds like we should rent. Did everyone buy a coffee pot? I was planning to get a keurig.
My daughter rented. I mean I rented for my daughter… it can also be split with roommate. There were a few things that we bought that were a waste of money at the end. We use this to get us a starting list: https://ineedmax.com, it does not give you advise, just helps you organize and also share the list. There were a couple of items she ended up sharing with the roommate.
If you’re getting a Keurig make sure to check if it is allowed, I know if it’s not it’s smart to hide it in a gift bag when you leave your dorm during long breaks because if a RA checks and you’re not allowed to possess one it’ll get taken away, they are not allowed to look into gifts so it’s a smart way of hiding it.
A TV? That would have never occurred to us. My kid only watches stuff on her laptop. But she’s planning on bringing multiple laptops which sounds like an invitation to get your less used laptop stolen. BTW, how do kids handle security for their laptops? I saw one thing that was similar to a bike lock, but do kids really use those?
Well I would always suggest buying a safe of some sort to put your most prized possessions in and if possible put your laptop in there when leaving it? I honestly would just leave mine on the desk and if some how it’s stolen blame my roommate and file a claim.
Re: hiding something that’s not allowed …
I’m guessing the college decides what to prohibit with safety in mind. While I don’t think a Keurig is an inherently dangerous appliance, there may be some reason why it may be considered a fire hazard. My advice — that no one asked for! 
— don’t bring appliances or electrical devices that aren’t allowed.
Old wiring for starters.
Agreed.
File this one under urban legends. If the university decides to search a room in accordance with policies specified, nothing is off-limits.