Hey Guys,
So I am an international student attending Colby in the summer and I was wondering if some current students could shed light on the costs incurred by students when attending college for the first time due to numerous miscellaneous expenses like bedding, winter clothes etc. It would be nice to know what I would need to budget for and how much.
Thanks
Phantom0308
@phantom0308, the amount you put into misc expenses will depend on what you wish to purchase. Any essential living supplies like bedding or memory foam for your mattress would be good to have. You can look on different places (Amazon or Walmart when you get here) and find the best prices.
In terms of clothing, it’s best to be prepared than to realize you weren’t ready. I would look at buying winter clothes this summer when the last year’s models are on sale. That way you can get huge discounts on your jacket and other things to keep you warm. There’s also a bus that goes down to a nearby outlet in the first couple weeks of school, if you’d rather buy on site rather than online.
When you get your roommate assignment, you also should contact your roommate and decide who’ll buy the rug, fridge, maybe a TV, etc. There’s also a “rescue sale” on movein day where you can purchase essentials left behind by seniors for cheap.
Hope this helps.
@CalifornianMule thanks for the reply, any recommendations as to where it would best to buy warm winter clothes as I have never faced the harsh Colby winters, also when are the sale timings in the US ie which months are there sales cause I know where I live it comes at the end of summer and end of winter and each only has the models for that season respectively.
@phantom0308 It really depends on your budget in terms of where you get your clothing. Some go all out in their down jacket and go for a Canada Goose. I think the norm for winter clothing is from the North Face or Patagonia. They usually have sales around now. Season models don’t matter at all when you’re buying winter clothing.Most students also have a pair of Bean Boots from LL Bean for the winter snow/slush.
Once you get your mailbox number you can send it directly to Colby or contact the International Students’ Office and they might be able to hold your stuff if you want to purchase things earlier.
@CalifornianMule Thanks for the reply it is highly appreciated