Where to go dorm shopping around Brown?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

I’m coming from across the country, so me and my mom are coming a couple days before move-in to go dorm shopping over there rather than shipping everything. I know there’s a Bed Bath & Beyond, but they’re ridiculously expensive compared to other stores. We’re going to be renting a car, so really anywhere in RI (or even in Massachusetts) would be fine, as long as it’s within 25 miles or so. Thanks!

2

There’s a Target in seekonk, MA and another in Warwick, RI.

3

Providence: Walmart
Seekonk: Target, HomeGoods, Best Buy, etc

4

order things online from IKEA

5

Ocean State Job Lot (many locations) and Benny’s are good and cheap for a lot of items. TJMaxx, Marshall’s and Homegoods are good for bedding, etc., but kind of hit or miss. We have Walmarts, Kmart and other discount places. If you need any actual furniture (chairs, a table, lamp, etc.,… which you probably won’t) there is a Salvation Army on the East Side, but Ikea is cheap and only about a 30 minute drive from Providence (in Stoughton, MA). Ikea actually probably has about everything you could possibly need, now that I think of it, all new and all stylish.

6

Ikea is great. I bought lamps, rugs, all bedding, pillows, towels for both my kids there. Inexpensive but decent quality.

7

Thanks! The Ikea might be a little too far, but I’ll look into ordering online.

8

If you order anything to be shipped to Brown, be aware that at the beginning of the year there is a big backlog in the mail room and the shipping place and it could take some days before you get your items, in addition to waiting on long lines.

9

@ciervo if I’m doing a pre-orintation program and arriving about five days before orientation, do you think it would be a little less hectic?

10

The lines to pick up packages should be shorter if you arrive early, but there could still be a backlog in processing packages and email notifications. For things you need right away for the first night–sheets, towels, pillow, fan–I wouldn’t count on a package you shipped to Brown being available for pickup the day you arrive.

11

The mailroom also seems to be under construction right now (or was when I was in JWW last week), so picking up packages could be very stressful.