Heading off to college and moving into a dorm for the first time is an exciting experience! But it can also be daunting when it comes to furnishing and stocking your small space while trying to stick to a student budget. Don’t worry, with some planning and savvy shopping, you can score all the dorm room essentials you need without breaking the bank. Here are some tips and tricks for affording everything on your dorm room checklist.

Communicate with Your Roommate
One of the best ways to save money when prepping your dorm room is to communicate with your roommate ahead of time. That way you can coordinate who brings what and avoid duplicate purchases. Items you may be able to share include:

• Cleaning supplies – you only need one vacuum, mop, broom etc for the room. Split up who brings what.
• Small kitchen appliances – coordinate who will bring the microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker etc so you don’t end up with multiples.
• TV – agree ahead of time if you want to split the cost of a TV for the room.
• Decor items – check if you have similar decor tastes and can share things like rugs, wall art, string lights etc.

Having an open line of communication with your roommate from the start will ensure you furnish your dorm room in the most affordable way possible.

Shop Discount Retailers
When it comes to stocking up on all the dorm room essentials you’ll need, skip the full-price stores and head to discount retailers like Walmart, Target and Amazon. These stores offer incredible prices on basics like storage bins, bedding, towels, organizational items, decor and more dorm room fundamentals.

Shopping these value stores can save you significant cash versus shopping specialty stores or department stores. Be sure to also keep an eye out for coupons and promos from these retailers around back-to-school season for additional savings opportunities.

Scope Out Your School’s Move-In Sale
Most colleges and universities host special move-in sales or thrift sales at the start of each semester to help students furnish their dorms on a dime. Keep an eye out for advertisements about when and where your school is holding its sale.

At these sales, you can scoop up loads of affordable furniture, décor, kitchenware, electronics and anything else you might need for your dorm room. Often the items are donated or left behind by previous students. So you can score quality furnishings for absolute bargain prices!

Buy Secondhand Furniture
In addition to move-in sales, check out local thrift stores, garage sales and Facebook Marketplace for used furniture and accessories. Secondhand stores are treasure troves when it comes to finding cheap dorm furniture like desks, chairs, shelving, small couches, end tables and more.

You can also post on Facebook asking if anyone is selling used dorm furniture or leaving town and looking to get rid of furnishings. Finding good quality used items is an eco-friendly way to furnish your dorm on a budget.

Rent or Borrow Large Items
Speaking of used furniture, consider renting or borrowing large furnishings for your dorm room. As a college student with limited space, you likely don’t want to invest in large furniture items that will be tough to transport and store over summer and winter breaks.

See if any local rental companies offer student discounts on furnishings. You may also be able to borrow items like mini fridges, TVs and futons from family or friends so you don’t have to buy brand new. This will save you a lot of money on big-ticket items.

Take Inventory of What You Already Have
Before you start compiling your dorm room shopping list, take stock of what you already have that you can bring. Look around your bedroom, office space, family common areas etc. Chances are you have plenty of items at home like storage crates and bins, bedding, decor, small appliances and more that you can bring to college.

By taking inventory first, you can cross those needed items off your list and focus spending on just the essentials you’re missing. This helps cut down on unnecessary purchases.

Seek Out Student Discounts
As a student, you have access to special discounts at many retailers both in-store and online. When shopping for dorm room basics, be sure to ask stores if they offer a student discount or show your college ID.

Sign up for newsletters from retailers so you can get alerts about student promos for back-to-school sales events. Check for student coupon codes online as well before making online purchases. Saving 10-20% can really add up over the course of furnishing your dorm on a budget.

Buy Store Brands
Opt for store brand versions of basics like cleaning and toiletry supplies, trash cans, laundry hampers, toolkit items and more dorm necessities. Store brand items are typically cheaper than name brands but the same quality.

For example, Walmart’s house brand, Great Value, offers everything from towels and shower caddies to notebooks and hangers for significantly less than the brand name counterparts. Get all the fundamentals you need while sticking to your dorm budget.

Watch for Freebies on Move-In Day
On campus move-in day, be on the lookout for freebies! Many student organizations and local businesses set up booths giving away dorm room essentials like mini first aid kids, laundry supplies, notebooks, coupons and more free goodies.

These free offerings on move-in day help stock your dorm room with useful items at no cost. Take advantage and grab as many freebies as you can carry to get your dorm fully furnished.

Minimize the Clutter
When shopping for your dorm, be selective about what you actually need. It’s easy to go overboard buying accessories and knick knacks that will just add clutter in your small space. Resist those tempting impulse buys!

Focus spending on the real dorm room essentials like linens, storage for organization, cleaning and bathroom supplies, laundry items and other necessities that make living in a dorm functionable. You can always add decorative touches later if you feel you need them. Avoid wasting money on non-essentials.

With this guide, you can furnish your dorm room in style while sticking to your student budget. Use these savvy shopping tips to snag all the college living essentials you need at an affordable price point. What dorm room finds are you most excited to shop for? Happy dorm prepping!