Back to School Shopping On a Budget

Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a rising junior looking for a change of scenery- use these tips to create your one of a kind dorm space.

Avoid the “back to school section” at Target. It’s cheap. It’s functional. It’s actually pretty cute, too. But when you buy from a back to school section chances are you’re going to end up with the same stuff as 75% of all college students. (I completely made up that statistic so don’t sue me if you do the research and find it’s actually 78%) Not only will your room lack the unique aspect of “you” but it won’t feel like home. Living out of plastic stacks of drawers and rock hard futons makes it feel like you’re living in a dorm room. And even if you’re lucky enough to call LeMans home, you still want to avoid the dormy feel. Constantly check clearance sections of TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Home Goods/Target for pieces that have dual functionality as decor and storage to transform your space!

Don’t be afraid of Goodwill. (or garage sales, Craigslist, Ebay, etc.) Sometimes it can be smelly and dirty and it’s hard to find exactly what you’re looking for. But when you find that diamond in the rough, at the price of a cubic zirconium, it makes it all the more worth it. It’s your college dorm room, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to make it look good.  All some purchases need is a fresh coat of paint or new knobs and it will look good as new. A few of my “oh my God I love your ____ it’s so cute, where did you get it?” items in my room were salvaged from a Goodwill- including but not limited to my hardly used love seat I got for $6.99, this a lamp for $4.99, and a standing fan I got for $3.49, which at costs on average $29.99 at Target. 

Caution when using Pinterest. I know, I know- I love a craft even more than the next Smick, but sometimes less really is more. No matter what Pinterest tells you, you don’t need ten Marilyn Monroe quotes hand painted on canvases or four push-pin bulletin boards with pictures of every person in your contacts. Print a few of your favorites, grab a few chic picture frames from Home Goods and away you go.

Be conscious of color. You’re going to be sharing your space with possibly up to three roommates- and you don’t want to all clash. Now that’s not to say you have to go out and buy the same bedding, but prints in similar color families makes your room look more cohesive. Even more importantly, once you pick your color scheme- you’re essentially stuck with your choice for four years. The hot pink you loved when you were eighteen might not cut it by senior year. My bargain tip? Stick with neutral bedding and pick an accent color(s) for toss pillows, throws, and decorations. That way if you ever want to change things up in your room- all it takes is a new pillow cover and a coat of paint!

Make it you. The tips above are what I’ve found useful to make my dorm really feel like a home away from home. But you’re the one who’s going to be living in it- so create a space that you want to walk into after a long day of class when your bed is calling you and Netflix awaits…

Photos 1 & 2 provided by the author

Cover photo

Be sure to follow HCSMC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!

Interested in writing for or being apart of HCSMC?

E-mail hannahdrinkall@hercampus.com or thereseburke@hercampus.com for inquiries!