Preparing for college can be an exciting and overwhelming process, and knowing what to buy can be the most stressful. Make your experience a little easier by following this guide when shopping for college supplies.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Part One: Study Texts
Step 1. Get the list of texts you will need, directly from the source
Federal law requires universities to provide a list of required textbooks once you register for classes, so you should find out which books you will need in advance, either from university authorities or from the university. the teachers. Don't rely on getting this information from your university library.
Step 2. Forget the college library and shop online
You may find some bargains at the campus library, but in most cases, you can find the books online for much less money.
- Check out websites like BIGWORDS.com and Campusbooks.com, which will direct you directly to the sellers of textbooks with the lowest prices.
- You can also visit websites that allow users to sell used and new texts at a lower price, such as Amazon or Half.com
Step 3. Consider buying older editions
If you have a lot of study texts, you can buy an old edition for a lower price, without much trouble.
You can check with your teachers first, just in case. It is unusual that there are significant changes in the new editions that are essential for your classes
Step 4. Rent textbooks
This does not guarantee the best price, but the value of renting a book is much less than buying it. Look for the options and decide which one works best for you for a particular text.
You can look for rental options at your college library, but there are also online sources like Chegg, BookRenter.com, CompusBookRental.com, and ValoreBooks
Step 5. Look for coupons
If you are really short of money, you can look for coupons that allow you to save money on the texts you buy online. These coupons are usually not specific to a particular publisher, but you can find them at various online book stores.
Check the websites directly or go to those that have promotional codes, such as CouponWinner.com, PromoCodes.com, and PromotionalCodes.com
Step 6. Share the costs with a trusted friend
If you know a friend who needs to buy some of the same textbooks, consider splitting the costs and sharing the book.
Step 7. Buy them from your fellow seniors
Higher-grade students who have stopped using a study text for good often sell it at a lower cost, since they are usually only interested in getting some money back for the book.
Step 8. Find the costs of international editions
As long as the edition is printed in the same language, this may be a viable option. Do your research carefully, as international editions can also be more expensive.
Find out about shipping costs, as shipping international editions can add to the overall cost of the book
Method 2 of 7: Part Two: Academic Supplies
Step 1. Buy writing utensils
Even if you plan to do most of your work on the computer, you will need certain basic supplies for your classes and for when you study.
- Buy black or blue ink pens and pencils to take notes and take your tests.
- Buy fluorescent markers for when you study.
- Invest in a couple of permanent markers and a bottle of concealer.
Step 2. Buy items to keep your notes organized
Purchasing folders and notebooks is essential, but there are other utility items that are not so obvious as well.
- Consider purchasing a three-ring binder and hole punch to keep you organized, as well as dividers and sheets of paper.
- Buy a book bag or postman's bag to carry your books between classes.
Step 3. Keep your desk orderly
Your desk should have a large number of articles and papers, so buy supplies that help you keep everything in order and not go crazy. Consider purchasing the following:
- Adhesive notes
- Agenda or calendar
- Dictionary of terms and one of synonyms
- Calculator
- Elastic bands, ruler, scissors, stapler and staples, thumbtacks and tape
Step 4. Invest in a good computer and other tech gadgets
If you don't have one, consider buying a computer. Most of your classes will require you to write paper assignments, and a computer can also be used for study and entertainment.
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In addition to the computer, consider buying:
- A printer
- Printable paper
- Ink cartridges
- Pen drive
- Find out if your computer has a computer lab with printers. If so, you may not need to buy one and you can save that money.
- Protect your tech items. Buy protectors for your computer for eventual electrical surges. You can also buy external memory so that you can back up your hard drive periodically.
Method 3 of 7: Part Three: Bedding and Things for Your Bedroom
Step 1. Find out the size of your bed before buying
Most dorms come with long twin beds, so when shopping for bedspreads and sheets, make sure the size of the garments is the same as the size of the bed you will have.
- You will need pillows, covers, sheets, blankets and bedspreads.
- Consider purchasing a mattress cover to make your bed more comfortable.
Step 2. Get mirrors
Most bedrooms are equipped with lighting and mirrors, but it may be a good idea to purchase some of these items.
- If your bedroom doesn't have it, buy a full-length mirror.
- Consider purchasing a desk and floor lamp to complement the lighting in your room.
Step 3. Get up on time
An alarm clock is absolutely necessary, unless your cell phone has a reliable alarm. Even if you use the alarm on your cell phone, it is advisable to have an alarm clock as a backup.
You can also buy some things to help you sleep better and rest, like ear plugs and an eye mask
Step 4. Learn what to wear
You will most likely be able to wear the same clothes that you wore to school. But there are some instances for which you may need to buy new clothes.
- Prepare for bad weather. Get a raincoat, rain boots, umbrella, and snow boots, if necessary.
- If the climate where you are going is different from where you lived, buy clothes that are more suitable for the new climate.
Step 5. Make room to store things
You will need to save some of the things you buy for college, so you can buy some storage boxes to keep things until you need them.
Also consider purchasing temporary hangers and shelves to store your shoes, books, and other belongings that you need easy access to
Step 6. Decorate your space
Although it is not necessary, consider buying some things to decorate the walls and the door. You will be living in this room for most of the year, so you want to be comfortable.
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You can consider the following options:
- Board
- Posters
- Blackboard with markers and eraser for your door
Step 7. Buy more bags, if necessary
If you've never had a suitcase, now is a good time. It is recommended to buy a set of suitcases instead of buying them one at a time, as it is usually cheaper this way.
Method 4 of 7: Part Four: Health and Beauty
Step 1. Buy shower supplies
You will need a large bath towel and a small one, at the very least, but there are other bath items to consider as well.
- Buy sandals or shower shoes to protect your feet from the bacteria that are often found in shared showers.
- Buy shampoo, conditioner, and soap.
- If your room has a private bathroom, buy towels, a floor covering, and toilet paper.
- Get a shower box to store soap and other items.
Step 2. Take care of your hair
In general, you should bring all the items that you normally use at home. If you were used to using your parents' shower supplies, you will need to buy your own.
- Buy a hair dryer, a hair straightener, a brush, a comb, a curling iron, or whatever you need.
- Consider a razor and shaving cream to remove facial or body hair.
Step 3. Get ready
As with hair products, you should buy the products that you usually use for your skin.
- Protect your skin with moisturizing lotion and sunscreen.
- Keep your teeth clean with your own toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Buy a tube of lip balm.
- Take care of body odor and buy a deodorant.
Step 4. Bring some first aid supplies
It is a good idea for any college student to have a first aid kit. You can buy one that comes already assembled, or buy the products separately.
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These basic items are:
- Alcohol for external use
- Antibacterial ointment
- Adhesive patches
- Peroxide
- Thermometer
Step 5. Stay healthy
In addition to the first aid kit, there are other items to consider in case you get sick or feel unwell.
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Some of these articles are:
- Over-the-counter headache, cold, and allergy medications
- Prescription drugs
- Cough drops
- Eye drops
Method 5 of 7: Part Five: Cleaning Supplies
Step 1. Find out what you will have to clean
In many cases, you will not have to worry about more than cleaning your room or bedroom. But in some cases, you will also be responsible for cleaning hallways, bathrooms, or the kitchen, in which case you must purchase the necessary cleaning supplies.
Step 2. Make sure you can clean the floor
Every college supply list should include a vacuum cleaner and mop.
Invest in a small vacuum cleaner, especially if you only have to clean your room
Step 3. Buy laundry items
You will always have to wash your clothes. Buy laundry detergent and a basket for dirty clothes.
- Buy a collapsible basket to save space.
- Buy liquid or powdered fabric softener.
Step 4. Keep germs away
It is recommended to buy disinfectant cloths, regardless of what you have to clean. Having sanitizing cloths and sprays will help reduce germs, which is very important when living in small spaces.
Also buy dish detergent and dish cloths
Method 6 of 7: Part Six: Entertainment
Step 1. Bring movies and music
Even the most studious college kids need to relax from time to time. Going to college is a good excuse to buy all those CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays that you had in mind.
- Of course, forget about very fancy sound systems, as you will get in trouble if you listen to very loud music and if your neighbors complain.
- It is also a good idea to buy a small television to watch your movies.
Step 2. Get a good pair of headphones
You may love music, but that doesn't mean your roommate or neighbors love it as much as you do. Hearing aids are necessary, so buy one if you don't already have them.
By investing a bit in headphones that suppress outside noise, you can isolate yourself from the sounds and the people around you
Step 3. Bring books that you like to read
If you like to read, buy some books that you like. This will help you regain the pleasure of reading that will otherwise be lost among all the academic readings.
Step 4. Buy sporting goods
Indoor or outdoor games will help you relieve stress and make new friends, so if you don't have any games, you can take some with you, or buy a couple of them right now.
- Board and card games are an excellent and inexpensive option. You can also bring a video game console at your own risk, as someone can steal it if you leave it in your room without insurance.
- Buy items for outdoor fun, like rollerblades, a Frisbee, or a basketball.
Method 7 of 7: Part Seven: Cooking
Step 1. Find out what you need and can bring
Many colleges have restrictions on the types of kitchen utensils you can keep in the dorm. Review these instructions before making large purchases.
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Some items to check before buying are:
- Coffee maker
- Blender
- Microwave
- Small refrigerator
Step 2. Buy a set of food containers
It is important to have airtight plastic containers and bags to store leftovers and make your food last longer.
Make sure the containers are microwave safe
Step 3. Buy essential utensils
Forks, knives, and spoons are absolutely necessary, so be sure to buy them.
- You should also consider purchasing a can opener, funnel, and any kitchen utensils (such as whisks and large spoons) that you may need when cooking.
- Other possible kitchen utensils are ovenware, saucepans, and pans.
Step 4. You will need plates
You should also get plates, bowls, cups, bowls when you go to college.