Coping with the Cost of College-Bound Kids
High school graduation season kicks off the main event … shopping for your college-bound teen. If your college shopping list has turned into a scroll, don’t despair, there are some sure fire ways to cut a few corners. Plus, just like in business, there are some one-time start-up costs that will be an investment that carries your teen through all four years. Here are some tips.
Bank on the basics
Start out with the basics. Sit down with your child to outline both what they want and what they need.
Every college has a list they send to first time students, showing the layout of the dormitory and the basic supplies that are needed to survive dorm life. Some basics that should be considered musts…
- Shower shoes
- Shower caddy
- Robe
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Twin sheets, a pillow, a blanket and a comforter (consider a full-sized or larger comforter that you have at home to eliminate the need for a bed skirt)
- Laundry basket and detergent
- Quarters for laundry
- Anything else that is used regularly by your family members, like blow dryers, curling irons, an iron, an ironing board, etc.
Share when possible to conserve space and money
If your teen has already been assigned a roommate, suggest calling them up to see what they’re bringing. There’s no need to have duplicate things like refrigerators or microwaves.
Use what you already have
Another tip is to figure out what can be recycled from high school. Not everything needs to be new on the first day of class. Students can recycle their…
- Backpacks
- Clothes
- Shoes
- School supplies (pencils, pens, binders)
- Posters or wall hangings to decorate their rooms
Shop Smart
There are many ways to be a savvy shopper for your college student. A few things to keep in mind…
- Shop at discounters and watch for flyers announcing sales on towels, laundry supplies, etc.
- Keep your eyes open in May and June when passing by college dorm curbs for abandoned appliances, books and even desks.
- Accept hand-me-downs from friends who have already put their kids through college.
So “shopping” may not be the accurate word, but keeping your eyes peeled for unusual opportunities may help you cope with college start-up costs. Yes, there will be initial expenses, but you can always find a way to get the best deals.