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Tuition's Paid, Now Where Are The Dorm Deals?Jul 29, 2011 (The Hartford Courant - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- When it comes to dorm shopping, the Class of 2015 is getting a crash course on savings before arriving on campus. According to the National Retail Federation's 2011 Back-to-College survey, a majority of shoppers say the economy will affect their spending plans. "College students and their parents, who are likely also spending thousands of dollars on tuition, will be looking for ways to stretch their budgets and find good deals this year," says NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. But turning a white-box dorm room into a trendy home-away-from-home on a tight budget can be tough. Typical dorm rooms have two desks, two dressers and, at most schools, two extra long twin beds, which require special-sized linens. (No, regular twins won't work.) "Whether they're freshman or seniors, students want to customize their spaces and show their personalities," says Shawn McQuillan, assistant director of residential life at the University of Hartford. "Students use posters, bedding, area rugs and all the other furnishings to make it home." But parents and students new to college life can be overwhelmed by "dorm check lists" and "dorm package" offers sent out from university housing services. The University of Hartford, like most other colleges, works with vendors such as New England Student Services, which offers rentals of combination microwave/mini refrigerators; and Residence Hall Linens, which sells "value packs" that include complete bedding sets guaranteed to fit those extra-long twin beds. But to be sure you're getting the best deal, do some comparison-shopping before handing over your credit card. A mini-fridge purchased on sale at a big box store sale might be more cost-effective than an annual rental -- if the school allows you to bring your own, and if you can transport it back and forth. Otherwise, the convenience of having one delivered and removed might be worth the extra cost. Residence Hall Linen's college packs range in price from $130 to $200 and include sheets, towels, comforter and other dorm basics. (Sheets are a poly-cotton blend; all-cotton is available at an extra charge.) Packs can be delivered to students' homes or on-campus addresses. Before you buy for convenience, break down the contents of each package to be sure you're not paying for things your student won't use. You may be able to do better shopping local sales for just the items you need. McQuillan, who coordinates a "UHA Cribs" dorm decor competition in late fall, says parents and students can also save money by checking with colleges to learn what's allowed in the dorms and what's not and dividing shopping lists with roommates. At the University of Hartford, halogen lamps, George Forman grills, toaster ovens and regular extension cords are prohibited. "I hate to see people spending money on things they end up not being able to use," he says. "If students check with roommates, they can avoid duplicating things like televisions, rugs, chairs and microwaves." His advice? Pack light for starters, and fill in after moving in. Lani Murakami, divisional merchandise manager for O.co (formerly Overstock.com), says that's what parents are doing this year. "More than ever before, we're seeing more consumers buying the basics and just a few accents or fun pieces," says Murakami. New on shopping lists? Bed lifts for more under-bed storage space, bed-bug mattress protectors and cushy fiber beds, in addition to egg-crate and memory-foam mattress toppers. (Those extra-long college mattresses can be lumpy.) To meet the demand, back-to-college discount sales are already underway at national and local retailers. Christmas Tree Shops are offering extra-long microfiber twin bedding sets for $7.99, peace-symbol canvas wall art for $10, retro beanbag chairs for $20 and animal-print area rugs for $35. Additional college gear includes plastic shower caddies and laundry totes, inexpensive poster frames, faux fur throw pillows and folding storage ottomans. Bed, Bath & Beyond's "Furnish Your Pad" promotion features $15 combination desk lamp/organizers, $25 lap desks, $60 dorm space saver shelving units and $20 body pillows and back rests. Bed sets, with extra long twin sheets, range from $70 to $150. An 11-piece dorm room set with comforter, towels, sham, sheets, wall calendar, crate and laundry bag, available in four patterns, is $80. TJ Maxx dresses up extra-long twin beds with Cynthia Rowley six-piece bedding sets for $49.99. Target, a favorite with students, has extra-long twin sheets for $16, campy body pillows for $8 and heavy-duty surge protectors for $10 in its "Smart Campus Buys." At Target.com, shoppers can download college checklists and shop by color or price. The chain is offering free shipping on select merchandise orders of $50 or more. Kohl's Student Lounge collection maximizes dorm storage with bedside caddies, collapsible storage bins, over the door accessories organizers, under bed shoe organizer and sweater shelves, all priced at $25 or less. O.co gets students dorm-room-ready with inexpensive bean bags chairs, bedding sets, desk lamps and other cool furnishings. Shipping, regardless of weight, size or number of items, is a flat $2.95 per order. JC Penney, Sears and Wal-Mart offer free or low-cost site-to-store shipping. Online retailer DormBuys.com is offering a flat $2.94 shipping rate on all orders and a 10 percent discount for first-time customers. No matter how carefully you shop, expect a phone call from your son or daughter requesting an unforeseen dorm necessity. When that happens, McQuillan says not to worry. "We have a student shuttle to the local Wal-Mart and Target, which is where everyone wants to shop," he says. To see more of The Hartford Courant, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.courant.com/. Copyright (c) 2011, The Hartford Courant, Conn. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. |