When my family and I went shopping for my dorm room, one thing I learned was that everything you buy adds up very fast. This is a fact that catches a lot of college freshmen off guard; especially if decor and convenience are priorities on their list.
The total average amount that college students spend on dorm shopping is $942.17. When buying the bare minimum, you’re likely going to spend up to $769.09. You’d likely spend $263.72 on decorations, $117.30 on storage items, $56.65 on furniture items, $298.44 on appliances and $32.98 on electronics.
In 2018, the average amount of money spent on an entire dorm room was $942.17.
Here is the likely total that you’ll spend on each category of dorm furnishing if you only buy one of each item. To get this average price, I searched up each item listed below on online/in-person stores and found the average prices of the most popular items:
Decor ($263.72)
Bed sheets average $23.36: Every dorm room has bed sheets, so this isn’t something that anyone skips out on. You should definitely keep this average price in mind when putting your dorm shopping budget together. Remembering this number can help you find out if you’re paying for a bed sheet that’s too expensive or is a total bargain.
Comforters average $23.49: A comforter isn’t required, but it sure comes in handy in the winter, or if your roommate prefers to sleep in the cold. A hefty blanket can replace a comforter if you don’t feel like buying one.
Blankets average $26.99: Just like with a comforter, this isn’t required either; however, it really comes in handy in the cold. It’s interchangeable with a bed comforter so you can save money and opt for one or the other without having to buy both.
Sleeping Pillows Average $39.47: I don’t know many people that sleep without a pillow. If you do, then congrats! You don’t need to buy one for your dorm room! For the rest of you, however, this is definitely going on your shopping list if you don’t plan on bringing the one you have at home.
Decorative pillows average $40 on Dormify: These are usually only used to further drive home the aesthetic of a room. It’s by no means required and you can definitely live without it. If you’re aiming to only buy practical things for your room and don’t care about aesthetics and decor, then you can skip these entirely.
A pack of photo collage wall decor averages $6.78 on Etsy: When it comes to decor, this is an easy and cheap way to add some life and aesthetic to your walls. If you want to decorate your dorm, but don’t want to spend anywhere near the U.S average, then this is the perfect decor to add to your list.
A pack of fairy lights averages $18.99: Similar to the pack of photo collage wall decor, fairy lights are an easy way to liven up a dorm room. If you’re only going to buy two forms of decor, I suggest buying these two. Fairy lights aren’t as expensive as l.e.d lights, plus they’re battery powered, making it possible to hang them almost anywhere!
Window curtains average $26.51: Almost all dorm rooms come with window blinds. These work perfectly fine if you don’t feel like spending extra on curtains. If you’re concerned with blocking out the sun, however, then blinds won’t be enough. You’ll want to reserve some money for blackout curtains, because those definitely get the job done.
A rug averages $29.99: These are definitely not a necessity. They’re mainly used to further drive home an aesthetic, cushion your feet, or both. Dorm floors are usually either uncomfortable carpet, or a hard floor. If you have a carpet, then I suggest buying a rug. This is because germs from past residents are more likely to stick around in a carpet than on a hard floor due to how much easier one is to clean than the other.
A tapestry averages $12.65: This is also a quick and easy way to add life into your dorm room without breaking your bank. If you’re not a fan of a photo collage, then hanging a tapestry above your bed and topping it off by hanging some fairy lights above it is a quick way to add personality to your room.
A poster pack averages $14.49: If you want the photos on your wall to be a bit bigger, then you might want to spend a bit more on a pack of posters instead of a photo collage. If you’re down to buy both, however, then go right ahead.
Storage ($117.30)
Plastic standing drawers average $50.16
Unless you packed light, then the chances that the drawers provided by your dorm will be enough to hold all of your stuff are low. Lightweight, clear plastic drawers are the way to go. If you don’t plan on buying any other kind of storage, then stick with these and give up the rest.
A storage cubby averages $34.55
These are a good form of storage as well, but if you have to choose between drawers and no drawers, then I suggest you leave this one off of your list.
A desk organizer averages $32.59
These are a huge help, but at the end of the day, you can live without them if your desk drawer is both big and neat enough. On top of that, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on enough stationery to last you all the way to grad school, so you may not need the extra help with organization.
Furniture ($56.65)
A storage ottoman averages $31.99: This doubles as both storage and furniture, so if you planned on buying a stepping stool, a quick seat, or some extra storage space, buy this to get all three for the price of one.
A mirror averages $24.66 at Target: Your dorm room most likely already provides a mirror, but it’s rare that they’ll give you one that lets you see beyond your torso. If you need to see your outfit from head to toe, all at one time, then a full length mirror is a must.
Appliances ($298.44)
A mini fridge averages $213.78: Make room for this in your budget because, if your dorm room doesn’t come with one and your roommate isn’t willing to share, then it’s definitely going on your shopping list. Trust me, you’re going to want one. Having real, non-snack foods and ice cold drinks at the ready is such a luxury.
A microwave averages $84.66: Unless you’re striving for the ultimate convenience, then a microwave in your dorm room isn’t necessary. Some campuses don’t even let you have one in your dorm. It’s likely that your dorm will either provide one that the whole floor shares, or they’ll give you your own in the dorm room.
Electronics ($32.98)
A desk lamp averages $32.98: When it comes to late night study sessions, which will happen often because it’s college, these are a must. Make room for one in your budget for sure.
Grand Total: $769.09
Related Questions:
When should you start buying stuff for your dorm?
From June to the beginning of July, put your dorm shopping list together. From mid July to early August, shop for the items that you’re going to pack in your suitcase or moving boxes. From early to mid August, buy everything that’s harder to travel with when you arrive at your college campus.
How do you shop for a dorm?
To shop for a dorm room, you need to make a shopping list, shop during the college essentials sales, check which stores have the best deals, shop at frugal stores, use coupons, shop at more than one store and take advantage of online deals.
