How to Shop for University (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Getting ready for college can be an exciting but overwhelming process, and the shopping part of the organization can be some of the most stressful. Make the experience a little easier by following the tips in this article.

Steps

Part 1 of 7: Textbooks

Step 1. Get the book list directly from the source

For example, if you study in the United States, federal law requires each university to provide its students with a list of textbooks once they register for classes; therefore, you should be able to find out which volumes are needed in advance, by contacting the secretariat or your professors. You shouldn't just rely on what the campus bookstore tells you.

Step 2. Forget the campus bookstore and buy them online

You may find the occasional bargain at the university bookstore, but, in the vast majority of cases, you can find the books you need at a much lower cost on the internet.

• If you're studying in the US, click on websites like BIGWORDS.com and Campusbooks.com, both of which point you to book sellers who have the best deals and lowest prices.
• If you study elsewhere, go to sites that allow users to sell their new and used copies of various books, such as Amazon and Half.com.

Step 3. Consider an old edition

For many textbooks, you can buy an older edition for a lower price without having too much trouble.

You better talk to your professors before doing so though; in the rare event that there are significant differences in the new edition, you will need to have access to this book to survive the lessons

Step 4. Rent the books you need

This solution will not guarantee you a low cost, but often the rental price of a book will be lower than the purchase price. Take a look at both options and determine which one works best for each particular volume.

You can pop into the campus bookstore for rental opportunities, but there are also online sources, including Chegg, BookRenter.com, CampusBookRental.com, and ValoreBooks

Step 5. If you are studying in the US, look for coupons

If you really want to save, you can start looking for coupons that allow you not to spend too much on books bought online. These coupons will rarely be specific to a publisher, but you may be able to find them for various stores on the web.

Consult the sites directly or check the web pages that publish multiple promotional codes, such as CouponWinner.com, PromoCodes.com and PromotionalCodes.com

Step 6. Share the costs with a reliable friend

If you know that a friend of yours needs to buy some of your own books, you could split the costs in half and exchange the volumes according to your needs.

Step 7. Buy from second year students

Those who no longer need a book can sell it, and the cost will usually be quite low, because they are more interested in earning any amount of money than keeping it unnecessarily.

Step 8. Evaluate the cost of international editions

Provided the international version has been printed in the same language you need, this can be a good solution. Research carefully though, as international editions can be both cheaper and more expensive, it depends on the book.

Also consider shipping costs, as those for international versions can sometimes add to the overall cost of the book

Part 2 of 7: Academic Stocks

Step 1. Stock up on stationery

While you're planning on doing most of your computer work, you still need a basic set of tools to write in class and when you study.

• Buy blue or black ballpoint pens and pencils to take notes and complete exams.
• Get highlighters to help you study.
• Invest in a couple of permanent markers and a pack of discolour.

Step 2. Purchase any materials that help you keep your notes organized

Folders and notebooks are essential, but there are other tools that may be useful, even if you sometimes forget they exist.

• You could buy a binder with three rings and a hole punch to help you stay organized, as well as material dividers and loose sheets.
• Buy a backpack or shoulder bag to take with you from class to class.

Step 3. Keep the desk in your room organized, on which you will have to arrange a large number of supplies and papers, then buy everything you need to be able to keep everything in order, including your sanity

• You could buy:
• Post-it.
• Agenda or calendar.
• Dictionary and vocabulary of synonyms and antonyms.
• Calculator.
• Rubber bands, a ruler, a pair of scissors, a stapler and staples, thumbtacks and tape.

Step 4. Invest in a good computer and other technological tools

If you don't already have one, you should really consider buying a laptop. Most lessons will require you to digitally take notes and print, and a computer can help you with research and entertainment.

• In addition to the computer, you should buy:

  • A printer.
  • Printer paper.
  • Cartridges for the printer.
  • USB drive.
• Find out if your campus has computer labs with printers. If so, you could avoid buying one and save yourself this expense.
• Protect your electronic devices. Buy surge protectors to prevent electricity problems from damaging your computer. You can also consider purchasing an external hard drive, so that you can periodically back up the contents of the hard drive.

Part 3 of 7: Bedding and Other for the Dorm

Step 1. Find out about the size of the bed before shopping

Most dorm rooms have separate single beds which can be of varying lengths, so when buying duvet and sheets, you should make sure your bedding size is suitable.

• You will need pillows and pillow cases, sheets, a blanket and a quilt or duvet.
• Also consider buying a padded mattress topper to make the bed more comfortable.

Step 2. Don't overlook the important details

Many dorms have some form of lighting and mirrors, but it usually won't hurt to buy the following items.

• If your room doesn't have one, buy a full length mirror.
• You could also buy a desk lamp and a floor lamp to supplement the ceiling light installed in the room.

Step 3. Wake up at the right time

An alarm clock is an absolute must, unless you have it on your mobile and can rely on it. Even if you use your phone's alarm, having a normal one can still be a good idea.

You should also buy items that help you fall asleep faster so that you wake up well rested. They might include ear plugs and an eye mask

Step 4. Find out what clothes to take with you

You'll probably just need the same clothing you wore in high school. But there may be times when you want or need to buy new pieces.

• Be prepared for bad weather. Buy a raincoat, rain boots, umbrella and snow boots if necessary.
• If the climate of the area you are moving to is different from that of your city, buy clothes that are more appropriate to the area in which you will live.

Step 5. Try to have space to store what you don't need for now

Some items that you will have to carry around you will not use them until you are on campus, so you should buy some containers to put them inside them until you need them.

Also consider buying shelves and shelves to store your shoes, books, and other things you need for easy access

Step 6. Decorate your space

While not a necessity, you should think about purchasing a few things to decorate the walls and door. You will be living in this room for most of the year after all, so it will have to make you feel comfortable.

• The options worth considering:

  • Notice board.
  • Poster.
  • Dry erase whiteboard and door markers.

  

  Step 7. Buy more bags if needed

  In case you have never had your own suitcases, now is the time to buy a set. Buying luggage in sets is recommended rather than buying them piece by piece, for reasons of economic convenience.

  Part 4 of 7: Health and Beauty

  

  Step 1. Buy everything you need for the shower

  For starters, you'll need large and small towels, but there are other bathroom-related items you should add to the list as well.

  • Buy flip flops or other shower shoes to protect your feet from the bacteria that characterizes ordinary showers.
  • Buy shampoo, conditioner, and body soap.
  • If your room has a private bathroom, buy hand towels, a mat, and toilet paper.
  • Bring a container to hang in the shower for soaps and other products.

  

  Step 2. Take care of your hair

  As a general guideline, any products or tools you use around the house should be packed. If you've always used your parents' products, you need to buy them yourself now.

  • Purchase a hair dryer, straightener, brush, comb, and curling iron if appropriate.
  • Also consider buying a razor and shaving cream to take care of facial and / or body hair.

  

  Step 3. Make yourself presentable

  As with hair care products, face care products must also be bought for college, especially if you've always used your own at home.

  • Protect your skin with a moisturizing lotion and sun protection factor cream.
  • Keep your teeth clean using a toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Buy a new tube of lip balm.
  • Control body odor with deodorant.

  

  Step 4. Bring some first aid items with you

  Such a kit is a good idea for any college student. You can buy those already commercially available or buy the stocks separately.

  • What is worth entering:

    • Isopropyl alcohol.
    • Antibacterial lotion.
    • Patches.
    • Hydrogen peroxide.
    • Thermometer.

    

    Step 5. Stay healthy

    In addition to the first aid kit, there are some items you should have on hand if you get sick or otherwise feel unwell.

    • Some items worth buying:

      • Over-the-counter medicine for headaches, one for colds and one for allergies.
      • Prescribed drugs.
      • Cough lozenges.
      • Eye drops.

      Part 5 of 7: Cleaning Supplies

      

      Step 1. Find out who will clean your room

      In many cases, you will only have to worry about the cleanliness of your bedroom. Sometimes, however, you may also be responsible for cleaning the dorm corridors, bathroom or kitchen area; in this case, you will have to buy the necessary products to clean all these areas as well.

      

      Step 2. Make sure you clean the floor

      The vacuum cleaner, broom, and floor mop are items that should be on the college shopping list.

      Invest in a mini vacuum cleaner, especially if you only need to take care of a small space, like the dorm room

      

      Step 3. Buy what you need for laundry

      You will almost always have to wash your clothes. Fill up with laundry detergent and invest in a laundry basket.

      • Buy a resealable laundry basket to save space.
      • Buy fabric softener, whether it's liquid or washcloth.

      

      Step 4. Watch out for germs

      Disinfectant wipes are advisable, no matter how much you need to clean. Having this product and some sprays can help you reduce the spread of germs, which is very important in a compact space like a dorm room.

      Also bring along some dish soap and window cleaner, as well as some cleaning rags

      Part 6 of 7: Entertainment

      

      Step 1. Bring movies and music with you

      Even the busiest college students will have to pull the plug every now and then. Your relocation is a good excuse to fill up on the CD, DVD or Blu-ray you've long wanted.

      • Forget the expensive sound systems though, as you could get in trouble if you make too much noise and your neighbors might complain about it.
      • Also buy a small television to watch your movies.

      

      Step 2. Get a good pair of headphones

      As much as you love your music, that doesn't mean your roommate or neighbors will enjoy it as much as you do. Headphones are essential, so if you don't have them, buy them now.

      If you invest in headphones that cancel out external noise, you can also protect your ears from the music and sounds made by other people

      

      Step 3. Bring books that you really like

      If you love to read, buy some books you can't wait to devour. Doing so can give you back the joy of reading, which could otherwise get lost in the books to study.

      

      Step 4. Buy games and sports equipment

      Indoor and outdoor games can help you relieve stress and make new friends, so if you don't have games to take with you to college, buy some now.

      • Board games and card games are a great inexpensive solution. You can also take a video game console with you, but do so at your own risk, as they could steal it if you leave the room open.
      • Buy some equipment for outdoor fun, such as roller blades, a Frisbee, or a basketball.

      Part 7 of 7: Cooking

      

      Step 1. Make a list of what you need and what you can take with you

      Many student homes have restrictions on what kind of kitchen tools you are allowed to keep in your room or common area. Learn about it before making large purchases.

      • The articles you should inquire about before including them:

        • Coffee machine.
        • Mixer.
        • Microwave oven.
        • Small refrigerator.

        

        Step 2. Buy several food containers

        Airtight containers and plastic bags are important, as they allow you to store leftovers and make food stocks last longer.

        Make sure the plastic containers are microwave safe

        

        Step 3. Get your essential tools

        Forks, knives and spoons are absolutely essential and you need to carry them with you, so do so before moving on to college.

        • You should also consider purchasing a can opener, funnel, and any kitchen utensils (such as whisk and ladles), which you may need if you plan to cook on your own.
        • Stocks for the kitchen also include pans, baking pans and pots.

        

        Step 4. Don't forget the dishes

        You will also need plates, bowls, glasses and mugs when you go to university.