Rita RobisonYour college-bound students will be spending money on tuition, books, clothes, and probably some housewares to furnish a dorm room or apartment.
What about other items? What’s a “need” and what’s a “want”?
DealNews offers this list of things you think a college students needs, but that you could avoid buying, if you’re trying to save as much money as possible.
1. A printer
Professors are increasingly accepting – and may even prefer – papers and assignments delivered paperlessly via email.
2. A tablet
Tablets aren’t necessary when you have a well-equipped laptop.
3. Expensive bedding
Buy the bargain bin bedding instead of the 600-thread count sheets because sheets are likely to get rough treatment.
4. An HDTV
Kids are likely to watch their shows and movies on Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and other Internet sources, so a laptop is all they’ll need.
5. An iron and ironing board
College student don’t use them.
6. Clothes
Many college students tend to gain about 15 pounds in the first year, so spend sparingly on clothing until next fall.
7. A high-end laptop
Since most students use a laptop for word processing, research, and watching YouTube, a fancy laptop isn’t needed
8. A mini fridge
Don’t buy a mini refrigerator or select the rental option that many schools offer for them because college students usually only use them for occasional leftovers. Communal refrigerators are often available.
9. An external hard drive
Instead of buying an external hard drive, use cloud storage, which is free and plentiful.
10. An Apple iPhone
New iPhone models tend to be released shortly after school is in session, and whenever Apple announces a new product, current generation Apple devices fall in price.