Shopping tips for college-bound students

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— Preparing for college life is a must, whether you are planning to live on or off campus. But it can be overwhelming without a game plan.

To make this exciting experience as smooth as possible, the college experts at Bed Bath & Beyond are offering helpful shopping tips for students and parents. 

• Use a checklist:  Stay organized and on budget with a checklist. Some retailers offer online and in-store lists breaking down the essential gear needed for on and off-campus living.

• Know your school rules:  To avoid any unwelcome surprises on move-in day, learn your school-specific rules before shopping. From microwaves to coffeemakers, know what you can and can’t bring to your school. Look up your school rules at www.bedbathandbeyond.com/shopforcollege.

• Create a college registry:  A registry makes a great resource for family and friends choosing graduation or college gifts. Students can also use their registry to share what they’re bringing to school with roommates.

• Meet the roomie: Once students receive their housing assignment, they should connect with their future roommate to finalize room decisions and avoid duplication.

• Make packing easy: Take advantage of resources that make transporting your items to college easier. For example, Bath & Beyond has a free in-store service, Pack & Hold, which allows students to select dorm room essentials at a store near home and have everything ready to pick up for purchase at a store near campus.

• Bedding: The bed is pretty much the center of dorm room life, so make it comfortable and stylish. School-provided mattresses are often thin, so consider adding a memory foam topper or fiber bed for extra support. Remember that most dorms require twin extra-long sheets (TXL), and don’t forget to protect the mattress against bed bugs and allergens with a mattress protector. Coordinate your bed and room on budget with a value Campus Collection. For ideas, visit www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

• Organize: Maximizing space is a must. Create more room with storage and organizational items under the bed, over the door and in the closet.  For example, Real Simple Slimline Flocked Hangers allow students to hang more clothing per unit of space. Look for multi-functional items, such as bed risers that have an AC outlet and USB charger.

• Make it homey: Add an area rug and throw blankets for extra warmth, or add accents like a cool side table and colorful throw pillows. Welcome friends and study buddies with functional and stylish seating like the Bunjo Bungee Chair or Sound Lounge Speaker Ottoman. Decorate the walls with dry erase message boards, artwork and photo displays.

• Study smart: Make sure your work space is highly functional. You’ll need plenty of storage for school supplies, lighting for late night cramming and a surge protector to plug-in all your devices.

Creating a home away from home can be a challenge. Use tools and resources specifically designed for college-bound students to stay organized and on budget.