The damage. Almost all colleges send out a suggested shopping list that adds up to several hundred dollars, although if you pony up for high-quality stuff you can easily spend twice as much.
The fix. Buy used. Some campuses have a Goodwill-like depot where upperclassmen leave dorm furnishings. Ask a resident adviser.
Coordinate with roommates: One person brings the TV, the other can tote the mini-fridge.
NEXT: Greek life
By Kim Clark, Beth Braverman and Zain Ejiofor
@Money
- Last updated March 29 2012: 9:23 AM ET
