One circumstance that most college students encounter is having limited funds. We spend all of our money on tuition, text books, and food. But what about all of the other items you need? Where does a college student go when they need clothes, dishes for their apartment, or some furniture? I have found a few stores that are really cheap, but nice enough to make your home away from home comfortable. I have always been a bargain shopper. I run to the clearance section of every store that I go to.
1. Ross
I never used to go into this store because you have to search a little to find what you want. I went to Ross for the first time about six months ago and I couldn't believe how much I had been missing. This is one of the best stores to buy clothes at discounted prices. I have found so many outfits here that I've stopped going to the mall when I need an outfit for work or an interview. They have all of their clothes on racks all mixed together, so it can be a hunt for the right outfit, but it is like finding buried treasure.
2. Big Lots
Big Lots is one of the best places I have found to buy furniture for a decent price. If you need a chair or a kitchen table this is going to be one of the cheapest places you can go and still get a nice item. You can get bed spreads and pillows here too that aren't too expensive and are really comfortable.
3. Goodwill
Goodwill is a great place to find cheap items. The store sells many lightly used clothes and furniture pieces as well as various other items you may need. Some people frown upon thrift shopping and using something that belonged to someone else. But, I think that it is one of the best ways to shop.
4. Walmart
This giant retail store is one of the best places to buy food at decent prices, but it is also a great way to get cheap entertainment. First of all, just going into a Walmart store is pretty entertaining in itself. You can people watch and witness a live "What Not to Wear" episode. Another entertainment aspect Walmart has available is it's movie bins. Often Walmart has massive bins filled with five dollar movies- sometimes they will even be three dollars. I love these bins, a lot like Ross stores, you have to dig through these bins to get the good movies, but I have found wonderful movies that provide hours of entertainment for a super cheap price.
5. Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree is one of the best stores ever! Everything in there only costs $1! This the perfect store for broke college students. I go there for pens and pencils, dishes for my kitchen, wrapping paper, and so much more. If you haven't tried to find items at the Dollar Tree you are really missing out on the savings. It has so many ways to help you save money on everyday items.
I hope that you'll start thinking about going to these five stores. From one broke college student to another, I am telling you that you won't regret trying these stores out.
