One of the biggest mistakes families make before freshman year?

Spending money on things students either:
❌ never use
❌ can get for free on campus
❌ replace within weeks
❌ don’t actually need

College is already expensive enough. Before you spend thousands preparing for move-in day, here are some things parents should seriously reconsider paying for before college starts:

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1️⃣ EXPENSIVE DORM DECOR

Pinterest-worthy dorm rooms are fun… but many students quickly realize:
✔ dorms are tiny
✔ trends change
✔ students spend less time in their rooms than expected

Students usually care far more about:
✔ comfort
✔ storage
✔ functionality

Skip:
❌ expensive wall systems
❌ designer bedding sets
❌ excessive décor “themes”

Spend instead on:
✔ mattress toppers
✔ storage bins
✔ quality laundry supplies
✔ practical organizers

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2️⃣ A PRINTER

This surprises parents every year.

Most colleges now provide:
✔ free printing credits
✔ library printers
✔ computer labs
✔ wireless campus printing

Dorm printers often become:
❌ frustrating
❌ expensive to maintain
❌ rarely used

Wait until your student actually NEEDS one.

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3️⃣ TOO MANY CLOTHES

Students almost always overpack.

Reality:
✔ dorm closets are tiny
✔ students rotate the same outfits
✔ laundry gets delayed
✔ weather changes fast

Freshman mistake:
Bringing their entire bedroom wardrobe.

Instead:
✔ pack basics first
✔ switch seasonal items later if needed
✔ leave extra space

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4️⃣ DUPLICATE KITCHEN ITEMS

Students imagine cooking elaborate meals.

Reality?
Most freshman:
✔ use microwaves
✔ grab quick snacks
✔ eat at dining halls

Families overspend on:
❌ full dish sets
❌ appliances
❌ cookware
❌ food storage systems

Usually necessary:
✔ one bowl
✔ one plate
✔ utensils
✔ water bottle
✔ microwave-safe mug

That’s it.

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5️⃣ TEXTBOOKS BEFORE CLASSES START

NEVER buy all textbooks immediately.

Professors often:
✔ change editions
✔ say books are optional
✔ use free online materials
✔ provide PDFs

Students may also:
✔ rent books cheaper
✔ split costs
✔ buy used after class begins

Wait until the first week whenever possible.

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6️⃣ HIGH-END TECH THEY DON’T NEED

Not every student needs:
❌ the newest laptop
❌ giant monitors
❌ expensive tablets
❌ luxury accessories

Focus on:
✔ reliability
✔ battery life
✔ portability

A durable mid-range laptop is often more than enough.

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7️⃣ EVERY SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

Before college starts, review subscriptions together.

Families often continue paying for:
❌ streaming duplicates
❌ unused apps
❌ memberships
❌ gaming services
❌ beauty boxes

Many colleges provide:
✔ free software
✔ free streaming access
✔ discounted subscriptions
✔ student memberships

Small monthly charges add up FAST.

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8️⃣ STORAGE ITEMS BEFORE SEEING THE ROOM

Students buy massive amounts of storage bins before knowing:
✔ room layout
✔ bed height
✔ available space
✔ roommate setup

Result:
❌ wasted money
❌ unnecessary clutter

Wait until:
✔ housing dimensions are released
✔ move-in day photos appear
✔ roommate conversations happen

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9️⃣ DESIGNER “COLLEGE MERCH” EVERYTHING

It’s exciting to buy college gear — but families often go overboard before students even arrive on campus.

Students usually end up receiving:
✔ free shirts
✔ club merch
✔ orientation gear
✔ event giveaways

Buy a few meaningful items now… not an entire store.

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🔟 THINGS THEY “MIGHT” NEED

This is the biggest budget killer of all.

Families spend hundreds on:
❌ “just in case” items
❌ trendy gadgets
❌ organizational systems
❌ backup supplies

But students can buy things later if needed.

A better strategy:
✔ start simple
✔ live in the space first
✔ add gradually

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✅ THE BEST THING PARENTS CAN PAY FOR?

Not more stuff.

Pay for:
✔ emergency savings
✔ fewer student loans
✔ travel home
✔ healthy groceries
✔ peace of mind

Because most students won’t remember the expensive dorm décor…

But they WILL remember financial stress.

📌 SAVE this before college shopping starts getting out of control.