Style your dorm second-hand
It is a well-known fact that many college students are strapped for cash, but there is a greener reason to furnish your dorm room with used stuff. Any time you are preventing usable items from ending up in a landfill, you're doing your part for the environment. If you can buy from a charity, more power to you!Your first stop should be the garages and basements of family and friends. Chances are, you'll be able to acquire quite a bit of what you need for free this way. Of course, flea markets, garage sales, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army are also great ways to find useful or unique furnishings and decorations.
Is your dorm still lacking in personality and functionality?
There are several online sources for used and second-hand items that will help you make your room your own. Whether you want a vintage, retro or modern feel, they will have you covered.
- The obvious and perhaps largest source of used items is e-Bay. Not everything in auction is second-hand though. Much of it is purchased new, or hand-made by the seller. Make sure you know what it is you're buying. For bonus good karma, try to bid on items for charities at e-Bay's Giving Works.
- Another great source is Craigslist, although you might find some holes if you don't live in a major city.
- Similar to Craigslist is Kijiji. I like to check both, because I live in a small town and the availability of items on either one is not always as high as I'd like.
- One of my favorites is Freecycle. Not only have I found that even my small town has a strong group going, but you can get, or unload, things for free.
- Finally, check around campus. You'll find posters made by seniors who are graduating and looking to liquidate, and you may even find a campus group similar to Freecycle. My campus had a t-shirt exchange program for used clothing.
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