How to Buy Dorm Sized Appliances

It's probably not the first thing on your "To Do" list for college, but purchasing dorm sized appliances is an important part of surviving freshman year. From the mini-fridge to the hot plate, here are some helpful hints on how to purchase appliances for a small space.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the amount of space you have in your dorm room and review your college's rules for bringing electric appliances.

2. Contact your new roommate or roommates and discuss whether you will share appliances or use your own.

3. Go online to an appliance e-store, such as dormbuys.com or dormroomfurnitureguide.com. Here you can browse for ideas and pictures and comparison shop. College friendly retailers, such as Target, also offer a nice selection of back to school appliances.

4. Consider the appliances you use every day. For example, a mini refrigerator is probably a good buy for any college student. But if you don't drink coffee or tea, you won't need a coffee pot or hot kettle. On the other hand, single serve coffee makers are cheap and handy. If you have trouble breathing, humidifiers are available in a dorm room size. A toaster is also an inexpensive purchase that can be used frequently and stored easily.

5. Hit up garage sales, vintage stores, consignment shops and your older siblings and cousins. Chances are, one of them has a gently used mini- fridge, a hand me down hot plate or an oscillating fan.

Tips & Warnings

• Some college dorms have common rooms or kitchens on each floor. These areas are usually open for anyone to use and feature a few appliances, like an oven, microwave or toaster. Check with your resident advisor to determine whether your dorm has a common room.

• If you are traveling to college from out of town, hold off on buying appliances until you get a good feel for your room. Or, call the school and ask for a floor plan and measurements. This is something that may also be available online at the official college website.

• Dorm room electrical outlets usually can't handle too much power at once. Plug in only one or two major appliances at a time and shop for low wattage or low power items.

Resources

• Dorm Room Furniture Guide has info about appliances for dorm rooms.
• Dormbuys is a retail website with appliances for college.