As a college student with a limited budget, you may not want or be able to splurge on many things. However, there are some areas where you could make an exception. Take your apartment, for example. Whether you’re renting on or off-campus, you probably want your living space to feel like home — and sometimes, that requires just a little splurging. If you’re not sure which items you should spend your money on for the most value and personal satisfaction, take a look at the list below.
1. Mini fridge
If you’re living on campus and don’t have access to a full-sized refrigerator and/or a kitchen to call your own, you might want to consider getting a mini-fridge. This is great for keeping in your room and storing whatever you want. Sure, you won’t be able to fit a huge amount of food, but the mini-fridge is certainly enough to hold essentials like water bottles, other drinks, snacks, and the like. Even if you live off-campus and have your own apartment with a kitchen and full refrigerator, it’s still always nice to have your own mini-fridge in your room — particularly if you have roommates and would like to keep some food items to yourself to avoid mix-ups.
2. Mattress topper
If you’re living on campus and are allowed to have a mattress topper, you should use this opportunity to splurge on a high-quality one. Perhaps this may seem a little extraneous, but seeing as your college bed might not be the most comfortable, it may be a good idea to splurge on a mattress topper that will help you stay relaxed and enjoy a good night’s sleep every night. After all, college students need their sleep!
3. Comforter set
Good quality bedding is a great investment to make — after all, the comforter set you get can end up serving you well for many years to come even after college. Think about what matters most in a comforter set, such as warmth, weight, and fill type, which can all depend on the sort of climate you live in. Also, don’t discount the look of your comforter. Go with a color or pattern that you like so it can add some fun to your room.
4. Bath linens
Bath linens may sometimes get overlooked, but they are an important part of ensuring your comfort in the bathroom. Instead of using threadbare towels and other linens that you’ve had for much too long, splurge on something new and high quality that will last for a long time. Investing in good bath linens will save you from having to frequently replace ones that fray or get worn down easily.
5. Couch
One thing you don’t want to skimp on is a couch for your living room area. If you’re staying in an off-campus apartment, it’s entirely up to you to supply your own furniture. A couch may be one of the most important pieces of furniture you purchase, as it will be used by you and your roommates, not to mention guests who come over from time to time. Look for a couch that meets all of your needs, which may depend on how many people you’re living with in your apartment, how big your living room or common area is, and what kind of couch you would like. Ultimately, whatever couch you choose will be able to serve you even long after you’ve left your college apartment.
6. Office furniture
Being a college student means often having a lot of work to do, and with so many classes online now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students are probably spending a lot more time at home or in their apartments taking classes, doing homework, and studying. If this is the case for you, it’s important to have sturdy, reliable office furniture in your apartment that you can use while doing work. You’ll need a desk and chair that are comfortable for you to use while sitting in one spot for several hours, so don’t skimp on comfort and sturdiness. Even if a desk and a chair happen to cost a bit more than you would like, know that you are making a valuable investment in yourself because a good setup will allow you to be comfortable and productive.
7. Lighting
Good lighting is also super important for your college apartment. Lighting fixtures that brighten up a room can really go a long way in making the room feel more pleasant and open. Floor lamps or table lamps will work well and add a nice touch to your apartment, no matter what room you put them in.
8. Decorative pieces
If you want to spruce up your place, don’t hesitate to splurge a little on some statement pieces that will add a bit of pop and color. The decor you choose will transform your apartment into a home, so go with something that you like!
While it may be difficult sometimes to figure out what you can splurge on while in college, there are a few items that will serve you well and become worthy investments even far into the future.
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