yo im moving back to college. do you guys know any tricks for a college student living off campus? mainly looking for food and furniture tips but others are welcomed. nothing silly/obvious like "always wear a condom" or something please.
living off campus for college tips and tricks
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yo im moving back to college. do you guys know any tricks for a college student living off campus? mainly looking for food and furniture tips but others are welcomed. nothing silly/obvious like "always wear a condom" or something please.
always put a towel under your bathroom door when you decide to do your recreational activities
always put a towel under your bathroom door when you decide to do your recreational activities
it depends on the university but commuting can usually be a big issue. be sure to leave your place fairly early to give yourself some extra time in case there's unexpected traffic or you have trouble finding a parking spot.
it depends on the university but commuting can usually be a big issue. be sure to leave your place fairly early to give yourself some extra time in case there's unexpected traffic or you have trouble finding a parking spot.
Avoid drama at all costs!
If you have room mates always do your own dishes and always ask before you borrow anything.
If you have a bike bring it inside your apartment never leave it outside even if you have a lock.
Craigslist is your friend for anything furniture related both buying and selling.
Those are some of the big ones, there are a million others but you'll pick up a lot quickly as well.
Avoid drama at all costs!
If you have room mates always do your own dishes and always ask before you borrow anything.
If you have a bike bring it inside your apartment never leave it outside even if you have a lock.
Craigslist is your friend for anything furniture related both buying and selling.
Those are some of the big ones, there are a million others but you'll pick up a lot quickly as well.
If you have room mates always do your own dishes and always ask before you borrow anything.
If you have a bike bring it inside your apartment never leave it outside even if you have a lock.
Craigslist is your friend for anything furniture related both buying and selling.
Those are some of the big ones, there are a million others but you'll pick up a lot quickly as well.
Find ways to cut costs: If you don't really watch TV all that much, don't get cable.
Try to plan out your meals. This will give you a specific list of food you need to get whenever you go shopping, which can help to keep you from buying unnecessary stuff when you're out shopping. If you don't want to plan your meals at least come up with a grocery list.
KEEP UP WITH YOUR BILLS. It may sound super obvious, but pay that shit promptly, if it's possible consider signing up for an automated system so you don't have to worry about it.
For furniture stuff don't load yourself down with useless shit. You'll be moving sometime in the future and you don't want to have to lug around more shit than you have to
If you like coffee, and your renter allows it, get a coffee pot. You'll pay way less per cup than if you buy starbucks or whatever every day. Honestly in general it's better to make your own food than eat out, usually it's cheaper.
Finally, crockpots/slow cookers are the shiiiiiiit. If you've got a long day of classes, get up a little early and set up a roast with some veggies and you'll come home to a fucking delicious meal.
Find ways to cut costs: If you don't really watch TV all that much, don't get cable.
Try to plan out your meals. This will give you a specific list of food you need to get whenever you go shopping, which can help to keep you from buying unnecessary stuff when you're out shopping. If you don't want to plan your meals at least come up with a grocery list.
KEEP UP WITH YOUR BILLS. It may sound super obvious, but pay that shit promptly, if it's possible consider signing up for an automated system so you don't have to worry about it.
For furniture stuff don't load yourself down with useless shit. You'll be moving sometime in the future and you don't want to have to lug around more shit than you have to
If you like coffee, and your renter allows it, get a coffee pot. You'll pay way less per cup than if you buy starbucks or whatever every day. Honestly in general it's better to make your own food than eat out, usually it's cheaper.
Finally, crockpots/slow cookers are the shiiiiiiit. If you've got a long day of classes, get up a little early and set up a roast with some veggies and you'll come home to a fucking delicious meal.
Try to plan out your meals. This will give you a specific list of food you need to get whenever you go shopping, which can help to keep you from buying unnecessary stuff when you're out shopping. If you don't want to plan your meals at least come up with a grocery list.
KEEP UP WITH YOUR BILLS. It may sound super obvious, but pay that shit promptly, if it's possible consider signing up for an automated system so you don't have to worry about it.
For furniture stuff don't load yourself down with useless shit. You'll be moving sometime in the future and you don't want to have to lug around more shit than you have to
If you like coffee, and your renter allows it, get a coffee pot. You'll pay way less per cup than if you buy starbucks or whatever every day. Honestly in general it's better to make your own food than eat out, usually it's cheaper.
Finally, crockpots/slow cookers are the shiiiiiiit. If you've got a long day of classes, get up a little early and set up a roast with some veggies and you'll come home to a fucking delicious meal.
Buy a good slow cooker/Crock-Pot. You can easily make such a wide variety of meals with just a Crock-Pot.
BBQ brisket, stews, soups, desserts, lasagna, and the list goes on forever.
Leave that baby cooking while you're at class and come home to a delicious and low effort meal.
Good luck in your studies!
Buy a good slow cooker/Crock-Pot. You can easily make such a wide variety of meals with just a Crock-Pot.
BBQ brisket, stews, soups, desserts, lasagna, and the list goes on forever.
Leave that baby cooking while you're at class and come home to a delicious and low effort meal.
Good luck in your studies!
BBQ brisket, stews, soups, desserts, lasagna, and the list goes on forever.
Leave that baby cooking while you're at class and come home to a delicious and low effort meal.
Good luck in your studies!
Agreed with the Crock-Pot. If you don't have a pre-set meal plan you're gonna rely on and you're not already an amazing cook, start thinking about a few, easy dishes that you can cook. Stir fries are pretty easy to make and delicious. Pan fry some garlic and meat, throw in a couple of vegetables, and then just make some rice ahead of time.
For furniture, there's always Facebook groups/craigslist. If you're limited on time, just buy whatever you need from IKEA. The Linnmon tabletop you can get for $30 with $4 table legs makes a pretty sweet desk.
There are certain time periods where it's harder to find parking and there's a lot more traffic. Keep that in mind for your schedule.
Not sure what exactly you're doing in school, but if you're a grad student, prepare to be very busy. At the same time, make sure you're not just sitting in your room studying all the time.
Agreed with the Crock-Pot. If you don't have a pre-set meal plan you're gonna rely on and you're not already an amazing cook, start thinking about a few, easy dishes that you can cook. Stir fries are pretty easy to make and delicious. Pan fry some garlic and meat, throw in a couple of vegetables, and then just make some rice ahead of time.
For furniture, there's always Facebook groups/craigslist. If you're limited on time, just buy whatever you need from IKEA. The Linnmon tabletop you can get for $30 with $4 table legs makes a pretty sweet desk.
There are certain time periods where it's harder to find parking and there's a lot more traffic. Keep that in mind for your schedule.
Not sure what exactly you're doing in school, but if you're a grad student, prepare to be very busy. At the same time, make sure you're not just sitting in your room studying all the time.
For furniture, there's always Facebook groups/craigslist. If you're limited on time, just buy whatever you need from IKEA. The Linnmon tabletop you can get for $30 with $4 table legs makes a pretty sweet desk.
There are certain time periods where it's harder to find parking and there's a lot more traffic. Keep that in mind for your schedule.
Not sure what exactly you're doing in school, but if you're a grad student, prepare to be very busy. At the same time, make sure you're not just sitting in your room studying all the time.
when you grocery shop, shop for meals, not just shit in general.
do not go shopping hungry. ever.
farmer's markets are your friend since you can haggle n shit.
when you grocery shop, shop for meals, not just shit in general.
do not go shopping hungry. ever.
farmer's markets are your friend since you can haggle n shit.
do not go shopping hungry. ever.
farmer's markets are your friend since you can haggle n shit.
If you don't wanna pay for all the channels cable has to offer, you can subscribe to Hulu Plus for some of the latest shows and get a netflix account so you have entertainment for around 16 bucks a month! Goodwill is your friend for shoe organizers, towel racks etc.
Like others said, if you're gonna borrow stuff make sure you ask. Also it's better to address the issues directly (face to face conversations) rather than being passive aggressive about it or letting the issue simmer and affect the household-- makes coming home not so pleasant.
This shouldn't need to be said, but be as neat as possible when youre using the common living spaces. Also if you can bus to school without it being a hassle, I'd take the bus and save on the gas money. It'll come in handy when you want that extra jar of nutella later. When you go grocery shopping, make sure you don't go crazy on the fruits and veggies; eventually you'll stop craving them and they'll just rot if you buy too much even if it's a GREAT sale. Only buy stuff in bulk etc if its non-perishable and you can store it for awhile. Also, buying noodles and frozen vegetables is a neat way to make a variety of foods (if you want meat you can add that in too!). Also, get a rice cooker if you don't have one already. Tupperware will be your friend and you can get a cheap good quality set at Ikea for about 7 bucks.
If u have a costco card or know someone who has one, u can buy those Delimex taquitos and if u fry them or grill them in a pan or w/e they actually taste really really really good. and u can add lettuce and other stuff on ur own! Just try not to buy food in excess is the bottom line unless it has a loooong shelf life. It'll just result in more work for you and less money for your future food purchases :) Good luck!
If you don't wanna pay for all the channels cable has to offer, you can subscribe to Hulu Plus for some of the latest shows and get a netflix account so you have entertainment for around 16 bucks a month! Goodwill is your friend for shoe organizers, towel racks etc.
Like others said, if you're gonna borrow stuff make sure you ask. Also it's better to address the issues directly (face to face conversations) rather than being passive aggressive about it or letting the issue simmer and affect the household-- makes coming home not so pleasant.
This shouldn't need to be said, but be as neat as possible when youre using the common living spaces. Also if you can bus to school without it being a hassle, I'd take the bus and save on the gas money. It'll come in handy when you want that extra jar of nutella later. When you go grocery shopping, make sure you don't go crazy on the fruits and veggies; eventually you'll stop craving them and they'll just rot if you buy too much even if it's a GREAT sale. Only buy stuff in bulk etc if its non-perishable and you can store it for awhile. Also, buying noodles and frozen vegetables is a neat way to make a variety of foods (if you want meat you can add that in too!). Also, get a rice cooker if you don't have one already. Tupperware will be your friend and you can get a cheap good quality set at Ikea for about 7 bucks.
If u have a costco card or know someone who has one, u can buy those Delimex taquitos and if u fry them or grill them in a pan or w/e they actually taste really really really good. and u can add lettuce and other stuff on ur own! Just try not to buy food in excess is the bottom line unless it has a loooong shelf life. It'll just result in more work for you and less money for your future food purchases :) Good luck!
Like others said, if you're gonna borrow stuff make sure you ask. Also it's better to address the issues directly (face to face conversations) rather than being passive aggressive about it or letting the issue simmer and affect the household-- makes coming home not so pleasant.
This shouldn't need to be said, but be as neat as possible when youre using the common living spaces. Also if you can bus to school without it being a hassle, I'd take the bus and save on the gas money. It'll come in handy when you want that extra jar of nutella later. When you go grocery shopping, make sure you don't go crazy on the fruits and veggies; eventually you'll stop craving them and they'll just rot if you buy too much even if it's a GREAT sale. Only buy stuff in bulk etc if its non-perishable and you can store it for awhile. Also, buying noodles and frozen vegetables is a neat way to make a variety of foods (if you want meat you can add that in too!). Also, get a rice cooker if you don't have one already. Tupperware will be your friend and you can get a cheap good quality set at Ikea for about 7 bucks.
If u have a costco card or know someone who has one, u can buy those Delimex taquitos and if u fry them or grill them in a pan or w/e they actually taste really really really good. and u can add lettuce and other stuff on ur own! Just try not to buy food in excess is the bottom line unless it has a loooong shelf life. It'll just result in more work for you and less money for your future food purchases :) Good luck!
Costco is your friend if you have one near you. Just go with a friend who has a membership.
Avoid getting unhealthy stuff even if it's on sale (unless it's for backup).
Try and cook your own food in bulk on Sunday for the rest of the week to save cash. Coupons coupons coupons.
IKEA is shit quality, but if you're only living off campus for a while then whatever. Either that or bargain bin shops, but never buy couches from those places..
Costco is your friend if you have one near you. Just go with a friend who has a membership.
Avoid getting unhealthy stuff even if it's on sale (unless it's for backup).
Try and cook your own food in bulk on Sunday for the rest of the week to save cash. Coupons coupons coupons.
IKEA is shit quality, but if you're only living off campus for a while then whatever. Either that or bargain bin shops, but never buy couches from those places..
Avoid getting unhealthy stuff even if it's on sale (unless it's for backup).
Try and cook your own food in bulk on Sunday for the rest of the week to save cash. Coupons coupons coupons.
IKEA is shit quality, but if you're only living off campus for a while then whatever. Either that or bargain bin shops, but never buy couches from those places..
Honestly joining a fraternity is a very good option if you can find a good one, usually the cheapest option and they can be tons of fun.
Please please please just make sure you join a fraternity that aligns with your goals and ideals
Honestly joining a fraternity is a very good option if you can find a good one, usually the cheapest option and they can be tons of fun.
Please please please just make sure you join a fraternity that aligns with your goals and ideals
Please please please just make sure you join a fraternity that aligns with your goals and ideals
find an affordable transport to campus. gas and parking permit may be expensive. I bike rike 6 miles everyday to campus(on way) sometimes ride the bus too
find an affordable transport to campus. gas and parking permit may be expensive. I bike rike 6 miles everyday to campus(on way) sometimes ride the bus too
lf u have roommates that will share bills, never pay their half(unless u really know for sure the type of person there is) but they might keep taking advantage and stop paying shit
make rules with your roommates about having guests, having guests sleep over, who's stuff is who in the fridge....
lf u have roommates that will share bills, never pay their half(unless u really know for sure the type of person there is) but they might keep taking advantage and stop paying shit
make rules with your roommates about having guests, having guests sleep over, who's stuff is who in the fridge....
make rules with your roommates about having guests, having guests sleep over, who's stuff is who in the fridge....
Only shop for a day or two's meals at a time. You will waste a ton of shit if you shop for a week at once.
Craigslist is amazing for decent furniture at <$40.
Do your best to keep everything clean. My productivity suffers BIG time when things get cluttered.
Only shop for a day or two's meals at a time. You will waste a ton of shit if you shop for a week at once.
Craigslist is amazing for decent furniture at <$40.
Do your best to keep everything clean. My productivity suffers BIG time when things get cluttered.
Craigslist is amazing for decent furniture at <$40.
Do your best to keep everything clean. My productivity suffers BIG time when things get cluttered.
shop bulk on things like rice, beans, canned items, etc because you actually save more on the staples in bulk
and you won't waste the money on non-perishables because well, they don't go bad. for things that can go bad, don't buy them in bulk like harbinger said
shop bulk on things like rice, beans, canned items, etc because you actually save more on the staples in bulk
and you won't waste the money on non-perishables because well, they don't go bad. for things that can go bad, don't buy them in bulk like harbinger said
and you won't waste the money on non-perishables because well, they don't go bad. for things that can go bad, don't buy them in bulk like harbinger said
as a student its honestly super important to keep your stress levels down as much as possible. if you don't already, exercise in some shape or form is really really important for this, also eating PROPER full meals 3 times a day at minimum. there are a lot of things that are really helpful, if your dorm or house allows it, def get a cat, playing with my cat is one of the best stress reliefs ever. Seen soooo many student drop out just cause there stress levels were too high.
as a student its honestly super important to keep your stress levels down as much as possible. if you don't already, exercise in some shape or form is really really important for this, also eating PROPER full meals 3 times a day at minimum. there are a lot of things that are really helpful, if your dorm or house allows it, def get a cat, playing with my cat is one of the best stress reliefs ever. Seen soooo many student drop out just cause there stress levels were too high.
not reading every post in this thread so sorry if repeats
dunno what your college is like but do urself a huge favor and buy yourself a cheap wireless router (preferably with 5ghz) if you have access to an ethernet drop so u arent sharing wifi with everyone
always shop used for dorm furniture except mattresses
buy food in bulk, especially rice and beans. chili is an amazing dish can be made with cheap ingredients and made as an entree or side, plus u can experiemtn with lots of diff flavors
umm wear a condom
not reading every post in this thread so sorry if repeats
dunno what your college is like but do urself a huge favor and buy yourself a cheap wireless router (preferably with 5ghz) if you have access to an ethernet drop so u arent sharing wifi with everyone
always shop used for dorm furniture except mattresses
buy food in bulk, especially rice and beans. chili is an amazing dish can be made with cheap ingredients and made as an entree or side, plus u can experiemtn with lots of diff flavors
umm wear a condom
dunno what your college is like but do urself a huge favor and buy yourself a cheap wireless router (preferably with 5ghz) if you have access to an ethernet drop so u arent sharing wifi with everyone
always shop used for dorm furniture except mattresses
buy food in bulk, especially rice and beans. chili is an amazing dish can be made with cheap ingredients and made as an entree or side, plus u can experiemtn with lots of diff flavors
umm wear a condom
Turinshop bulk on things like rice, beans, canned items, etc because you actually save more on the staples in bulk
Similarly, learn how to make the Mother sauces, and stock up on them.
http://imgur.com/gallery/aBXSb <<--
You open up a lot of cooking options having the basic ingredients for these. And you'll save money buying bulk ingredients instead of buying the pre-fab stuff. (health benefits as well, but ya know, that may not be your concern)
[quote=Turin]shop bulk on things like rice, beans, canned items, etc because you actually save more on the staples in bulk[/quote]
Similarly, learn how to make the Mother sauces, and stock up on them.
http://imgur.com/gallery/aBXSb <<--
You open up a lot of cooking options having the basic ingredients for these. And you'll save money buying bulk ingredients instead of buying the pre-fab stuff. (health benefits as well, but ya know, that may not be your concern)
Similarly, learn how to make the Mother sauces, and stock up on them.
http://imgur.com/gallery/aBXSb <<--
You open up a lot of cooking options having the basic ingredients for these. And you'll save money buying bulk ingredients instead of buying the pre-fab stuff. (health benefits as well, but ya know, that may not be your concern)
know how safe or dangerous your neighborhood is and get on your neighbor's good sides, they may even let you use some of their resources in times of need
know how safe or dangerous your neighborhood is and get on your neighbor's good sides, they may even let you use some of their resources in times of need
It all depends on who you end up living with (unless you're lucky and live alone) and how far away you are.
If it's a significant commute (sometimes I lived ~30 mins from campus - sometimes I lived a short walk away lol) that'll change things up somewhat.
The easiest thing to do for furniture and utensils, is almost every year during the moving-in phases the actual local people there will have garage sales almost without fail - you just have to walk around a bunch to find out who is selling their old junk.
If you're relatively far away, find a spot to chill - I always hung out in the library basement because it was almost always deserted and had couches in it that I could use - and most of the best books. Libraries are also the best place to meet new people lol.
Make friends with your neighbors and share food with them.
Story time:
After being thrown out of the dorms and also having a kid midway through sophomore year, I had to find somewhere to live quickly because I had an *extremely* long commute from home, I ended up living with 2 women who happened not to be interested in men. It was *really* nice, They could cook, kept relatively quiet, helped me take care of baby on occasion, and did generally fun stuff fairly regularly. The only downside was that it was a duplex, and we had the upstairs so it was always super hot in the summer. But it could've been worse. After they both graduated I ended up living in a *large* house that had been cut up into apartments with Palestinians, and that was by far one of the better parts of my life lol, and then the following year I got my own house (I had a great summer job and a professor went on sabbatical and wanted somebody to keep the house lol) where my girlfriend at the time and I could live with kiddo, Living in the dorms was fun, but living off campus proved to be *way* more fun. Plus I got to have my own room so my not sleeping at night wasn't as bothersome.
It all depends on who you end up living with (unless you're lucky and live alone) and how far away you are.
If it's a significant commute (sometimes I lived ~30 mins from campus - sometimes I lived a short walk away lol) that'll change things up somewhat.
The easiest thing to do for furniture and utensils, is almost every year during the moving-in phases the actual local people there will have garage sales almost without fail - you just have to walk around a bunch to find out who is selling their old junk.
If you're relatively far away, find a spot to chill - I always hung out in the library basement because it was almost always deserted and had couches in it that I could use - and most of the best books. Libraries are also the best place to meet new people lol.
Make friends with your neighbors and share food with them.
Story time:
After being thrown out of the dorms and also having a kid midway through sophomore year, I had to find somewhere to live quickly because I had an *extremely* long commute from home, I ended up living with 2 women who happened not to be interested in men. It was *really* nice, They could cook, kept relatively quiet, helped me take care of baby on occasion, and did generally fun stuff fairly regularly. The only downside was that it was a duplex, and we had the upstairs so it was always super hot in the summer. But it could've been worse. After they both graduated I ended up living in a *large* house that had been cut up into apartments with Palestinians, and that was by far one of the better parts of my life lol, and then the following year I got my own house (I had a great summer job and a professor went on sabbatical and wanted somebody to keep the house lol) where my girlfriend at the time and I could live with kiddo, Living in the dorms was fun, but living off campus proved to be *way* more fun. Plus I got to have my own room so my not sleeping at night wasn't as bothersome.
If it's a significant commute (sometimes I lived ~30 mins from campus - sometimes I lived a short walk away lol) that'll change things up somewhat.
The easiest thing to do for furniture and utensils, is almost every year during the moving-in phases the actual local people there will have garage sales almost without fail - you just have to walk around a bunch to find out who is selling their old junk.
If you're relatively far away, find a spot to chill - I always hung out in the library basement because it was almost always deserted and had couches in it that I could use - and most of the best books. Libraries are also the best place to meet new people lol.
Make friends with your neighbors and share food with them.
Story time:
After being thrown out of the dorms and also having a kid midway through sophomore year, I had to find somewhere to live quickly because I had an *extremely* long commute from home, I ended up living with 2 women who happened not to be interested in men. It was *really* nice, They could cook, kept relatively quiet, helped me take care of baby on occasion, and did generally fun stuff fairly regularly. The only downside was that it was a duplex, and we had the upstairs so it was always super hot in the summer. But it could've been worse. After they both graduated I ended up living in a *large* house that had been cut up into apartments with Palestinians, and that was by far one of the better parts of my life lol, and then the following year I got my own house (I had a great summer job and a professor went on sabbatical and wanted somebody to keep the house lol) where my girlfriend at the time and I could live with kiddo, Living in the dorms was fun, but living off campus proved to be *way* more fun. Plus I got to have my own room so my not sleeping at night wasn't as bothersome.
maelstromStudy in a library, not your apartment
This is a man who knows what he is talking about
[quote=maelstrom]Study in a library, not your apartment[/quote]
This is a man who knows what he is talking about
This is a man who knows what he is talking about
maelstromStudy in a library, not your apartment
it actually makes your dorm/apartment more fun because you know that when you are home you have finished work. It makes you relate your home with not having to do anymore.
[quote=maelstrom]Study in a library, not your apartment[/quote]
it actually makes your dorm/apartment more fun because you know that when you are home you have finished work. It makes you relate your home with not having to do anymore.
it actually makes your dorm/apartment more fun because you know that when you are home you have finished work. It makes you relate your home with not having to do anymore.
ulmyxxmaelstromStudy in a library, not your apartment
it actually makes your dorm/apartment more fun because you know that when you are home you have finished work. It makes you relate your home with not having to do anymore.
I've started doing that a lot more recently. It helps a ton.
[quote=ulmyxx][quote=maelstrom]Study in a library, not your apartment[/quote]
it actually makes your dorm/apartment more fun because you know that when you are home you have finished work. It makes you relate your home with not having to do anymore.[/quote]
I've started doing that a lot more recently. It helps a ton.
it actually makes your dorm/apartment more fun because you know that when you are home you have finished work. It makes you relate your home with not having to do anymore.[/quote]
I've started doing that a lot more recently. It helps a ton.
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