What pricy items do a lot of college students own?

I've been thinking about budgeting for college lately and want to get a sense of what kind of pricier items college students generally have. Is it common to bring things like a mini fridge or a fancy coffee maker to the dorm room? I want to get a realistic idea of what I should plan for. Thanks!

Ah, the adventure of equipping your first dorm room! Yes, many college students do bring some peer-pricier items to their rooms. However, keep in mind that it differs among students and what they personally find necessary for their comfort and convenience.

First up, tech gear is big on the list. Things like a laptop or desktop computer, and possibly a printer, are considered essentials for most college students. While not all students will opt for the high-end models, investing in durable and reliable tech can often be a wise decision given how integral these items are to your studies.

Next, mini fridges are very common in dorm rooms. They're a great amenity if you want to have quick access to fresh snacks, fruits, chilled drinks, or store leftovers.

Many students also bring a microwave, either as an individual unit or combined with the fridge as a "microfridge." This tends to be a pricier but convenient item to have for heating up food.

High-quality headphones are another common item; they can be essential for studying in shared spaces or for relaxing with some music or podcasts.

As for a fancy coffee maker, this depends on how much you love your daily caffeine fix. Some students are perfectly content with an inexpensive drip coffee maker or French press, while others swear by their high-end espresso makers or Keurigs.

Lastly, more and more students are bringing bikes or even electric scooters to campus—not necessarily a cheap investment, but convenient for larger campuses.

These are just some of the typical items you may see. However, remember that you need to account for not just the space in your dorm room, but also balancing your budget and your individual needs. If you're looking to save money, consider renting, borrowing, buying used, or sharing costs with roommates for some more expensive items. Best of luck with your budgeting!