It is no secret that college life gets expensive. 

Tuition—“Ka-ching,” Food—“Ka-ching,” Books—"Ka-ching,” Rent—“Ka-ching.” 

Debt hangs over a student’s head. The cost of furnishing an apartment may seem like an unwanted cost on top of it all. That’s where buying second hand comes in.

According to Bart’s Flea Market Manager Vanessa Summerfield, by browsing the items available at second-hand stores and yard sales students are able to save a substantial amount of money. 

Assistant professor for Family & Consumer Sciences Treva Sprout agreed. She said yard sales are a great place to find quality furniture if a student knows what they are looking for. 

“For temporary usage, buying used furniture is a great idea for students,” Sprout said. 

Life-long thrifty shopper and art major Katie Giroux said aside from the savings, shopping at second-hand stores for furniture and other decorative apartment items can be a fun experience and offer opportunities to find some unique items. 

Summerfield agreed. She said shopping at second-hand stores is a “treasure hunt for unique things.” 

Sprout, Summerfield and Giroux offer the following tips to help with those jumping into the world of second hand rummaging:.

1. When shopping at a second-hand store, avoid anything made from particle board or do it yourself furniture. These types of furniture tend to break and wear out quickly. Look for furniture made from real wood and sturdy pieces of furniture.

2. Auctions may have great finds. Don’t let the idea of bidding be intimidating. The savings are worth the learning curve

3. Shopping at yard sales offers great opportunities for cheap furniture as well as dumpster diving around campus at the end of the semester when students are moving out. 

4. It is always wise to test the sturdiness of furniture and, when possible, test out any electrical appliance to make sure they work. 

5. For computers and display monitors, consider the campus surplus store. They post sale dates on their website, usually about once a month. http://www.uwyo.edu/administration/fiscal/property/.

6. Essential furniture for students include: a couch, coffee table, end tables, lamps, bed, bedding and a mirror. Additional items such as desks, chairs, small appliances and decorative items may also be needed.

7.  Local thrift stores have merchandise turnover regularly. Students looking for furniture are encouraged to check in often for furniture and other items. Stores and pawn shops, such as Ann’s Pawn, Bart's Flea Market and the Salvation Army also carry a lot of merchandise that could be helpful for the student looking for furniture, televisions, appliances and other household items.

8. Ask local family members if they have excess furniture. They may be glad to have you take it off their hands. 

9.  Know what you’re looking for and to have a theme in mind, even if it is just a color theme, so that various items you may purchase coordinate well together.

Email: Nathan Huseth