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After shelling out money for tuition, textbooks and school supplies, it may seem financially daunting to furnish your college apartment. Even if you live in a furnished dorm, you’ll still need to bring bedding, towels, lamps, dishes and utensils — not to mention clothes and snacks. An apartment or rental house will require all these things plus some basic furniture and decor.

Fortunately, college students have options for saving money on everything from moving services to pantry staples.

Most college students who are moving into a dorm choose to transport their belongings themselves. However, if you’re living in an off-campus apartment or renting a house, you may want to hire a professional mover.

Request quotes from the best long-distance moving companies and ask if they have any discounts that apply to your move. Even if they don’t offer student discounts, they may have special rates for small moves or early reservations.

Here are some other ways to save on the move:

If you don’t have many large items to transport, you may be able to load up your car or rent a van instead of hiring a full-service mover. Keep in mind that you must be at least 18 years old to rent a moving truck, and some companies may have a higher age requirement.

Consider what you really need before shopping. Impulse purchases can wreck your budget, so make a list and stick to it. Ask family and friends for input and do some research to ensure your list includes everything you need. Then, limit purchases to only those items.

Here are some of the basics you’ll need for your college apartment. Your list may vary depending on whether you’re moving into a dorm, studio apartment or multi-bedroom rental with roommates.

Don’t forget about food, pantry basics and items such as trash bags, toilet paper, paper towels, toiletries, hand soap and cleaning solutions.

Before purchasing brand-new essential items, take inventory of what you already have. For example, your family may be happy to let you take your bedroom furniture with you to college, but be sure to ask rather than assume.

Next, ask friends and family members if they have anything you could take off their hands. For instance, if your aunt is getting a new couch, she may be willing to give you her old one. Or, you might find that your grandparents have some old furniture sitting in their garage or attic.

Below are other ways to save money on essential household items and furniture:

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, too. Chances are, you have at least one friend or family member who loves bargain hunting. Enlist their help as you look for the best prices.

Once you cover the bare necessities, you can shift your attention to nonessentials. These include decorations, snacks, entertainment and hobbies. Most of the tips above apply when shopping for these items, but here are a few additional suggestions:

Whatever you like to do in your spare time, you can probably find a way to do it on a budget.

Ultimately, sticking to the essentials is the best way to save money. Build a budget and a shopping list and resist the urge to indulge in impulse purchases. Sales and student discounts are two reliable ways to save. You can also save money by checking thrift shops and bargain stores first.

With creativity and careful planning, you can get everything you need for your college apartment — and still have a little cash leftover for the things you want.

The furniture you need for a college apartment includes a bed frame, mattress, nightstand, dresser, desk and chair. You will also need a couch, coffee table, TV and media stand for the living room, plus a table and chairs for the kitchen or dining area. However, if you have roommates, you may not need to provide all the furniture for the common area.

The cost to furnish a college bedroom varies based on the furniture you choose and when you shop. However, on average, you can expect to spend around $1,000. Here’s the breakdown, based on average price ranges from several online retailers:

Follow these tips to decorate your college apartment on a budget:

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