August 18, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • Page 13 �������������� Comfort, space saving style at college without the cost ����������������������������� ������������ �������������������� ������������������ which they can cut college costs. Though there is little parents can do about lowering tuition, there are myriad ways to save on other costs associated with college. Perhaps no tactic better serves parents than planning ahead. While many high school seniors don’t know what to expect when they first step on campus, there are a few givens parents can plan for when it comes to college life. One such given is furnishings. While dorm rooms aren’t akin to a five-star hotel, parents who plan ahead when furnishing their children’s room can save substantial amounts of money. For instance, dorm rooms are generally smaller than a kid’s normal room, requiring some careful planning if he or she plans to bring most of their things along to college. Parents of college bound youngsters should consider the following tips to provide their college bound sons and daughters with all the comforts of home at a fraction of the cost. Shop for multi-functional items. While today’s college kids might not know what a compact disc is, that doesn’t mean they don’t need a place to store all those DVDs and video games. When shopping for storage items, consider items that serve more than one purpose. For instance, many TV stands also have ample storage space ideal for college kids living in a crowded dorm room. For those college kids lucky enough to have room for a couch, futons make the ideal addition, acting as a couch during the day time and doubling up as a fold-out bed for those weekend visits from friends back home. Go vertical. While dorm rooms might not provide the most square footage, the ceiling heights are often average size. That makes dorm rooms ideal for going vertical. Search for bookcases and dressers that stretch vertically instead of horizontally, enabling students to save space and money. Hook it up. Hooks are another good friend of those who call dorms home. Instead of using up valuable dresser and closet space to hang coats, hangers, and bath towels, hooks hung up on the back of the dorm room door or inside the closet door make use of existing space many college kids don’t routinely use. Remember that furnishing a dorm room is not the same as furnishing a first apartment. When shopping for dorm rooms, think small. (MS) As any parent knows, the cost of college continues to rise. According to CollegeBoard.com, the average costs at a four-year, private university for the 2009-10 school year exceeded $26,000. That figure is daunting on its own, but when combined with the nation’s struggling economy the sticker price is even more shocking. While parents are fully aware of the costs associated with college, they might not be aware of the many ways in ����������������������������������������������������������� Infants, Toddler, Preschool and Kindergarten, Grades 1-6, Ages 6 weeks to 12 years ������������������������������������� A Truly Unique Montessori School • Unique Phonics Reading Program • Computers • Music • Foreign Language • 3 or 5 Half Days • Full Days 7am - 6pm • Fastrackids • Character Education • Parenting Seminars • Dance Academy CORE of the A PPLE REGISTER NOW FOR 2010-2011 SEMESTER ������������������������� ����������������������� ������������������� �������������� ������������ ������������������ ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ���������������������� ������� �������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������� ������������������� ������������ ��������������� Call, visit and compare the advantages gained for your child... • Daily Swimmming Lessons, Heated Pool designed for safety of young children • Sports/Organized Games • Arts & Crafts • Field Trips • Music/Dance • In House Events • Nature & Science • Computers • Cooking Summer Camp ��������������������������������� www.applemontessorischools.com 192 Ramapo Valley Rd. OAKLAND 201-337-0183 Please call for our other locations 973-696-9750 Nevins Rd. WAYNE 75 East Ramapo Valley Rd. MAHWAH ������������������� ������ ��������������������� ��������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������������������������ 201-512-1141