College Student's Guide To: Furnishing an Off-Campus Apartment

College students love living off-campus. It's that all-important first step toward an independent life, but there are snags in the fabric of bliss when it comes to off-campus housing. Students used to living in nearly-furnished dorm rooms find themselves with a chair, bedding and little else in which to decorate an entire apartment with.

How to survive? Furnishing your first apartment can be done cheaply, so don't panic about funding. It's also completely possible to find furnishings that are inexpensive and attractive. No one wants the old-school milk crate bookshelves, right?

First Step - Call Your Parents/Grandparents/Anyone Related by Blood

Despite what flaws you see in your parents' decorating style, they are bound to have something helpful lying around in storage or in the basement. Unearthing finds such as discarded love seats, coffee tables and kitchenware are only a few of the very real possibilities. If there's an extra couch they're willing to donate, snag it. If you don't like the way the couch looks, put a slipcover on it. While you're grilling your parents for extra goodies to donate, check with your grandparents, aunts and uncles. Even if you only come away with a side table or toaster, that's another bit of money you won't have to spend.

Second Step - Flea Markets and Antique Shops

If you live in a medium to large city, there's a near-guarantee that a flea market is nearby. Flea markets can be a great place to find unique home furnishings that can add an extra touch of style. An unusual rug or window treatment is something to watch for at a flea market, and there's a good chance you'll get home goods at a bargain price point.

Bookshelves are another flea market must-buy. No matter how much the average college student does or does not like to read, a bookshelf can hold things such as DVDs, video games, textbooks or other assorted things that can't be placed anywhere else. A baseball hat collection works just as well on a bookshelf as actual books would. Try using this site to search for flea markets in your area.