College move-in costs rise as inflation pressures New York students and families

BUFFALO, N.Y. — As college students across New York move into their dorms, for many families, the cost goes well beyond tuition and room and board. From bedding and mini-fridges to food and cleaning supplies, inflation is adding to the price of starting a new school year.

For students living on their own for the first time, there are a lot of costs that don't necessarily show up on that college bill showing up from the school.

For college students, dorm move-in week is supposed to mark a new beginning. But for many students and families, it also means a new list of expenses. Buffalo State University student Jevon Francis, originally from Florida, lives on his own while balancing school and a part-time job.

"Any necessity in general [is more expensive]," said Francis. "Toilet paper prices have gone up. The cleaning supplies have gone up as well. Even just the simple things like clothes and shoes."

Francis said even after paying for housing, there's still the cost of making a dorm feel like home.

"I don't think it's so much of kids overspending," said Francis. "I think it's them trying to make themselves comfortable in an environment that is going to tax their mind and tax their pockets."

Buffalo State finance and economics professor Fred Floss said families need to think beyond the initial price tag.

"You can expect to probably pay about $100-200 more if you're living on campus a month," said Floss.

Floss said food is another major pressure, especially for students who don't have a kitchen or a parent’s home-cooked meal waiting for them.

"There are obviously things like food and electricity," said Floss. "Food has gone up since the pandemic, probably by 40 to 50%."

For moms like Elly Rivera, who dropped off her freshman daughter at SUNY ESF on Monday, the goal is to provide the basics without losing sight of what move-in day is really about.

"She gets to decorate it," said Rivera. "As long as I've got the basics there. So she's always been independent. And we'll do what she wants and make it her own."

Rivera said, despite the costs, she’s excited to see her daughter start this next chapter.

According to RIT Senior Vice President of Student Affairs Sandy Johnson, colleges like RIT are trying to make the transition easier for families.

"Every residence hall room has your bed, your dresser; there's like a microfridge and a refrigerator," Johnson said. "There's lots of amenities that a campus of our size can provide for students."

But Floss said there’s one way families can make a major difference in their bottom line.

"The largest cost of going to college now isn't tuition and fees; it's room and board," said Floss. "And if you’re staying at home, while yes, you still have to eat; yes, you have to get to classes; you’re probably going to cut down the cost by two-thirds."

Floss said there are also other ways students can cut those costs. He said families should consider used or discounted items when possible, and he said students should check whether they’re already covered by their parents’ health insurance before paying for a separate school health insurance plan.