Your pad lacking furniture? Need a Ride? Craigslist it!

Everyone knows about Craigslist, and at least half of you have used it. If not, then its time to step out of 1999. Anyway, if your ok with second hand items, Craigslist is probably the easiest and best way to get everything to furnish your new place of residence or get that needed item on the cheap cheap.

Keep in mind that in a college town, things have to move quickly. Students graduating are the best source for what you need because: 1) They've been there for years and have accumulated a lot. 2) Its time to jump ship out of town for good and its easier to unload it all than to take it with. and 3) Because its gotta go quick, they are willing to settle for less. Offer half of what they're asking and work from there.

Here are a few do's and don'ts from a few of the categories.

Furniture - Living room, dining room and storage are all generally a good to go if you like it. One bit of advice, steer clear of a used mattress. You just don't want to go there. Most of you can figure out why, and if you can't, well its time to rethink college.

Kitchen Items - Pots, pans, cookware, plates, cups, silverware can all add up and get really expensive for a one time cost. These things are not a big deal cause you can do a good was and sanitize in a dishwasher and your good to go.

Electronics - Looking for a tv or stereo? Craigslist will normally have bulks of these around the end of a semester because they are big and bulky and extremely inconvenient to move. New to you doesn't necessarily have to be new. Be careful on older electronics, those tend to be cheaper but have the higher possibility of changing hands a lot over its life so you can't be to careful.

Transportation -

Cars ~ If your from out of state or country, you most likely will not be bringing your own transportation if you live more than a days drive. The thing is that there are other students graduating that were in the same scenario. If your in the need for a cheap car, Craigslist has someone on it needing to get rid of one. Depending on your price point and the need you have, you can make out with a car for $1k which will be dependable enough for getting you around locally.

Bicycle ~ I got my first bicycle in college for $10. Sold it for $10 at the end of the year. The following year i decided to upgrade a bit and spent $30. I still have it to this day. Very minor maintenance, low up front cost, and an alternative to the gym. Do i need to say more?