Shopping Tips for Host Families

While I-Place is available to assist students with transportation to local shopping centers so that they can purchase items they will need to get settled in, host families might want to share their shopping expertise with their student. If you are able to do so, feel free to take your student to local thrift shops, discount stores and shopping malls. There are also a number of local ethnic food markets that you might be interested in exploring with your student.  

Of course, each student’s shopping needs will vary. Students who will be living on campus should check the housing information they received from their college and might want to check our suggested list for Dorm Rooms. Graduate students who will be living off campus might need to get some furniture, since most off campus apartments are not furnished. A good place to start looking is the bulletin board in the Charlene Martin Lounge at I-Place; the Claremont Courier is also a great place to find used furniture, as are some of the local Thrift Shops. Unfortunately, I-Place has limited ability to help students transport large items (such as furniture), so students may need to pay additional costs for delivery.