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• What to Buy

What to Buy in the US

Current international students have contributed to this suggested list of items that you may want to wait to buy after your arrival in the US.

Dorm or Apartment Items

The office of Residence Life provides a comprehensive list of suggested items for your dorm room or apartment. 

Clothing, Personal, & Household Items

After arriving in the U.S., you may need to buy personal, clothing, and household items. The stores listed below are all accessible by bus:

• Marshalls | Walking; Bus Route 5: Monticello
• Target | Bus Route 5: Monticello
• Premium Outlets (Outlet mall) | Bus Route 2: Richmond Rd.
• Walmart Neighborhood Market | Trolley; Bus Route 5: Monticello
• Dollar Tree (Discounted Variety Store) | Bus Route 5: Monticello

It often rains in Williamsburg during the Spring and Fall, so we recommend purchasing rain boots - ask current students about popular styles.

Food & Groceries

Grocery stores carry a variety of items such as fruits, meats, vegetables, dairy products, and non-perishable food. If you want a larger selection of international ingredients, you may want to visit an International Grocery Store instead.

Local Grocery Stores Williamsburg Food Lion | Walking; Bus Route 5: Monticello Trader Joe's | Bus Route 5: Monticello Aldi | Bus Route 5: Monticello Publix | Bus Route 5: Monticello Earth Fare | Walking; Bus Route 5: Monticello Harris Teeter | Bus Route 6: Jamestown Williamsburg Farmer's Market | Fresh Seasonal food and farm products. Available every Saturday on the Duke of Gloucester St. (near the main W&M campus)  Gloucester Food Lion | Driving Aldi | Driving Walmart | Driving

International Grocery Stores Williamsburg Kielbasa Euro Deli | Eastern European Trader Joe's | Variety of Foods Cost Plus World Market | Variety of Foods La Tienda Tapas Bar & Market | Spanish Mi Bendicion Latin Market | Latin American International Bazaar | Indian/Halal Foods Newport News E-Mart | Asian/Latin American Farm Fresh International Food | Asian/Latin American Kundan International Grocery | Indian ubbego African SuperMarket | African

Electronics

For electronics, such as TVs, microwaves, or refrigerators, you may want to talk to your roommate(s) to coordinate who purchases which items.

Students living on-campus also have the option of renting electronics and other dorm items from Dorms Direct. Items are set-up in your room prior to check-in, and removed after you move-out at the end of the academic year.

Cell Phones: It is best to do some research before buying a new cell phone in the US.

Laptops: If you buy your laptop in the US, you might be eligible for a student discount. You will also be able to purchase a warranty or tech support packages. If you buy a laptop in the US, you can always purchase a keyboard sticker in your native language.