A big chapter of life often starts in a very small space. Residential life on college campuses has changed drastically over the years and students are elevating their spaces to a whole new level.

“Dorms are so different these days, so elaborate,” said Marshal Cohen, Circana’s chief retail analyst.

Between the appliances, electronics, necessities and the luxuries — you are footing a hefty bill on top of the initial cost to dorm on campus.

According to Cohen, smart shopping starts with creating a safe place for your student to sleep and study.

“Bedding is usually one of the places that the kids really like to focus in on,” said Cohen. “First, $45 for a twin bed set is the average price you'll pay, which includes a comforter, includes pillowcase and some sheets. They can run up to $140 for a fancy faux fur set.”

If you're responsible for the microwave or minifridge, Cohen says you'll want to set aside $100 or so. Laptops will push you closer to $1,000.

Fashion is just as important to some as function, and Cohen knows students don’t skimp to make the room look and feel like home.

“One of the things that we are always amazed at when I teach class and some of the kids talk about how they decorated their rooms,” he said. “They've been spending up to five, six, seven hundred dollars just in decoration alone between the lights and between the mirrors in between some of the additional storage units that they get."