Yet some students may want to save their parents' favors for Commencement bonuses. And for them, there are more economical alternatives.

Several used furniture stores dot the Square and its periphery, providing various options for dorm furnishing. The University's sparse standard issue--a bed, a desk, a chair, a dresser--prompted first-year student Frank Rochon to journey elsewhere.

Rochon recommends the local Salvation Army Family Thrift Store, where he found a $40 plaid couch. "For 40 bucks it's in great shape," he said.

But the urge to buy doesn't just strike newcomers to the University. Some upperclass students who have come back to Cambridge early are taking time out to shop.

They, too, it seems, have a parental charge card and are happy to use it in the spirit of back-to-school adventure.

Like her first-year counterparts, Courtney T. Pyle '93, a new Adams House resident, is also interested in lighting accesories.

"I don't really need [more lights], but since my parents have a charge card, I thought I'd look at lamps," Pyle said.