It's Worth the $1.70
Once at Star, stop and fill out the application for their free advantage Card, entitling you to considerable discounts. Besides the freedom of choice--aisles of snack foods, cereals and ice cream--Star Market features a 12-pack of Coca-Cola for $2.50. 'Nuff said.
Porter Square also boasts Boston Bed and Bath, where you can pick up a compact summer folding chair for under $15, perfect for those balmy days in the Yard. For those with less stringent budgets, Pier 1 Imports is located just upstairs.
For the even more adventurous, try the Cambridgeside Galleria (T: Lechmere on the Green Line or #69 bus), your mall away from home. Spend hours browsing through over 90 stores, and escape Annenberg monotony with a food court worthy of variety-lovers.
With a little persistence and comparison shopping, your room will be inexpensively packed with all of the comforts of home. Just do yourself a favor and don't start purchasing lava lamps and loveseats, no matter how good of a deal you find. After all, you're only here for eight weeks.