All week long, our Dealgebra 101 back-to-school deals are teaching students vital lessons in penny-pinching.

And today's lesson is: invest a few bucks in making a good first impression in your dorm. A good-looking set of sheets will pay for itself by winter break.

How, you ask? Take notes here. It's move-in day. You conspicuously lug one of these stylish, durable 30-piece bedding sets into the residence hall. People take notice: wow, zippered mattress and pillow protectors to guard against allergens and mites? I never would've thought of that. There's someone to watch. Someone to know.

You set up your bed. Your fellow residents are wandering the halls, exploring this new world, getting to know each other. They stumble into your room, and have one of those mind-broadening experiences that kids go to college for. Reversible microfiber comforter? Coordinated six-piece bath towel set? Matching toothbrush holders, even? Whoa. I'm hitching my wagon to this star.

By the time they notice the shower caddy and laundry bags, you'll be surrounded by a gaggle of eager buds, pals, and hangers-on. They'll hang on your every word. They'll compete to satisfy your every whim, all for the privilege of basking in your radiance. And that's when you start mooching.

At first, it'll be small. The occasional piece of gourmet jerky. Some quarters for the laundry room. Paying your way into a rock show or a movie, maybe. "Oh, hey, nice earbuds. Mind if I use them?" "Thanks for the massage and the pizza, but what I really need is a new backpack." Keep up the pressure, keep softening them up, and most of all, keep your snazzy bed & bath set in place.

By Thanksgiving, you'll be "borrowing" their iPads for as long as you want them. You'll have a guaranteed ride anywhere you want to go. And you'll never have to buy a textbook again. This 30-Piece XL Twin Dorm Bed & Bath Superset is more than just a comfortable, attractive collection of accessories - it's your own personal financial aid package.

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