Their neglect can be your opportunity.
Many universities sell this excess property at steep discounts through on-campus surplus stores, public auctions or online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist. You can save money and give useful items a second life — a clear win for you and the planet.
Why Do Schools Hold Surplus Sales?
Universities dispose of everything from bicycles and athletic gear to vehicles, as well as laptops, smartphones, computer components, furniture, antiques and more.
Many public institutions are required to manage disposals via surplus departments to ensure accountability and tracking. Because taxpayers fund these items, institutions avoid allowing individuals to profit unduly from university property.
Most state schools (and even some private ones) operate surplus property offices. Those programs serve two main purposes: removing unneeded items and supporting environmental goals by recycling and repurposing. If you enjoy thrift shopping, campus surplus outlets are right up your alley.
“Surplus property was originally created to oversee state assets no longer required by the university, and to operate under Texas government code provisions,” says Maria Carter, a spokesperson for the University of Texas at Austin, which has maintained a surplus office for decades.
“Today, our approach also focuses on waste diversion targets and stewarding assets sustainably.”
1. Furniture
From task chairs to architecture drafting tables, campuses are full of surplus furniture, often available for bargain prices.
Universities are an excellent resource if you’re launching a business and need bulk furnishings without paying full retail prices. Because many schools function like miniature cities, they frequently have multiple identical items, so you can often grab matching sets of desks or chairs inexpensively.
“If you’re hunting for furniture, we’re the best deal in town,” said Robert Moddrell, resource recovery manager at the University of Texas at Austin.
“Used-furniture shops typically start at $50 for a desk, and we consistently see desks selling for $10.”
2. Bikes
A lot of students skip bringing cars to campus — parking is limited and permits can be pricey. Many also prefer greener modes of transport.
Bicycles are a common choice. But sometimes students leave bikes behind or choose not to transport them when they graduate or go home for the summer.
Colorado State University recently listed hundreds of bikes for sale priced from $25 to $300. Sure, some may need a tune-up and a cleanup, but $25 is an incredible bargain for a bike.
I test-rode several and found many in solid condition. I even spotted a few “hidden gems” — older models from reputable brands that are still high-quality.
3. Sports Equipment
If you’re passionate about a school’s athletics, check its surplus operation for jerseys, tees and other fan gear.
Teams sometimes order excess equipment or receive apparel that doesn’t fit anyone on the roster. Those items get turned over to surplus and sold, so you can pick up top-quality, practically new gear for a fraction of the retail cost — and cheer on your team at the same time.
Recently, the University of Wisconsin offered football game jerseys for just $20. I found a comparable Wisconsin jersey online priced at $105 — that’s an $85 saving.
Colorado State University sold men’s Under Armour football cleats on eBay for $39.99 — nearly half the price of a similar pair listed at $79.95 on Amazon.
4. Computers and Hardware
My personal laptop is getting long in the tooth, so I wasn’t keen to spend a fortune replacing it. I wanted something reasonably priced and functional.
Enter my local university’s surplus auction.
Campuses often sell excellent deals on laptops, desktops, printers, keyboards, mice, cables and other electronics. These devices are typically well-maintained while in service, as campus IT departments usually perform regular updates and upkeep.
The University of Michigan ran a back-to-school sale featuring surplus computers, offering Dell laptops for $100 to $125 — far below their original $600 to $750 purchase prices. Each laptop purchase even included a complimentary laptop bag.
5. Undiscovered Treasures
Need a giant chalkboard? One sold for $30 at the University of Michigan.
Or maybe you’re into horseback riding and want an English saddle, which you can bid on at the University of Wisconsin.
Western Kentucky University listed a wooden shed with a starting bid of only $15. Virginia Commonwealth University put a 1964 organ up for sale, with bids beginning at $1,500.
Maybe you’re in the market for a lightly used 40-foot mobile dental clinic from Indiana University, starting at $25,000.
Surplus stores at universities carry some wildly varied items. If you’re a collector or searching for a particular thing, keep an eye on your nearby school’s surplus listings — you might stumble on exactly what you need for far less.
Your Turn: Have you uncovered any standout bargains at a college near you?
If you’re a student watching your budget, also check resources like college scholarships for transfer students and easy meal ideas for students at how to save money in college dorm recipes to stretch your dollars further.
