Thrifting has become more than an off-campus activity for Principia College students; according to students, it is a community-driven activity led by resident counselors.
Counselors like Tiffany Randolph have taken the initiative to make thrifting more accessible to students who do not have a way to get off-campus. With the support of other RCs like Shannon John and Tina Hussey, students say these thrifting trips help them find affordable and unique clothes while promoting sustainable habits.
Randolph, who has been organizing thrifting trips since her first year as an RC, said thrifting trips started as small outings but have become popular for many students. “I’ve always loved thrifting,” she said, noting that her passion inspired her to start taking groups of students thrifting five years ago.
Today, she coordinates a WhatsApp group where students receive updates on upcoming thrifting trips. From small beginnings with just a few participants, attendance has surged, with recent trips attracting up to 13 students.
For students like sophomore Joy Asuelimen, thrifting has become a preferred alternative to fast fashion and online shopping, especially given the challenges of finding affordable, size-inclusive clothing. “I don’t really buy clothes anymore until I’m going thrifting,” Asuelimen said. She noted that her experiences with thrifting has allowed her to experiment with different styles without the risk of paying high prices for clothes she may not like.
Thrifting trips have also inspired creative projects for students, such as sophomore Ishmael Ochieng, who creates upcycling clothing designs. He combines thrifted clothes with pieces from Principia’s Share Closet, transforming old clothing into something new and stylish. “I go thrifting, get clothes, and then I can make them into something else,” Ochiengl said, adding that he often approaches thrifting with an open mind, ready to discover unexpected treasures.
Popular destinations for these trips include Goodwill stores in Alton, Edwardsville, Florissant, and smaller, independently-run shops. The RCs and students sometimes venture to St. Louis for a more extensive selection of thrifting options, where stores like “the bins” allow shoppers to buy by weight rather than by the item, making for an even more budget-friendly experience.
For Randolph, the joy is seeing students embrace thrifting. “I would just encourage people to thrift,” she said, adding that thrifting is a great way to save money, build community, and be creative.
