You'll find a lot of quality items at such stores as Walmart, K-Mart and Ames geared toward the college student. Search department store outlets. You get the name brand, high-quality necessities at a fraction of regular cost. Estate sales aren't just for the rich. You'll be surprised by the fine china and silverware sold.
Check classifieds sections of newspapers.
Throw a small apartment-warming party. Send registry cards out with the invites to friends and family. Your guests will know why you invited them if you're serving the drinks from plastic cups. Hit the upscale thrift stores. Go to a nice neighborhood, not the hood.