I recently saw a statement that read, "August is like the Sunday of Summer" and I truly believe it. Summer is slowly coming to an end and your mind is starting to focus on your return to school. To many college students, this may be extremely depressing as they begin to think about the amount of homework that is about to take over their lives. To others, it may mean weekends full of excitement as you hop around your town from store to store shopping for dorm room accessories and back-to-school supplies.
August is one of my favorite months of the year due to this enthusiasm produced by almost every major store. I definitely do not like leaving home, but I like taking a blank dorm room and really making it my own. Through this experience of dorm room and back-to-school shopping, I have discovered the stores that are really able to provide for my college needs.
One thing that I have found to be extremely helpful in saving money is doing a price comparison between stores. I mean, a laundry basket is a laundry basket and if it's the same quality, why not buy it from a store that sells it cheaper? Taking the time to compare prices on items will keep you from kicking yourself later and your bank account will thank you! This list is totally based on my opinion and what I tend to buy at each place, so no hard feelings to all the other stores that do a terrific job at their back-to-school sales! (For all my Marylanders, tax free week is August 7-13 — get to shopping!).
1. Walmart
Walmart tops the list for so, so, so many reasons. This is where I buy the bulk of my school supplies — pencils, pens, markers, highlighters, folders, notebooks, binders, all paper products for a desk, etc. This is also where I buy all of my beauty and health products. Walmart tends to have low prices on almost all items and using coupons for your regular-buy items also helps lower the cost!
I also tend to purchase dorm supplies such as hangers, laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, etc. from Walmart. When it comes to food, this is the place where I buy most of my groceries. With the use of coupons, food tends to be a lower price here, compared to Target.
2. Target
I love Target! I'm one of those people who will walk through Target and have heart palpitations because their products are so gosh darn cute. Target is where I buy my jewelry, some of my clothing and shoes, and bags. I have found that the quality of these items tend to be a little better than Walmarts, but again, that's just my opinion.
Target is also where I go crazy with the decorations and dorm accessories. I always take advantage of their cheap section that is always right near where you enter the store. This is where I pick up little accessories or supplies that only cost me a couple of bucks! Their desk supplies — such as calendars, paper weights, paper sorters, tape dispensers, book ends, staplers, planners, etc. — are just too cute not to buy and the quality is also extremely good. This tends to be the reason why I purchase those types of products at Target.
Lastly, I also browse through their home decor section and always pick up Twin XL sheets, pillows, and some kitchen supplies such as coffee mugs, plates, bowls, and utensils because again, I have an obsession with Target.
3. Bed, Bath and Beyond
I found myself in this store a lot before my freshman year of college. This is where I bought my major appliances because they tend to have great sales as the school year approaches and also on Black Friday. This is where I bought my microwave, Keurig machine, and bed risers.
4. Any Type of Dollar Store
This is a great place to buy small, simple things that you might need for your room. I buy some school supplies here such as paper clips, envelopes, and post-it notes. Although, sometimes these products are cheaper at stores such as Walmart so this is where comparing prices comes in handy!
5. Big Lots and Hobby Lobby
I have also gotten a lot of my dorm decor from these two stores. Sometimes I find signs or artwork that will look great for my room and other times not. Trips to these stores are hit or miss but I really try to go with the intention of only purchasing products that will fit with my room because if not, I am the type of person that will go crazy (especially in Hobby Lobby — I mean it's basically a crafting person's dream). The prices at these two stores are also sometimes hit or miss but there is no damage done in going and looking through the aisles!
