College shopping is so exciting and fun, but can also be incredibly stressful once all of the prices start adding up.
These 6 stores are what helped me get everything I need for college while staying in the budget:
1. Target
There is a reason target is first on the list....you can get everything you need for college at Target. From bedding, bathroom, kitchen, office, food, etc. It is a one-stop shop. However, we all know that there is a budget we have to follow when we go college shopping...unfortunately. From my experience, I would hold off target until last. For anything that you can't find at the other 5 stores, Target is sure to have it and at a reasonable price.
2. Dollar Tree
I did not take advantage of this store enough when I went college shopping. It was not until I got to the dorm that I saw my roommates got the cutest decorations from dollar tree, and instead of spending grocery store prices on paper plates they got them here! In addition, the dollar store has kitchen and office supplies too! There is no need to go to a top brand store to get tape when you get a perfectly fine roll at the dollar store.
3. Walmart
Walmart is another store that is a one-stop shop that you could get almost everything you need. However, one thing that I really took advantage of was Walmart's cheap prices for office supplies. From pens, pencils, sharpies, post-it notes, to binders...they have great quality and an awesome price!
4. Costco
STOCK UP! Get your meds here...Trust me, you do not want to be in the middle of a paper at 11:00 pm and remember that you need to go out and get more pads, Advil, or Zyrtec for the next morning. I got the biggest bottle I could find and it has lasted me my entire freshman year. Saving time and money at once. Also, make sure to grab your favorite snacks and go-to drinks when you are there too. I got a huge box of goldfish, granola bars, and water bottles that always rescued me when I was running out to class or for a quick late-night snack. Also, toiletries aren't a bad idea here, however, your dorm room might not be big enough to store 20 rolls of toilet paper.
5. Bed Bath & Beyond
The main key here is: quality. I splurged and got my sheets and towels here since I wanted those to be good quality that I could use over and over. If you are going to school out-of-state, Bed Bath & Beyond has something called Pack&Hold, When you get to the state your college is in, the nearest store will have your stuff so that you do not have to fly, drive, or travel with all of the extra items. Plus, they give college students a 20% discount on every item. Since it can be expensive, you want to limit what you get from here but the good quality bedding, etc can be found here.
6. Hobby Lobby
This store has every type of decoration you might need: lamps, signs, art, glitter, clips for pictures, frames, etc. You will not leave this store without decor for your room, I promise! Also, one statement piece goes a long way in a small dorm room so there is plenty to choose from. I got a white, wooden frame, some burlap string, and clothespins all for under $10 and my wall decor was done :)
