Why We're Turning to Target for All Our Dorm Room Essentials
Why We're Turning to Target for All Our Dorm Room Essentials
A dorm room shopping checklist is an overwhelming task. It calls for some highly specific items (think: Twin XL-sized bedding, communal bathroom-friendly shower gear, portable laundry hampers), but buying all these single-use products can feel a little wasteful—not to mention, pricey. That's where Target comes in. When it comes to affordability, the retailer has your wallet covered, but it's also a great resource for finding chic products that'll work for your dorm years and beyond. There's the luxe cotton sheet set that comes in a timeless blue and white pattern, designed to last for many seasons. There's the tiny coffee machine that fits neatly atop a mini fridge that you'll want to hold onto for your first apartment. There's the lap desk you'll use to write term papers from bed on now and when working remotely at internships and jobs in the future.
In other words: If you're looking for dorm room essentials that don't look too, well, dorm-y, we've got you covered. These 30 picks are both cute and practical, and will help you kick off the school year in style:
Threshold Printed Performance Sheet Set
Threshold
target.com
$44.99
First of all, the basics: You'll need a sheet set that actually fits your new bed. Skip the synthetic microfiber in favor of something a bit more upscale, like Threshold's 400-thread-count cotton sheets, which are wrinkle-resistant and make a great low-maintenance pick.
Opalhouse x Jungalow Marin Stackable Pouf with Casters
Opalhouse designed with Jungalow
target.com
$67.50
Dorm rooms aren't famed for their square footage, after all. Add this rolling pouf trio to your cart to add extra seating to a cramped room, and thank us later.
Casaluna Serenity Room Spray
Casaluna
target.com
$10.00
If your dorm has a strict no-candle policy, a few spritzes of this peppermint, sage, and basil essential oil blend makes for just as fragrant a refresh.
Made by Design Memory Foam Bed Pillow
Made By Design
target.com
$35.00
Because in college, good sleep is more important than ever. This affordable option is made from cooling memory foam to regulate your body temperature while you snooze.
Room Essentials Underbed Storage
Room Essentials
target.com
$9.00
Squeeze more wardrobe storage into your room by making use of every nook and cranny—including under the bed, where this zippered bag can slip seamlessly into and hold all your bulkiest clothing.
Frigidaire Mini Retro Beverage Fridge
Frigidaire
target.com
$29.99
Ensure there's always a chilled La Croix within reach with this bright red fridge, which even comes with a carrying handle so you can take it with you to the beach or park.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Camera
Fujifilm
target.com
$69.99
Take your photo-capturing skills analog with a Polaroid—your phone storage will thank you.
Opalhouse designed with Jungalow Gauze Comforter Set
Opalhouse designed with Jungalow
target.com
$44.25
You'll want to wrap yourself up in this cozy yarn-dyed set all winter long. The cotton comforter is made to fit a Twin XL bed, and looks great with both simple white sheets and bolder hues.
Willow Creek Press Academic Planner
Willow Creek Press
target.com
$17.99
If ever there was a time for staying on top of your schedule, college is it: Willow Creek's chic teal planner has room for everything from your weekly schedule to your grocery shopping list.
Made By Design Quilted Mattress Pad
Made By Design
target.com
$22.50
Let's face it, there's nothing about a pre-used mattress that's particularly alluring. A mattress pad both protects the bed (this one is waterproof and stain-resistant) and brings some much-needed comfort.
Room Essentials Corduroy Lap Desk
Room Essentials
target.com
$13.50
For those rainy days where a trip to the library isn't happening, study from your bed with this bean-filled lap desk.
Project 62 Desk Lamp with USB Ports
Project 62
target.com
$35.00
Not only is this mid-century desk lamp a stylish accent, but it also comes with two USB ports so you can charge your phone while you work.
Room Essentials Gallery Frame Set (Set of 7)
Room Essentials
target.com
$26.25
The fastest way to personalize a white-box dorm room? Hang up your favorite prints and photos in the form of a gallery wall. This set of six different-sized frames makes it easy to DIY your own collection.
Room Essentials Extended LED Fairy Lights
Room Essentials
target.com
$7.50
Ditch the harsh fluorescent lighting in favor of a softer glow with these LED string lights.
Opalhouse Textured Bath Rug
Opalhouse
target.com
$18.75
Zhuzh up a cold, tiled bathroom floor with a vibrant little bath mat. (Psst: This one's machine-washable.)
Room Essentials Gray Convertible Sofa Bed
Room Essentials
target.com
$210.00
This minimalist-friendly piece gives futons a good name. It'll come in handy when your high-school friends visit for the weekend, and at under $300, it won't break the bank, either.
Apple HomePod Mini
Apple
target.com
$99.99
A virtual assistant and a Bluetooth speaker, all rolled into one tiny sphere. It comes in five colors so you can pick the one that best matches your aesthetic.
Room Essentials Metal Magnetic Display Pocket Board
Room Essentials
target.com
$12.00
Hang notes and reminders on this mini display board, which also comes with a deep enough pocket to store desk supplies.
Threshold Quick Dry Ribbed Bath Towel Set
Threshold
target.com
$9.00
Treat yourself to a little luxury in the form of a plush new towel set. We love that this ribbed design dries quickly and comes in a rainbow of pretty colors, like aqua and burnt orange.
Threshold Stoneware The Good Life Mug
Threshold
target.com
$7.00
Your caffeine addiction is about to look very chic. This pistachio-hued mug is suitable for both hot and cold drinks, is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and is generally the perfect vessel for sipping morning (and afternoon) cups of coffee.
Brightroom Skinny Storage Cart
Brightroom
target.com
$33.75
Tuck this slim rolling cart into a corner to house miscellaneous things like desk supplies and beauty products.
Artistic Weavers Lavadora Rug
Artistic Weavers
target.com
$154.99
Disguise dated dorm room floors with the help of this punchy blue rug. Since it's fully machine-washable, it can definitely handle the wear and tear of a school year.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
Nespresso
target.com
$199.00
To save yourself a trip to Starbucks or the dining hall, install your very own mini espresso maker on top of your desk. This one is great because it serves up both coffee and espresso, and barely takes up any room.
Room Essentials Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Room Essentials
target.com
$4.00
Consider this bright blue bottle your daily reminder to drink more water. It's lightweight enough to bring to all your classes, too.
Threshold Aruba Blackout Curtain Panels
Threshold
target.com
$22.50
Make sure you can actually sleep in when you're blessed with afternoon classes, and pick up a set of blackout curtains. These panels come in a variety of sizes and shades so you can customize them to your space.
Capello Moon Glow Alarm with Sunrise Wakeup Light
Capello
target.com
$22.50
On the other hand, when you do have an early morning, try easing yourself into it. Capello's alarm clock comes equipped with adjustable brightness so you can wake up feeling relaxed.
Room Essentials Shower Caddy
Room Essentials
target.com
$7.59
Shower caddies are a must for shared bathrooms. This one has a perforated design, so it'll drain excess water quickly, and comes in super cheap at under $5.
Brightroom Scrunchable Laundry Tote
Brightroom
target.com
$7.50
It folds out flat when not in use to save space, but the real selling point of this hybrid tote-hamper is that the straps make it easy to carry all your clothes to the laundry room.
Threshold Stoneware Acton Dinnerware Set (Set of 4)
Threshold
target.com
$64.00
If you have a communal kitchen in your dorm or just want your own set of plates and bowls for dressing up takeout, go for this pretty peach collection. Everything is microwave-safe; so yes, you can absolutely use it for ramen.
Holmes 3-Speed Portable Fan
Holmes
target.com
$29.99
You can't always rely on your dorm building to provide decent AC, so keep this fan around for when the weather starts heating up. With three speed settings and a rechargeable battery, you'll be glad you have it on move-in day.
Shopping for dorm room essentials? Start with these 30 picks from Target, which have everything covered from your bedding to your shower caddy.