It’s that time of year again! With back to school right around the corner, there’s the inevitable rush to get college shopping done before everything is sold out. So where are the best places to do your college shopping? We’ve compiled the ultimate (and quick!) list for you to save you the headache of bouncing around with no luck.
#1: Target
With their expansive (and inexpensive!) back to college collection, it’s no wonder that Target is at the top of this list. This year, they’ve even added a 20% off discount for college students if you show ID! This extends into September, so even if you’re a little late for some of your shopping, you’ll have a chance to catch up on the deals.
Target is best for finding those dorm essentials like towels, cheap cups and plates, and lamps. They manage to be both affordable and stylish, and especially when you’re working with a limited budget, this is a great option. My favorite part about Target’s back to college offerings is that literally everything is in one place and, if you’re very lucky and not too picky, you can get everything in one place in one run.
#2: Amazon
If you live near your college area, are driving there, or plan to ship most of your school supplies to you AFTER you move in, Amazon is a great bet. It literally has everything, and if your school sent out a dorm supply list, it can be great to just go through and add everything to your cart.
Amazon is amazing for items like shower caddies (get the mesh ones–always) and bulk order items. I used this primarily for items that I did not find in the stores, as it was easier to see exactly what I was getting and purchase it in one go. However, one thing that I noticed when I did my shopping was that Amazon (shockingly) did not have the best deals on college stuff. They had the widest selection by far, and you greatly lower the possibility of having the same comforter as your neighbor, but Target generally has better deals.
#3: Marshall’s
Marshall’s is a fantastic place to do your college shopping, although it can be very hit or miss. If you want to find random decor, cheap bedding, blankets, or clothes, this is your place. Some of my favorite finds here were nice coasters, good quality comforters, Kate Spade blankets, and little knickknacks for around the dorm/apartment. Especially once you get into apartment shopping, this is a great option to spruce up your place a bit.
#4: Walmart
Walmart is the best option (although very, very close to Target in this respect) for school supplies. If you’re not super picky and you’re okay with a folder or basic black ballpoint pens, Walmart is your go to. For tech-related things like extension cords and thumb drives, it’s also a great option, especially if you need it in a pinch.
Even better is if you’re the DIY sort of person and you want to glam your dorm up in your own way. Walmart has a wide selection of fabrics and arts and crafts materials great for some DIY dorm inspo. When you’re doing college shopping and want to save some money while still putting your own spin on things, Walmart is the way to go.
#5: Ross
Similar to Marshall’s, but often having better prices, Ross is the best place to get random decor items and clothes at super low prices. While I didn’t personally shop here for much beyond clothes, many people I knew found excellent clearance deals on things from coasters to bedding. Especially when moving into an apartment, Ross is the first place you should go because of the prices on things like kitchenware and dining sets!
