Target has always been a one-stop shop for all things college. This year, college may mean your teen lives in a dorm, an apartment, or even studies from home while taking classes remotely. Here are the most-popular Target dorm essentials purchased by Grown and Flown parents.
New Target dorm merchandise launched on 6/16 and HERE is where you can find all that your student needs. Remember to look at the Residence Life section of the college website to find out what is provided and what is prohibited.
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Our favorite Target dorm ideas
One of the first things your student might want to do is sign up for the Target Dorm Registry. This is a great way for them to keep a list of things they NEED and things they just think are cute for their decor, too. If friends and family are looking for ideas for grad gifts, birthday gifts, holiday or off-to-college presents, send them here. And BTW, there is an offer for 15% off to take advantage of, too.
Most students will have access to a microwave so they can do a tiny bit of “cooking,” which might only mean reheating last night’s pizza or pouring a bowl of cereal. These dishes are lightweight, unbreakable, dishwasher safe and are available in four pretty colors.
We have been fans of these Corningware microwavable mugs for years and have bought them for our kids. This set includes 8 pieces so give a few to your college student and upgrade your own microwavable cookware, too.
These lightweight, rolling carts offer super-practical storage in a dorm room or bathroom. Finding items that can travel from dorm to apartment is important to keep in mind as your student will likely live in both during their college years. This is one of those great finds.
These come in 10 colors and are available in matching bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths.
Walking from communal showers back to a dorm room means juggling a shower caddy and clothes while trying to keep a towel from falling off. This absorbent terry-cloth body wrap stays closed with velcro and is available in five colors.
Available in black or mint green, these unisex shower shoes have small perforations that allow water to run through which means less sticking to the floor.
A mesh shower caddy is lightweight and more flexible to use than a hard plastic caddy. These come in three colors.
The first weeks of school are typically roasting hot, even at colleges in colder climates. This Vornado fan, which gets top reviews, is small and powerful for dorms or apartments and helps enhance air circulation.
We are big fans of a build-your-own first aid kit since YOU know what works best for your teen when they get a cough or cold. (BTW, here is a very comprehensive list of what to consider packing in a first aid kid that was written by a pharmacist-mom.) These cute bags are FREE with purchase of three other health items.
Having new, lightweight hangers to use in a dorm or bedroom closet is an orderly way to move into closet space. These are available in mint, white or grey.
Storage Solutions
Target has a wide selection of storage bins, drawers, ottomans, and much more. Here’s a great place to start to look at storage cubes and cubbies.
Anywhere a student can add storage to their room is a plus and this ottoman also offers a place to sit and a way to climb up into an elevated bed.
These are the secret to helping your son or daughter optimize their space in a dorm room. If possible, try to find the actual dimensions of the under-bed storage space in the specific dorm they are assigned to. Pick and choose the types of bins that will best fit in this valuable real estate.
There are also many types of storage drawers and utility carts at Target. Below is one of our favorites:
Another popular option for storage under-the-bed, if the bed is lofted high enough, or in a closet is this set of lightweight drawers. Depending on how high the bed is, this could also serve as a nightstand.
This lightweight hamper has a wide opening and two handles making it easy to carry to the laundry room.
This was new to me – a 7-pocket caddy that drapes over each side of a mini fridge giving roommates each their own space for cups, water bottles, utensils, etc.
College kids are not known for being neat and they accumulate a TON of trash.
This is a 7 gallon trashcan with a step-on pedal and lid. Make sure to pack trash can liners and remind your teen why they need to use them.
Having an extra chair in a dorm room is a little bit of luxury but one that is greatly appreciated when friends come to visit or when your teen wants a comfy place to sit, other than their bed or desk chair. This butterfly chair folds flat when not in use.
Adding accent lighting is one of the most popular ways to enhance a drab dorm room and a strand or two of these globe lights can do the trick.
We are a little in love with this mini coffee maker; with a width of only 5″, it is the perfect size for a dorm room or first apartment.
Twin XL Bedding
Comforters are one of the main ways that students express their styles. My daughter OBSESSED over hers and my son, well…was perfectly happy with basic blue. Target has a wide selection of Twin XL Comforters and coordinating XL sheets.
This is the very best way to make a hard-as-rock dorm bed more comfortable. There are egg crates (which tend to less expensive), memory foam and much more expensive high tech toppers to choose from. If your teen can feel the differences in the options in a Target, you can both make the decision pretty quickly. Otherwise, choose one that works with your budget. They will all help your teen have a more comfortable place to sleep.
A clean new pillow will only stay that way with a pillow cover. AllerEase makes one that protects against household allergens and is a bedbug barrier.
Don’t forget a mattress encasement, also by AllerEase, that has protection against bedbugs, household allergens, and is waterproof.
A weighted blanket can apply gentle, even pressure across your teen’s body and might be a type of self-care for them in their new life as a college student. Available in two colors and two weights – 12 and 18 pounds.
You Might Also Want to Read:
How to Shop for College: 25 Bestselling Dorm Essentials – just in case you want even MORE ideas about what your teen might enjoy using at the dorm.
Moving Into the Dorm: 12 Things That Will Save Your Life – here are the very best ideas about how to manage move in day, like a pro!
