Target has always been a one-stop shop for all things college and here is where you can start: the Target College Shop has everything your teen will need. Students can join Target Circle and get 20% off one purchase (restrictions apply.)
Now, save up to 50% on College Deals at Target
Below are some of the most-popular Target dorm essentials purchased by Grown and Flown parents. Before you shop, have your teen look for anything their college prohibits and check out these 50 questions to answer before you start to buy things.
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Back to school shopping at Target
Popular college dorm items
Dishes
Most students will have access to a microwave or mini-fridge to do a tiny bit of “cooking,” which means reheating the previous night’s pizza or pouring milk on a bowl of cereal. These dishes are lightweight, unbreakable, dishwasher safe, and available in eight pretty colors.
Utility Cart
These lightweight, rolling carts offer super-practical storage in a dorm room or bathroom. Finding items that can travel from dorm to apartment is essential to keep in mind as your student will likely live in both during their college years. This is one of those great finds.
Bath Towels
These antimicrobial towels come in many colors and have matching bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths.
Bath Body Wrap
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.
Mesh Shower Caddy
A mesh shower caddy is lightweight and more flexible than a hard plastic caddy.
Fan
The first weeks of school are typically roasting hot, even at colleges in colder climates. This WOOZOO fan is small and powerful for dorms and helps with air circulation.
Hangers
Having new, lightweight hangers in a dorm or bedroom closet is an orderly way to move into closet space. These are available in mint, white, and black grey.
Storage Solutions
Target has a wide selection of storage bins, drawers, ottomans, etc. Here’s a great place to start to look at storage cubes and cubbies.
Storage Ottoman
Anywhere a student can add storage to their room is a plus and this foldable ottoman also offers a place to sit and a way to climb up into a lofted bed. Top doubles as a tray.
Sterilite Storage Bins
Under-bed storage is 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 bed and how high it is lofted in the specific dorm they are assigned to. Pick and choose the types of bins that will best fit this valuable real estate. Clear works best so your student can see what they’ve stored inside.
There are also many types of storage drawers and utility carts at Target.
Lightweight Drawers
This set of lightweight drawers is a popular option for storage under the bed if the mattress is lofted high enough or in a closet. Depending on how high the bed is, this could also serve as a nightstand.
Backpack Laundry Bag
Using a backpack laundry bag is a practical solution for many students — the bag takes up less floor space than a hamper, and it can be a convenient way to tote laundry and detergent from the dorm room to the laundry room.
Trash Can with Lid
College students 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.
Decorative Storage Basket
Some students like to have decorative storage solutions, and this option is popular.
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 primary blue. Target has a wide selection of Twin XL comforters and coordinating Twin XL sheets.
If your teen prefers to sleep with a fitted sheet and comforter, make sure the comforter is machine washable!
Reversible Microfiber Comforter
This comforter caught our eye. Well-priced and durable, it is available in seven color combinations, including this pretty light blue and navy. We also liked the one in pink and blush.
Mattress Topper
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.
Mattress Encasements
Don’t forget a mattress encasement, also by Allerease, which protects against bedbugs and household allergens and is waterproof.
Weighted Blanket
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 college students. Available in two colors and 12-pound weight.
Sherpa Bed Rest Pillow
Being able to prop up comfortably in bed is essential if your student plans to study or read there, and these bed rest pillows are perfect for that. They are available in five colors.
Throw Blanket
Throw blankets are perfect for the end of a dorm bed. They are also great for when it gets extra cold in the room.
More extras
Pebble Bath Mat
If your student’s dorm room is suite-style or has a bathroom attached, this bath mat is an excellent addition to the bathroom. It is made with suction cups at the bottom to avoid slipping.
Wall Art
Target has many trendy ideas that are easy and inexpensive ways to decorate an entire wall.
Vanity Mirror
A vanity mirror is essential for doing makeup and getting ready. The mirrors in the dorms are not of great quality and it is sometimes hard to do makeup if there are a lot of people trying to get ready at once.
LED Plug-in Curtain String Lights
This is such a cute and trendy way to decorate the walls in the dorms. You can hang up all of your favorite photos on these string lights.
LED Organizer Task Lamp
This compact lamp has a convenient organizer for pens, pencils, or other small items. Also, it has a flexible neck and can be moved around easily.
Over-the-Door Double Decorative Hook Rack
Having door hooks is perfect for hanging up towels or a jacket.
Keurig Mini Coffee Maker
If your teen is a coffee drinker, consider getting a Keurig Mini — at 5″ wide; it will fit in a small space and will be a little bit of luxury when they want a cup of coffee without having to leave their room. Comes in multiple colors.
Microwave
Having a microwave in the dorm is convenient for easy cooking and reheating leftovers!
Target has many ways to shop
You can choose how you want to shop at Target, including Drive-Up, Order Pickup, Free 2-Day Shipping, and same-day delivery with Shipt.
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!
