In between a crazy class schedule, group study sessions, and a brand new friend group, every student needs a place where they can escape it all to de-stress and reboot. Despite those cramped quarters, a dorm room can feel just like home when you bring in mini kitchen necessities, cushy floor pillows, and plenty of storage options. Target is a great one-stop shop for super stylish items that still leave room in your college budget for things like textbooks and ramen. Scroll on to check out all 28 of these dorm room essentials you *need* in your life.
Dorm Storage
Maintain your — and your roommate’s — sanity with plenty of storage and organization options. This year, Target has tons of ways to get your act together, whether you’re drawn toward bold colors or trendy metallics. Grab a rolling cart for mobile storage, plastic bins for bathroom necessities, and wire baskets to keep your closet neatly separated.
Clockwise from top left: Room Essentials 6-Cube Organizer Shelf ($35), Threshold Wire Larget Straight Milk Crate ($19), Room Essentials Y-Weave Basket Bin ($8), Room Essentials Storage Cart ($30)
Dorm Decor
Making your dorm feel like home is probably the most fun part. Bring in those happy greenery vibes with a faux succulent that won’t require watering. Then seal the deal with colorful throw pillows and an instant camera so you can cover your walls in #squad pics.
Clockwise from top left: Room Essentials Geometric Throw Pillow ($17), Threshold Wall Grid ($10), Room Essentials Mustang Wall Sculpture ($20), Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Camera ($70), Room Essentials Artificial Succulent ($8)
Dorm BEdding
You’re probably not going to be getting as much sleep as you’d like, so make sure your bed is comfy AF. Start with colorful sheets, then pile on the cozy throw blankets and patterned throw pillows. And since you might be up all night reading those textbooks, a faux fur bedrest is a definite must.
Clockwise from top left: Room Essentials Textured Bedrest ($15), Room Essentials Microfiber Solid Sheet Set ($15+), Oh Joy! Round Floral Pillow ($25), Room Essentials Coral Jersey Oversized Throw Blanket ($20)
Dorm Furniture
Now’s your chance to finally outfit your space with pieces that are totally Y-O-U. Turn your dorm room into the ultimate lounge pad with creative seating options like poufs and a mini futon. Or if you’re really looking to have the coolest space in the hall, string up a hammock and watch your roomie’s jaw drop.
Clockwise from top left: Room Essentials Sherpa Dish Chair ($44), Room Essentials Mid-Century Accent Table ($60), Key West Cotton Rope Hammock ($80), Room Essentials Black Futon ($99), Oh Joy! Gold Pouf Ottoman ($60)
Dorm Kitchen
If you’re planning to upgrade your dorm food, then you need to have the proper supplies to do so. First thing’s first: Make sure your coffee situation is on lock with a one-cup brewing system and a metallic mug holder. Bring in the color with bright plates and silly pot holders for those hot toaster oven or microwave meals.
Clockwise from top left: Room Essentials Hashtags Ice Tray ($3), Keurig 2.0 K200 Coffee Maker Brewing System ($120), Spectrum Euro Mug Holder ($7), Room Essentials Aqua Kitchen Textile Set ($6, set of two), Oh Joy! Floral Dinner Plates ($25)
Dorm Lighting
Instead of suffering through fluorescent ceiling lights, take your twinkling to the next level with a variety of trendy lighting options. Set up your desk space with a handy task lamp, then set the mood with colorful string lights and a sassy neon light.
Clockwise from top left: Room Essentials Chill Faux Neon Light ($20), Room Essentials Clip Lamp ($6), Room Essentials Paper Star String Lights ($15), Threshold Tapered Ceramic Table Lamp ($25), Oh Joy! Dotty String Lights ($15)
How great were these picks? Which product can you not live without? Follow us on Pinterest for more home decor inspo.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Featured photos via Target)