Ten Dorm Room Essentials Under $50

Ok, so it's been a minute since I walked into a dorm room but let's be real not much has changed. You're short on space and can use all the storage hacks you can take which sounds an awful lot like my current apartment situation in NYC. Some things never change...

Let's be real, whether or not you are settling into your first apartment or dorm room you're going to need to stock up on some of the essentials. Whether they be additional storage options, towels or caffeine. Emphasis on the last one because late-night cram sessions call for a huge cup of joe first thing in the morning. I'll admit the last thing I want to do after a sleepless night is wait to brew a pot of coffee so a little help from an already cold-brewed friend is exactly what the doctor ordered. The less effort the better: A quick walk to the mini fridge for SToK's Cold Brew Un-Sweet Coffee is right up my alley. Just pour, add milk (if desired) and voila! You're ready to figure out your day with coffee in hand, making it number one on my 10 Dorm Room Essentials Under $50. It'll only set you back $5 for a 48oz. bottle at Target, but there's even a 20% off Cartwheel offer (from 8/5-9/8). Win, Win. 

Aside from the brew, I put together a list of my favorite dorm room and small-space essentials for under $50 from one of our favorite retailers, Target. Shop & see why they made the cut below...

Ten Dorm Room Essentials Under $50

Pour & Enjoy. 

These utility carts are great for just about anything, from a makeshift coffee bar, to a dresser it has the ability to suit any needs. We have two in our apartment. One, the boys use to organize their toys and legos, and the second one is in the kitchen for the blender, recycling and storage. They're also made of steel, so go ahead and add a cute little magnetic succulent or polaroids of your adventures. 

3. Storage Baskets, $25-$30
My all-time favorite storage solution? Baskets. I am constantly buying baskets for shoes, bags, toys and even diapers. They're stylish enough to be spotted in broad-daylight and functional AF. so go ahead: store your purses, beauty products and towels. Top Three Picks: Large Round, Oval Open Weave Basket, & Collapsible Seagrass Basket with Handles.

4. Corner Shelf, $19.99 Each
Take advantage of the empty wall space with corner shelves! Sure, they're not huge but they can hold a few of your favorite things, like your Instax SQ6.

5. Bowls, Plates & Drinkware, $.99 - $2.99
I highly recommend Melamine plates for dorm-rooms. One, because they're easy to clean and two, they don't break as easily as ceramic. These Opalhouse plates and bowls are not only functional, but they pack so much style! Most stylish dorm room plates? I think yessss. Of course you need cups and glasses to stock your utility cart and for your SToK Cold Brew. I love these stemless wine glasses (for water!), short glass tumblers and Opalhouse glass tumblers (so fun!). Perk: you can buy them individually without having to buy a set of four. 

6. Bathware, $4.00-12.99
Why be boring when you can stand out? Grab some towels that match your style. I personally love these Ikat Border Fringed Towels (I have the matching shower curtain, pictured above as a table cloth). Of course you're going to need something to tote your products from your room to shower, this bath caddy is a whopping $4 and will do the trick. 

7. Bedding, $26.99 - $31.99 
Sheets and Bedding are essential. There's nothing like coming home and sliding into a freshly made bed with your favorite sheets. Sure, you don't have a lot of say in your dorm's layout, but you do have a say when it comes to bedding. These sheets are my favorite and who can resist a pop of style with this comforter

8. Lighting, $24.99 
Give those late night cram sessions & your desk some style with this thin taper task lamp

9. Seating, $49.99
Ok you're going to need somewhere to sit, whether it's lounging, working at your desk or entertaining. I love these stackable stools that double as end tables. They come in a set of two for $40 and have 6 colors to choose from!

10. Accent Rug 
Nothing ties the room together more than a great rug. It's magical and gives you that 'at-home' feel. I love this bright 4x6 Shapes Rug for $27!

- Shop The Essentials -

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SToK Cold Brew Coffee.  The opinions and text are all mine.