There are ways to save money when buying the essentials for a dorm room. One way is to buy only what you need. Luxury items can wait. Another way to save money is to watch for sales.

Target’s Web site offers many back-to-school items that will come in handy for new members of dorm life. It even has a special “Back to College” section with good deals and trendy items, including a college survival kit that’s “packed with emergency essentials for freshmen to seniors.”

Personal items:

• Address book

• Backpack/messenger bag (make sure it’s sturdy and padded if carrying a laptop)

• Calculator

• School supplies (notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, highlighters, stapler, tape, etc.)

• Envelopes and stamps

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, policy numbers of medical, credit cards and/or auto insurance companies

• Clothing

• Umbrella

• Shoe hanger

• Sewing kit

Cooking & cleaning:

• Non-perishable food items (Easy Mac and ramen noodles are always popular)

• Can opener

• Cookware, utensils, cups, plates, napkins

• Food storage containers

• Iron/small ironing board

• Broom/vacuum cleaner

Bed and bath items:

• Extra long twin-bed sheets (36″x 80″)

• Blankets

• Pillows/pillowcases

• Mattress pad

• Towels and washcloths

• Shower shoes

• Shower caddy

• Soap

• Hair products (shampoo, conditioner, gel, hairspray, curling iron, etc.)

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Prescription and over-the-counter medications

• Other personal toiletries: ie: nail clippers, tweezers, hairbrush, feminine products, deodorant, toilet paper, razor, shaving cream, etc.

Electronics and hardware:

• Alarm clock

• Batteries

• Cell phone and laptop chargers

• Coaxial cable

• Computer/laptop/printer/MP3 player

• Computer paper and ink refills

• Camera

• DVD player

• Ethernet cords (RJ45 cable)

• Fan

• Flashlight

• Headphones

• Non-halogen study lamp

• Stereo

• Surge protector/power strips

• TV (talk to your roommate to avoid bringing duplicates)

Miscellaneous room items:

• 3M hooks (won’t damage walls when removed)

• Pictures/picture frames

• Bicycle

• Bike lock

• First-aid kit

• Hangers

• Sticky Tack

• Stacking shelves/storage containers

• Small tool kit

• Small fan

• Sports equipment (Frisbee, football, basketball, etc.)

Contact news correspondent Rebekah Maple at [email protected].