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Apartment Essentials I Found to be the Most Useful as a College Student
33
items I’ve compiled a list of apartment essentials that made apartment life way easier as a college student on a budget!
Sections
6
Stores I Frequently Buy From
Kitchen/Utensils
Bathroom
Living room
Bedroom
Decor
Stores I Frequently Buy From
These are the stores I go to most often, they are where I bought most of the things I own!
The holy grail, the $1.25 Store has everything you could possibly need right here.
Dollar Tree
Not the best option but they do have good prices on some home essentials like towels and things like that!
Walmart Supercenter
I only shop here when they have their 50% off deals which you can find in their weekly ad online! Most of my plates, bowls, and bathroom items were bought from here! Just make sure plates and stuff like that are MICROWAVE SAFE!
Hobby Lobby
For things not easily available at every other location I typically just buy on Amazon. I go by a policy of: if it has over 1k reviews with generally good ratings it’s safe to buy!
Amazon.com
Kitchen/Utensils
Everything you’ll find in the kitchen is right here (except food I’m on that college diet 😭)
I bought most of my extra silverware from dollar tree, but my very first big pack was from Walmart! If you live by yourself and you only need a couple I recommend just getting them from Dollar Tree. I’ve had mine for 4 years now with no issues.
Flatware Sets & Steak Knives
This one is pretty general but I usually buy from the Spring Shop line they have because it’s usually always on sale. I’ve used every bowl and plate I bought from here for 4 years and I recently just bought more! The only thing I don’t recommend is t...
Plates and Dinnerware
Y’all I SWEAR this isn’t a litter scooper for cats 😭 I use this all the time for ramen and noodles and I love it!
Mainstays 13.8in Nylon Scoop Strainer
We bought our sponges from $1.25 Tree all the time and they always lasted a long time!
Scrub Buddies Nail Guard Sponges, 6 ct. Packs
This is literally the same toaster I have and it’s worked so well, my roommate uses it every morning! I’m sure there are cheaper options but toasters are essential for cheap meals!
BLACK+DECKER 4‑Slice Toaster
I don’t recommend this exact microwave, I just recommend getting your own microwave in general. Even if your apartment comes with one it’s nice to have your own.
Countertop Microwave Oven, 700 Watts
This is just nice to have in general, keeps things clean and organized!
Rubbermaid Silverware Organizer
Bathroom
Simple bathroom must haves, make sure to check with your landlord on policies regarding certain uses of chemicals!
Y’all already know 😭 You might not always need it but it always comes in clutch when you do.
Great Value Deluxe Toilet Plunger
We get little bins like these for feminine product organization mainly
Plastic Locker Bins with Handles
Toilet bowl cleaner is so cheap it makes me mad. This is absolutely essential keeping your bathroom clean!
Great Value Toilet Bowl Cleaners
Super inexpensive and you know you’re gonna need it at some point😭
Great Value Toilet Bowl Brush with Caddy
If you take care of these they will last you years! It just keeps water from getting everywhere while you shower.
Mainstays Light Weight PEVA Shower Curtain Liner
I’ve had the same one for years now and I love it. Just make sure you get one with rubber backing to avoid slipping!
Bath Rugs
Living room
Also pretty simple! I try to rent with apartments that are furnished but I have bought a few things over the years!
I’m pretty sure this is the same lamp we have, we’ve had it for 4 years and it still works and I promise you it’s been tossed around😭
Mainstays 71" Black Floor Lamp
So I actually bought this when it was on sale, I think it was like a rollback or flash sale and it’s so comfy! It’s way bigger than it looks in the pictures and a pain to put together, but it’s worth it in the end
Better Homes & Gardens Double Papasan Accent Chair, Cream Boucle
My roommate actually owns it and normal coat racks on walls work just as well, it’s just nice to have to stay organized and keep things out of the way!
Coat Rack Tree
This is pretty general, I recommend investing in at least one big rug for your space! It makes it feel homey and you’ll use it for years if you take care of it!
Rugs USA: Rugs for Every Style & Budget
I’m not sure if these are the exact ones I bought but I never use the big light. I’ve had my curtain lights for 4 years and I use them all the time and they are still kicking! Bonus it has a little remote!
Warm White 8-Function LED Curtain Lights
Bedroom
To keep my sanity in check here are the things I like to surround myself with to add some personality to my private space!
I love my lamp for when I’m drawing or working on written assignments! Again it’s just one of those things that’s nice to have!
Desk Organizer Lamp
If you haven’t already bought black out curtains, you need to make the investment. They changed my life! They really do help you sleep better by keeping out daylight in the morning.
100% Blackout Curtains
I actually got mine on Amazon for cheaper and it works just fine! It really helps me get my work done sitting at a desk instead of my bed!
Mainstays Two-Way Desk
I usually get my bed sheets from Boscovs actually, they have good deals sometimes which makes them so much cheaper than if you were to get them from Walmart.
Bed Sheet Sets
I never had a nightstand until my junior year of college and I’ll never look back. It is genuinely so nice to have to be able to set my water and phone on at night and the extra storage space is always a plus!
Nightstand with Storage
I actually got mine on Tik Tok Shop but wasn’t sure how to add that but it looks just like this! It’s really nice quality and super comfy!
Armless Criss Cross Chair
Decor
Some decor ideas, I ALWAYS follow holiday and seasonal sales for decor purchases. It saves a lot of money!
I love printing out pictures and hanging them up as they are all around my room! It makes me feel happy and reminds me of all the people I care about and have in my life! It’s super cheap and a really easy decorating idea!
Walmart Photo
I buy all of my tapestries off of Amazon! If anyone has an alternative I would love to know 😊 they’re super easy to hang and I love the way they look.
Tapestry
I buy these only when they’re on sale. They add a nice natural touch to your space! I usually hang them around doorways!
Cabbage Rose & Dahlia Garland
I LOVE FUNKO POPS! I have a ton of them and I even made one for my boyfriend and I for our anniversary!
Funko
I usually buy these in person, I just think they’re fun and an easy decorating option!
Wall Posters