Life

6 ways to get the best dorm on campus (or anywhere!)

or any small space!

With only a couple weeks left of summer, shopping for dorm room accessories is in full swing. Luckily, we've mapped out the best places to shop for those pieces that will make your small space truly feel like home. Not only will you hook yourself up with the essentials, but you score crucial items that will make your dorm feel like you've lived in it forever. There is nothing more important than feeling comfortable, cozy, and proud of your little nook when you start making friends and hanging out. Pro-tip: Don't forget the storage—but, it's the accents that truly make a room. 

Target is a dorm room go-to for any student. Withe their Room Essentials line, you can't really go wrong. Everything is cute, and the right price, which is crucial when you've got a new space on your hands.

Room Essentials, Under Bed Two Tier Shoe Storage, $24.99, view at TargetRoom Essentials, Door Mirror, $29.99, view at TargetRoom Essentials, Organizer Task Lamp, $11, view at Target.

If you're looking for a more trendy vibe, check Urban Outfitters and their apartment accessories, you'll get the perfect pieces to make your dorm room look, well, cool.

Urban Outfitters, Trinity Scarf Hanger, $14, view at Urban Outfitters; Three by Three Seattle, Sort-It-Out Wipe Off Board Wall Caddy, $46, view at Urban OutfittersUrban Outfitters, Metal Photo Clip String Set, $14, view at Urban Outfitters.

For an electic, more Bohemian vibe, try sifting through Anthropologie—Urban Outfitter's slightly pricier sister company. You'll find things might be a bit more expensive, but the quality will be great, and a few key statement pieces go a long way.

Sung Wook Park for Umbra, Tesora Jewelry Sotrage Collection, $48, view at AnthropologieAnthropologie, Canyon Basket, $78, view at AnthropologieAnthropologie, Copper Lattice Desk Collection, $78, view at Anthropologie.

Another go-to for all dorm things is Bed Bath and Beyond—you can walk in there and literally find everything you would ever need, and beyond.

Studio 3B, Spinning Closet Organizer, $19.99, view at Bed Bath and BeyondBed Bath and Beyond, Reversible Cube Grid, $19.99, view at Bed Bath and BeyondLava Lite, Grand 27-inch Lava Lamp, $89.99, view at Bed Bath and Beyond.

If you really want your dorm room to feel like home, we suggest visiting somewhere that has items you would have in your own bedroom. Pottery Barn Teen, which you might think is a bit cheesy going into college, has some cute quality items that will turn your dorm into a home.

PB Teen, Cutie Pillow Cover, $24.99, view at PB TeenPB Teen, Junk Gypsy Bandana Rug, $169, view at PB TeenPB Teen, Sweet Treats Phone Holders, $39, view at PB Teen.

As any New York City dweller knows (we are the masters of small spaces, after all), your go-to spot should be the Container Store. The smartest, most stylish storage solutions will have your new pals wonderfing how you have everything so together.

Umbra, Grassy Toothbrush Organizer, $8.99, view at Container StoreContainer Store, Wood Dowel Drying Racks, $29.99, view at Container StoreLike-It, Smoke Slim Tower, $75.96, view at Container Store.