The Ultimate College Checklist: Styles at Half the Cost

March 24, 2026 5 min. read Share

Let’s be honest. College is the true opportunity to express yourself however you want. It can be scary, but leaving the comfort of home allows you to dive deep into who you are and who you want to be. It’s a blank slate. The time to reinvent. You did the applications, got the acceptance, so now it’s time for the true hard part. What do you need to get?

Spoiler Alert. Walmart has all this and more 😉

1. The Dorm

Your Home Away From Home. First Statement. Make It Count.

Your dorm isn’t just a place to sleep and study. It’s your hangout spot, safe space, creative studio, and personal brand headquarters. You walk in on move in day to a blank slate and walk out with a room everyone is going to be jealous of. And Walmart has every need for whatever aesthetic you’re aiming for.

Here’s what you need:

– Area Rug: The one thing that makes a cinderblock room feel more homey
– String Lights or LED Strips: It will always be the vibe
– Posters/ Wall Art: The best way to express yourself and liven up your walls
– Bedding Set: Cute, Comfy, and Totally You
– Throw Pillows: If you’re into that
– Desk Lamp: Late night study sessions where you don’t want to wake your roommate
– Storage Bins/ Organizers: No one wants gross plastic ones
–Full Length Mirror: Trust. You will need to see a fit check before you leave

2. The Fit

Your Wardrobe. Your Rules

You can get stylish outfits without breaking the bank. The students who always look the best are not spending more, they are just shopping smarter. No need for fast fashion here. Now you can shop smarter, not harder as well with Walmart.

Here’s a solid stylish checklist:

– Go-To Everyday Outfit: Something you can feel confident in no matter the time or day
– Everyday Shoes: Something comfortable, but stylish. When you’re running late to class, you might not want to be wearing heels
– Loungewear That You Can Be Seen In: Nothing is worse than exiting your room at night just to be spotted in a mortifying outfit in front of someone you were hoping to impress
– One Elevated Piece: A piece that can instantly dress up in an outfit. Think a stylish top, a blazer, or a bold jacket choice
– A Bag: Something that fits your laptop, your aesthetic, and your whole life (Avoid a backpack…. trust me)
– Going Out: Make a bold statement at your first college outing

Pro Tip: The closets and dressers do not hold as much as you think

3. The Setup

Work Hard. Look Good Doing It

You’re going to be spending more time at your desk than you are willing to admit. Your tech set up is going to have to promote max productivity, while also producing max style. A good setup makes you feel like you got everything under control, even when you may not. Don’t fret, because Walmart has all your tech needs ready to be booted up.

Here’s what your desk needs:

– A Laptop Stand: Your neck will thank you
– Power Strips: You will need more plugs than you think (especially if you pick out some cute neon signs)
– Wireless Earbuds: Whether it’s for focus mode, commuting, working out, or just avoiding conversation
– A Desk Organizer: Everything has it’s place, less clutter on the desk means less clutter in your mind
– Phone Stand: A good stand for facetime calls from home, multitasking, or to try out dorm recipes from TikTok

Who You Are

Who You Decide To Be Starts Here

Alright, here’s the truth nobody tells you about going into college. Nobody is arriving having everything figured out, let alone who they are and who they want to be. Everyone is building it real time, as they go. All these things we talked about aren’t just items, they’re the start of the person you are blossoming into.

The first draft doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. It just has to be yours. That’s something we proudly believe in.

Thousands of students will move into dorms with the same blank slate as you. The ones who will stand out and leave a mark are those who come in with a clear vision… and the checklist to back it up.

Your college era is waiting. And it starts at Walmart.

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Ready to Build Your List?

Shop our full college collection at walmart.com or download the Walmart app to build your checklist an get everything delivered before the big move in day. We at Walmart wish you luck in your academic adventures!

Define Yourself. Not Your Budget.

DISCLAIMER: This page was created as part of a class project for educational purposes only. The author has no affiliation with Walmart Inc. All brand names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.