Whether you're heading to college for the first time or just want to impressively spruce ubest-bay-area-college-essential-shopsp your dorm or apartment, from fashionable stationary to trendy homeware and skincare, these affordable stores we have listed are the best for acquiring all of the university essentials in style.
See also: Best SF Spots To Celebrate Your 21st Birthday At
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4400 Shellmound St / (888) 888-4532 / Website
IKEA is an easy one, but a trusted and reliably cost-effective one at that. With two locations in the Bay in Emeryville and south in East Palo Alto, both warehouses stock all of the cheapest and sleek Swedish furniture, cookware, houseplants, and more. The items here are made to last and can easily transition to apartment furniture after graduation and beyond.
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865 Market St / (626) 500-0000 / Website
Miniso is a Chinese retail store that truly stands out for its chic and cute aesthetics and selection of authentic skincare, durable travel bags and containers, stationary, and more. Head to Union Square for a bright wonderland brimming with affordable home essentials that also have a delightfully trendy theme to them. We also guarantee you'll want to walk out with an adorable plushy companion as well.
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26 4th St / (415) 777-9755 / Website
Staying organized in college is vital, and the Container Store ensures your living quarters are the easiest to maintain. You'll hardly be able to contain yourself seeing their endless variations of styles, designs, and deals, all of which are sure to work with your vision and lifestyle.
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1581 Webster St #260 / (415) 567-8901 / Website
For everything stationary, Maido in Japantown is a gorgeous pavillion that will have you ready to take notes in the most eye-catching and envious way. No matter what your style is, their smooth and colorful pens, high-quality papers, and other imported trinkets will get you excited to write (and maybe even draw some doodles, we won't judge).
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2350 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley / (510) 883-9050 / Website
Bear Basics on Telegraph Avenue just off of UC Berkeley's campus is a multi-level cornerstone that has been a college favorite for many years due to their vast selection of apparel. Get into the Cal spirit and peruse all of their floors to find the right collegiate shirt and accessories for you and your family.
Pro tip: also don't miss out on any of their cheap artistic and though-provoking stickers in their glass case to which you can embellish your laptop or water bottles with for a friendly conversation starter.
See also: Hop Back on the Academic Grind At U.C. Berkeley's Best Study Spots
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180 University Ave, Palo Alto / (650) 329-8086 / Website
West Elm is undoubtedly on another echelon of contemporary style and posh functionality, and will have all of your friends impressed at your elegantly modern decor and furniture.
Shop everything from minimalist bedding, to midcentury modern glassware, and even plant pots here at this helpful University Avenue outpost, and treat yourself to the nearby gyro, pizza, or microcreamery eateries right next to it.
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519 Lasuen Mall / (650) 329-1217 / Website
Perhaps another easy given, but the Stanford University Bookstore cannot be overlooked, for whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned student, this airy multi-level bazaar will take care of all of your university needs. From its second floor cafe and bookstore, to its electronics department, unique alumni keepsakes, large apparel section, and more, this bookstore is a trusted hub that goes beyond the touristy collectibles (although no shame in wanting to sport some Cardinal pride).
From cutesy kawaii, to modern minimalist, no matter what your style is, these diverse stores will fulfill your college shopping list with a truly personalized aesthetic!
See also: How Berkeley's Third World Liberation Front Inspired A Relevant Fight For Academic Equity
Photography by: Jose Fontano/Unsplash
