The Ultimate Costco College Shopping List You Didn’t Know You Needed

Moving into your first dorm or apartment? Whether you’re a college student on a budget, a foodie craving late-night snacks, or someone who loves the joy of unpacking Costco-sized boxes, this post is for you. Starting this new chapter can feel overwhelming—but having the right essentials can make your life much easier.

Lucky for you, Costco isn’t just for your parents’ Saturday bulk shopping runs. With the right game plan (and a membership—more on that later), you can stock up on everything you need, from cozy bedding to study supplies, without breaking the bank.

Here’s your ultimate Costco shopping list for college life—just in time to make organizing, studying, and eating feel like a breeze.

Essentials for the Dorm Room or First Apartment

Your dorm or first apartment is tiny. You’ve got to make the most of every square inch while keeping it functional and cute. Here's what Costco has to offer to help you do just that.

Cozy Bedding

• Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Dorm mattresses? Not great. Costco’s memory foam toppers will turn that brick slab into a cloud.
• Comforter Sets – Affordable AND stylish. Plus, you might even find reversible ones for when you get tired of a single look.

Space-Saving Organizers

• Storage Bins – Great for hiding seasonal clothes, textbooks, or your midnight snack stash. Costco sells them in multi-packs too!
• Over-the-Door Hooks – Maximize your door space for towels, coats, and bags.
• Stackable Shelves – Stack them in your closet or under your dorm bed for extra storage.

Pro Tips

• Stick to neutral colors to keep your space looking clean and inviting.
• Invest in multi-purpose items—like an ottoman that doubles as storage or a lamp with built-in USB chargers.

Stocking Up on Budget-Friendly Groceries

Eating well at college doesn’t have to mean endless ramen (though, no judgment there!). Costco’s bulk options make it easy to stay fed while saving cash.

Quick and Healthy Must-Haves

• Microwaveable Rice Bowls – 90 seconds to a hot meal. Pair with frozen veggies or pre-grilled chicken from Costco.
• Trail Mix and Protein Bars – Perfect for powering through long study sessions.

Bulk Buys for the Win

• Frozen Meals – Costco’s freezer aisle is a treasure trove of meals like mac and cheese bites or healthy grain bowls.
• Snacks, Snacks, Snacks – Grab a variety pack of granola bars, chips, or popcorn. Ideal for quick fixes when deadlines are looming.

Pro Tips

• If you don’t have a full kitchen, stick to simple staples like ready-made soups, canned goods, and shelf-stable pantry items.
• Split some bulk items with roommates or friends to avoid storage stress.

Study and Tech Supplies You’ll Actually Use

Your grades depend on more than just your all-nighters—they're also about the tools you’ve got at your disposal. Luckily, Costco’s tech deals make it easy to stay productive on a budget.

Gadgets You Need

• Laptops – Costco often has great bundle deals on well-reviewed laptops with extras like cases or a wireless mouse.
• All-in-One Printers – Yes, libraries have printers, but trust me, you’ll want one on hand at 3 a.m.

Stationery Staples

• Notebooks & Pens – Multi-packs at Costco mean you'll never run out mid-class.
• Whiteboards or Corkboards – Stay organized with a stylish wall setup for reminders, to-do lists, or doodling in between study sessions.

Pro Tips

• Make use of Costco’s warranty and return policies if you’re investing in bigger ticket items like laptops or tablets—it’s good peace of mind.
• Subscribe to Costco’s emails—they occasionally throw in killer tech deals.

Personal Care and Health Essentials

Nobody wants to think about getting sick during college, but it happens. Stay ahead of the game with these personal care must-haves.

Everyday Essentials

• Toiletries in Bulk – Costco has ridiculously good deals on things like toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo.
• Skincare – College might stress you out, but your skin doesn’t need to show it. Stock up on Costco’s skincare bundles.

“Just in Case” Kits

• First-Aid Kit – Things happen (hello, paper cuts and blisters)—be prepared.
• Over-the-Counter Medications – From ibuprofen to allergy meds, Costco has large packs to last all semester.

Pro Tips

• Focus on multi-use products to make packing and organizing easier (hello, 3-in-1 shower gel).
• Don’t forget your laundry essentials! Grab bulk detergent pods for convenience.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Items

Studying is important, but downtime is essential. Keep your social life and downtime balanced with items that spark joy.

Unwind and Have Fun

• Streaming Subscriptions – Costco occasionally offers subscription gift cards for Netflix and Disney+ at a discount.
• Board Games – Classics like Monopoly or Codenames for chill hangouts with friends.

For Fitness and Wellness

• Yoga Mats or Dumbbells – Keep up with your fitness goals even in the smallest of dorm spaces.
• Meal Prepping Gear – Costco sells glass containers perfect for meal planning and storing leftovers.

Pro Tips

• Find small items that double as party starters—Costco bulk candy boxes might make you the most popular host.

Snag a Costco Membership Deal!

Hot Tip: Not a Costco member yet? Sign up for a 1-Year Gold Star or Executive Membership and snag a $20–$40 Digital Costco Shop Card for free. You’ll unlock access to all these deals (and more!) in one go.

Snag Your Membership

Make Your College Life Effortless with Costco

Starting college or moving into your first apartment doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right planning and some help from Costco, you can check everything off your list without breaking a sweat—or the bank.

Which items from this list are must-haves for you? Are there any essentials I missed? Drop a comment below and share your Costco finds with the community. Wishing you good luck (and good coffee) this school year!