Here’s Where to Find Last-Minute Back-to-School Shopping Essentials

Picture this: you’ve zipped up your suitcases, said goodbye to your friends, and packed the car. You’re en route to BU and couldn’t be more excited. Until you come to a horrible realization—you forgot your mattress topper…

Before you freak out, remember this: if there’s one pro of going to college in a city like Boston, it’s that nothing is out of reach. BU is surrounded by stores and resources that will make last-minute back-to-school shopping a breeze. Whether you forgot a notebook or a tower fan, towels or a phone charger, everything you need is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from campus. 

And if you need ideas on how to make the best of your small space, check out our recent dorm design tips story.

Essentials

Target860 Commonwealth Ave., Boston (small)1341 Boylston St., Boston (large)

Target is no back-to-school secret. It’s got everything you need, including furniture, kitchen supplies, toiletries, basic groceries, and clothes. This department store is reliable, convenient, and relatively affordable. That said, if you are heading to the large Target in Fenway, prepare yourself for a bit of chaos, as students from all over Boston will be rampaging through the shelves. If you’re looking for only a couple of items and aren’t fussy about having a ton of options in terms of color or brands, we recommend you skip the lines and head to the smaller City Target outlet on BU’s campus.

TJ Maxx360 Newbury St., Boston

Like most department stores, TJ Maxx has just about anything, including clothes, sheets, and other home goods. Although there’s another TJ Maxx to the west of the BU campus (at 525 Harvard St., Brookline), this one has far more options, and is just outside the Hynes Convention Center MBTA stop. While you’re there, head to the top floor and check out some fall-themed dorm decor.

Clothes

Buffalo Exchange312 Harvard St., Brookline

New school year, new you! Nothing says back-to-school like a fresh new wardrobe. Look no further than Buffalo Exchange, a used clothing store with a constantly changing stock of items for both men and women. It’s in Coolidge Corner, a quaint but popular neighborhood in Brookline, only a 20-minute walk from campus. 

Stationery/Organizers

MUJI
359 Newbury St., Boston

Head to this Japanese retailer for all your stationery needs. MUJI has a large selection of notebooks for a great price, as well as pens, pencils, and markers in every size and color. Don’t forget to pick up a couple of organizers for your desk, too. 

Groceries

Star Market1065 Commonwealth Ave., Boston

A quick walk from West Campus, Star Market is your go-to supermarket when you need to stock up on anything you might need. Fuel up before you hit the aisles with a coffee from the in-house Starbucks. Then pick up items from freshly baked cakes to fresh fruits and vegetables to toiletries and soaps. Star Market even has a built-in pharmacy—it couldn’t be more convenient.

H Mart1028 Beacon St., Brookline

Even if you have a meal plan, it’s always a good idea to keep a couple of snacks on hand for that rainy day when you don’t want to leave your dorm. The Asian speciality supermarket H Mart has plenty of snacking options, as well as a college student favorite: ramen. 

Trader Joe’s1317 Beacon St., Brookline

Known for its affordability, snack selection, and awesome premade freezer items, Trader Joe’s is the perfect place to get a start on meal planning. They have many organic fruits and veggies, a great cheese area, and also on-the-go breakfasts. 

Books

BU Campus Store

910 Commonwealth Ave., BostonIf you’re looking for some BU merch or to pick up your textbooks, head over to the recently rebranded Boston University Campus Store (formerly Barnes and Noble @ BU). The newly renovated store has sweatshirts, T-shirts, water bottles, and more, all branded with your favorite Terrier.