For most of us Columbia people, dorm life lacks a lot sometimes. Especially when you don’t have everything you need to get through your daily activities. Target is near and dear to all of our hearts for having what we need for those late night runs, but it can be a bit pricey at times. Here are some other options around the city and online for us to get those dire needs for a lot cheaper. Let’s compare some departments.

First, let’s mention that the app/website Instacart is a gem and should be spotlighted for it’s awesomeness. With this, shopping is a breeze and lets you stay at home while another person shops for your items and brings them to you. You get the option to pick which stores you want your items from so you get the best bang for your buck. This is a very cheap option depending on what you buy and where you buy it from of course but it’s definitely something to look into. Alright back to the topic at hand.

PRODUCE: Produce at Target is pricey no matter what you buy. You could get 1 banana and somehow still have it cost you $10. Instead of this, trudge yourself to Trader Joe’s and buy your broccoli and such there. Now, Trader Joe’s isn’t for everyone but i’m sure you can still find what you need there without it being overtly healthy. An assortment of produce items like tomatoes, apples, and oranges there can cost you around $30 while at Target that same assortment will cost you $40 or $50 so it’s definitely worth the walk. Don’t get me wrong there are other options too. Here’s an example using another store: Cuties (little peelable clementines) 3lb bag Target: $7 ALDI: $3.85. So you see, Target would not be the way to go for things like this, going elsewhere would save your wallet.

SNACKS: Whether you want a bag of Doritos for a party, or just for yourself that night a Target run would be needed. But some others like Jewel Osco or Pete’s Fresh Market may be a smarter option. Your chocolate obsession can be just as satisfied with a Hershey Bar from Jewel rather than the bullseye store. Let’s continue on the chocolate train and say you wanted some Ghirardelli Intense Dark Midnight Reverie 86% Cacao Chocolate, phew that’s a mouthful. Anyway, that would cost you $4.49 at Target, $4 with the sale they’re having now. At Jewel Osco, for that same exact item it would cost you $3.69, woah what a difference. You’d have your mouth filled with chocolate and your pockets filled with saved money, what a dream.

HOUSEHOLD:  With an apartment or dorm full of people, things get used up quickly. Hand soap, dishwasher detergent and paper towels are gone within a soap of 2 weeks and sometimes you need to replace them in a time crunch. For this category, let’s say you were in the restroom and…oh crap ran out of toilet tissue. You remember that Target has a brand called Up & Up and they might have some cheaper toilet tissue. So consider your options: Target Up & Up 12 ct.: $11.99-$15.99 or Mariano’s: Charmin 12 ct. $9.79. This should be a no brainer. You can snuggle with those lovable Charmin bears for $9.79 or just chill with a no mascot having brand for more money, your choice Columbia.

As you can see, many stores have what you, a student, needs. You just have to know where to look for those items and get the best bang for your buck. We all need to learn how to make our dollars stretch and budget smartly so consider these other options. Target is great for some things but the next time you want to make a Target run, just give it some thought first.