It’s here. Move in week at the University of Michigan. Students are coming by the truckload to make themselves at home in their new dorms and apartments. Sure, they will have lots of stuff, but many families will be shopping for last-minute dorm essentials here in Ann Arbor. Where will they head? Here are some of the answers:

Bed Bath and Beyond (Arborland on Washtenaw Avenue) has a nice offering of dorm furniture and gadgets, and coupons are easy to come by, in fact, they will even accept a competitor or expired coupon.

Students may check out their Dorm Storage Tower. For less than $20, you have a spot to hang your coat, keys, hoodie, and also compartments for magazines, electronics, notebooks, and more.

Meijer is welcoming students with Team Spirit displays at their entrances, and Meijer Mania on Friday night, Sept. 4. Students coming to the Ann Arbor-Saline Road location can expect “a fun-filled night of shopping, games, music, free food, tons of prizes, and more,” Meijer promises.

Kohl’s and Target are also offering sales this week and have locations off Ann Arbor-Saline Road. Sales this week include bedding, bathroom items, and other goodies to personalize your space.

A little farther from the university is a mecca for easy and fun furniture, Ikea. Ikea in Canton may be your best bet for desks, bunks, small coaches, and tables. Or for just wandering around and appreciating how to make the best use of small spaces. Ikea has recently slashed prices on many of its most popular items. While there, (after enjoying lunch at Ikea's second-floor café), I purchased a great storage unit with four compartments that is intended for shoes. We will be using it for backpacks and school paperwork that needs a place to be stashed near the door.

Wherever students choose to go, they will be sure to have lots of options for those final items to make their residence a home.