I know it’s a bit early, but I was wondering if any college students or parents have any suggestions of where to buy essentials, such as websites/stores that have been helpful with the process! (Preferably not too pricey, please :)))
Also, if you have anything that’s often overlooked that you would recommend on purchasing for college. Anything would be helpful 
Look at dormco.com for ideas
https://www.dormco.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-ebkn7y_2AIVBdNkCh3ZEg38EAAYAiAAEgLnJ_D_BwE
You could probably find cheaper stuff at some of the local places, in dollar stores, but you can look at their site and get an idea of what you might need.
If you’re coming from a warm climate and moving to a cold one, go to the University of Chicago area where helpful people have listed what cold weather gear is needed. We’re finding right now most of it is on super sale, which probably won’t be the case next fall.
A great store that I love is TJ Maxx. They have plenty of cute decorations, string lights, wall decor and artwork that is a really good price. I got all of my bedding and bathroom stuff (like shower curtains and towels) from there! And the prices are very reasonable
And it really depends on the school and the dorm. For example, If there’s no underbed storage, you won’t need underbed storage containers. If your dorm has full size beds, you’ll regret having bought that xl twin bedbug cover ahead of time.
There are also restrictions in the dorms and different state codes. My DS is not allowed to hang string lights, large tapestries, or curtains due to the fire code.
The Bed Bath and Beyond college discount and remote pickup was the best thing for his dorm shopping. You register for a college event at a local store around May-July and get 20% off everything until October. I scanned everything he needed locally and they had it ready near his school. He was a fly-in student and I ordered a Rhino trunk with wheels for pickup near his OOS school so we wouldn’t have to deal with it at the airport. Returns were also easy. He will use the trunk for summer storage at school.
I am going to suggest the opposite…Take the minimum to school until you see what you really need.
There is not much space. Dorms have restrictions. See what your roommate brought.