1. Planner
My #1 ESSENTIAL for college!!! There are tons of things going on every single day in college. Homework, clubs, volunteering, football games, floor programs, campus events, work, groceries, laundry, appointments, formals, dinners, and SO much more! Things can get overwhelming really quickly if you try to save them in your head and don’t write them down somewhere. I like to color-code my classes, extracurriculars, errands, and social events so I don’t forget anything and know what to expect for each day, week, and month ahead. This makes life so much easier and you can find extra time in your busy schedule for breaks, fun hobbies, and hanging out with friends!
My pick: Target Day Designer
I love these mini Day Designers for their portable size and functionality! I prefer the weekly/monthly setup because it gives me plenty of room to write tasks for the day, and the notes and calendar sections make it easy to write down deadlines ahead of time. Target has a lot of cute designs and versions of these for only $14.99!
2. Amazon Alexa
I love my Alexa. I’ve had an iHome in the past, but along with being a Bluetooth speaker and an alarm clock, Alexa can do so much more. For example, you can ask her the weather when you’re scrambling to get ready in the morning, instead of having to look it up yourself. (Dressing up and forgetting your umbrella only to find out that it’s raining when you’re running to class is the worst, trust me.) You can also ask her to quickly look up a definition or ask her a homework question, when you’re already using split screens on all your devices. She can also look up measuring conversions, food safety and storage information, and recipes when your hands are full in the kitchen.
My pick: Echo Dot
(They usually go on sale on Prime Day and Black Friday!)
3. ID Holder Wallet / Wristlet / Phone Wallet
Unlike high school, in college, you need your student ID wherever you go. Getting into dorms, dining halls, gyms, buses, trains, and using the perks of free museum passes or college discounts! It’s super helpful to keep it handy in a silicone phone wallet, or a clear pocket in a wallet or wristlet that you keep with you throughout the day. I’ve done this for all three years, and it’s a foolproof way to never get locked out of your dorm or lose your ID by mistake!
4. Portable Charger
College students are always on the go. Heading to classes, grabbing quick meals, extracurriculars, work, grocery runs, you name it! And it especially sucks when your phone is on the verge of dying when you’re in a new city, or relying on public transportation. You may need your phone to track the bus, call an Uber, share your location, or be safe in an emergency. When you’re out and about, a portable charger is a great tool to keep in your backpack for these reasons. (Just remember to keep it charged!)
My pick: Anker Power Banks
5. Essential Oil Diffuser
Whether it’s your dorm or suitemates’ burnt popcorn again, or your apartment window isn’t allowed to be open, college can surprise you with all sorts of funky new smells. And most buildings don’t allow you to have candles, so an essential oil diffuser is the perfect solution! All you need is an outlet, a diffuser, some essential oils, and water. It fills your room with a subtle, relaxing scent that you can mix and match to your preference!
My pick: Ellia Aroma Diffusers
Available at: Macy’s, Costco, Bed Bath & Beyond
6. Lap Desk
Sometimes, sitting in a chair at the library or your desk for hours on end can get exhausting. Whether you’re studying or taking a break to watch Netflix on your bed, a lap desk is super helpful for holding your laptop or highlighting your notes on a flat surface. It makes it easier to type and write, and keeps your stuff from crashing to the floor from your high-rise bed!
7. Reading Pillow
This is the perfect partner for that lap desk I just mentioned, especially since many of us will be spending more time at our dorms or apartments next semester. It provides great back support so you actually stay awake while doing your work...or try at least. Either way, it’s much comfier than propping your regular pillows up against the wall, and helps you slouch less so your back doesn’t hurt when you’re lugging your backpack to class the next day.
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