Off to College Shopping Guide (2024)

Starting or returning to college is exciting, but it comes with a long to-do list. Whether you’re shopping for your child or preparing for your own semester, essentials like closet organizers and classroom gear can make dorm life more manageable. We’ve rounded up the best college supplies to help students stay organized and focused throughout the year.

Courtesy Samsung

Samsung Countertop Microwave

• $229

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Microwaves are a key for any dorm room. Whether it’s heating up a quick bite before heading off to class or reheating leftover pizza from the night before, a high-quality microwave can go a long way for any student. This model uses sensor cooking to automatically adjust the cooking time for optimal results, and it has a large 1.9 cubic-foot capacity. Additionally, this product has a wide variety of preset cooking options, ranging from green beans to brown rice to boneless chicken.

• $229 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

QuickZip Fitted Sheet

• $194

Prices taken at time of publishing.

A high-quality pair of sheets is a must for any college student. This fitted sheet from QuickZip is uniquely designed not to pop off of the bed and it can be easily zipped on and off when they are ready to be washed. Unlike traditional fitted sheets, these sheets are easy to wash, fold, and store, making them perfect for any college student with limited space. 

• $194 at Amazon

Our Testing Experience

One of our team members tried out these sheets at home and was pleased with how easy they were to change. “The sheets on my son’s bed are difficult to change—his bed is against the wall, with a built-in bookshelf on the opposite side. To change the fitted sheet, I’d have to struggle, pulling up the mattress from underneath me while tucking the sheet under. Once I installed the base sheet, it was smooth sailing. Zipping off the top sheet literally takes seconds, and replacing it isn’t much more difficult as long as you slow down at the corners. The fabric itself is nice (I got the sateen), and feels like it will soften up with continued washes. I’d recommend these for anyone who has a bed that’s difficult to access or just dreads the chore of changing the sheets.”

Courtesy Amazon

SwissGear Scansmart TSA 17-Inch Laptop Backpack

• $89.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This TSA-friendly laptop backpack features several exterior and organization options, including a padded laptop compartment, quick-access zip pockets, a front carabiner, and an accordion file holder. The lay-flat backpack is also available in eight colorways.

• $89.99 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

TRIPPED Travel Gear Tech Bag

• $34.95
• $39.95
• 13% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This gear bag keeps cables, flash drives, headphones, pens, and smart devices organized. Its small, tight pockets keep power cords snug and untangled, and the light, soft padding on the inside protects sensitive screens. Conveniently, the bag stands upright or sits flat on a table.

• $34.95 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker

• $19.99
• $24.99
• 20% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Worried about losing your stuff on campus? Tile’s water-resistant electronics tracker uses Bluetooth technology to prevent misplaced keys, phones, wallets, and other essentials. The tracker features a usable range of up to 250 feet from your smartphone and lasts up to three years.

• $19.99 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

Amazon Basics Microfiber Comforter Bedding Set

• $34.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This microfiber comforter set provides soft, comfortable, lasting bedding on a budget. Included in the set are a pillow sham, comforter, pillow cover, fitted sheet, and flat sheet. The bedding set is also available several colors and patterns to fit your personal style.

• $34.99 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

Galaxy Book4 360 Laptop

• $999.99
• $1,349.99
• 26% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This laptop can tackle both work and play with ease thanks to an Intel® Core™ 7 processor, 512 GB SSD hard drive, and 16 GB of RAM. Weighing just over 3 pounds, this device won’t add a lot of weight to your backpack. A unique feature of this model is the screen, which can be folded back to function like a tablet, creating added versatility for note-taking and creative tasks like photo editing and design.

• $999.99 at Samsung
• $999.99 at Best Buy

Courtesy Amazon

HOLDN’ STORAGE Hanging Closet Shelves with Rod

• $14.99
• $25.99
• 42% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

To optimize your clothes storage, this hanging shelf features 600D tear-resistant fabric and provides four spacious and sturdy storage compartments. It also includes an integrated rod for hanging shirts, sweaters, jackets, and more beneath the storage bins.

• $14.99 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker

• $69.99
• $89.99
• 22% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This simple but powerful model takes up minimal space on your desk and brews three cup sizes: eight, 10, and 12 ounces, and it even features a Strong Brew setting for an extra jolt of caffeine. The reservoir of the coffee maker holds up to 42 ounces of water, so you don’t have to worry about filling it between each cup of coffee.

• $69.99 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle

• $21.99
• $24.99
• 12% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This 32-ounce stainless steel insulated water bottle allows you to hydrate throughout the day, filling up at water fountains on campus. The leakproof bottle comes with a screw-top cap, a sipping lid, and a BPA-free straw. Plus, you can choose from more than a dozen colorways.

• $21.99 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker

• $27.99
• $29.99
• 7% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

You don’t need a huge speaker to get big sound, and this wireless model is a great value. This waterproof Bluetooth speaker is powerful enough to fill multiple rooms with high-quality sound but lightweight and portable enough to take with you on the go. The 24-hour battery life and 66-foot range are also noteworthy features.

• $27.99 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

Bose Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

• $299
• $329
• 9% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

The perfect studying companion, these wireless headphones use Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology to turn a loud, distracting area into a library-like environment. Turn ANC off if you wish to hear your surroundings and music simultaneously. Bose’s EQ lets you adjust bass, treble, and mid-range audio settings and offers the QuietComfort headphones in black, midnight blue, and white smoke.

• $299 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

STAEDTLER Triplus Highlighters

• $12.66

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This 10-pack of highlighters provides an array of beautifully vibrant colors to highlight and emphasize the most important information in your notes and textbooks, saving you time when studying before an exam. Conveniently, the water-based ink dries fast.

• $12.66 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

BLACK+DECKER Compact Refrigerator

• $179.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Dorm rooms typically only have space for compact or mini refrigerators, but that doesn’t mean they need to lack quality. This model features two removable glass shelves and an additional storage door that can fit up to 12 cans. It also features a reversible door, leveling legs, and a quiet operation that won’t disturb you when you’re sleeping or studying. There’s also a small freezer that’s perfect for fitting frozen dinners for when you need a quick meal before heading to class. 

• $179.99 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

Ãzhgido Backpack Laundry Bag

• $21.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Carrying laundry to a dorm’s shared laundry room can be a hassle—especially if there are multiple flights of stairs—but this laundry backpack makes it easier. It is made from durable 900D Oxford fabric and can handle up to 50 pounds of clothing, so you can carry multiple loads at once. Plus, it has pockets to hold detergent, coins, and other necessities.

• $21.99 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

Soundbot Bluetooth Shower Speaker

• $14.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This water-resistant speaker is perfect for the shower and has easy-to-use buttons for fast forwarding, volume up and down, and pause. Additionally, this speaker, it comes in several color options, has universal compatibility with Android and iPhones, and it can run for up to 6 hours with Bluetooth connectivity. 

• $14.99 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

FUJIFILM Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera

• $74.98
• $79.95
• 6% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Capture college memories with this instant film camera. It snaps high-quality retro images with just the click of a button, and develops them instantly. It also comes with automatic exposure and flash control to ensure photos aren’t washed out, even in bright lighting. This camera is perfect for selfies as well, as it comes with a built-in selfie mirror that ensures you’re getting the perfect angle. 

• $74.98 at Amazon

Courtesy Best Buy

Igloo Trailmate Cooler

• $99.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Whether they’re heading to the quad for a picnic or hitting up the beach on a weekend, a compact cooler is the perfect gift for any college student. This cooler has extra-thick walls that keeps drinks cold and ice unmelted. It has a durable construction that won’t scratch or damage when on the go, and it also comes with a handle for convenient carrying from place to place. 

• $99.99 at Best Buy
• $99.99 at Amazon

Courtesy Best Buy

Segway Ninebot F35 Electric Scooter

• $449.99
• $699.99
• 36% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Getting from the dorms to the lecture halls has never been easier than with this handy electric scooter. It can reach speeds of nearly 19 MPH and features three different riding modes to fit your personal preferences. Plus, this scooter comes with unique features such as Bluetooth connectivity and an LED light for use in the dark. Conveniently, it folds up for storage when not in use so you can fit it in your dorm or apartment. 

• $449.99 at Best Buy

Courtesy Amazon

Teivio 32-Piece Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set

• $31.44
• $37.99
• 17% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This set of shatterproof wheat straw plastic plates is the perfect dish set for college students with apartments or townhouses who frequently cook at home. It comes with 32 pieces (service for 8), including plates, bowls, cups, and dessert plates, and is stackable to help save cabinet space. Cleanup is easy too, since the set is dishwasher-safe.

• $31.44 at Amazon

Courtesy Amazon

Rocketbook Planner & Notebook

• $31
• $35
• 11% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This notebook makes it easy to set calendars, take notes, and make schedules. With its reusable design, this notebook can also be used over and over again, eliminating the need to continuously restock notebooks when you run out of space. This product also allows you to digitize and save your notes, so you can easily access them from your phone.

• $31 at Amazon

Considerations When Buying College Supplies

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by college supply checklists. While you don’t want to stick to only the bare essentials and feel underprepared, you don’t want to overpack and weigh yourself down, either. To help you buy the right high-quality items for college with confidence, we’ve identified some of the most important considerations.

Frequency of Use

Consider how often you’ll use certain items as you make a list of what you already have and what you still need. Prioritize these items based on their frequency of use. For example, you would use a closet organizer daily to store and access your clothes. On the other hand, a TV may not be as useful if you’re already busy doing classwork, studying, joining clubs, and participating in other aspects of campus life.

Protective Gear

A good way to minimize your college costs is to avoid breaking anything valuable or expensive—your smartphone, laptop, or other electronics. For this reason, we recommend using a sturdy, protective laptop cover and case or transporting these items in a backpack designed to carry electronics.

Replaceable Items

Items such as toiletries, various electronics, and clothing are easily replaced or purchased online. As you pack and before you leave, double-check that you’ve packed everything you wish to bring that can’t easily be bought elsewhere.

Items from Home

Although parents of college students aren’t going off to school themselves, it may be challenging to be away from them for extended periods. For added peace of mind, send new students with a well-stocked first aid kit and any memorabilia or personal items you want them to have while you’re gone.

Typical Items for a College Freshman

What first-time college students need depends on whether they’re living on-campus in the dorms, where they’re attending college, what they’re studying, and other personal preferences.

Before you embark on an off-to-college shopping sre to check in with campus housing to see what’s already provided. Here’s a general list of practical, everyday items for first-year students:

• Backpack or messenger bag
• Bath towels
• Bedding and a mattress (if not provided)
• Clothing storage
• Decor and other personal belongings
• Hamper or laundry bag
• Headphones or earbuds
• Laptop (including accessories, peripherals, and a carrying case)
• Lighting, such as a desk lamp
• Mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker, or other small appliances
• Notebooks, index cards, and sticky notes
• Pens, pencils, and highlighters
• Portable shower caddy
• Reusable water bottle or thermos

Frequently Asked Questions About Going Off to College

What do you really need to pack for college?

Make sure to bring any personal items that you can’t easily obtain on campus or at a nearby office supply store. This could include your favorite backpack, a laptop and charger, bedding or blankets, clothing, pillows, decorations, and pictures.

What do college students need most?

A comfortable and roomy backpack may be the most important item for college students. Supportive footwear is also often overlooked—the steps walking around campus add up. Additionally, make sure you have access to campus resources like an academic advisor, campus safety officer, financial aid, various athletics clubs, and other extracurricular activities.

What are the most popular college majors?

Engineering, psychology, education, and computer science are among the most popular college majors. If you’re a freshman entering your first-year college experience, don’t put too much pressure when deciding on a major. Most universities don’t require selecting a major until your sophomore year.

How We Selected Off-to-College Products

To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.

Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of college and dorm products with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers. 

Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.

Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners, DIY-ers, and renters for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

Questions or Comments?

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