It's that time of year, and packing for college is never easy. It can be hard to get the right balance between necessities and optional items that will fit in limited space. You need to make sure you have all the "must haves" while still bringing along some fun items to decorate and have fun with. I included a few fun extras here and a lot of necessary items that you may not have thought about. Whether you're sending your kids off to college or you're a student, I hope you find some useful items here. Best wishes for a successful school year!
Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.A Do Not Disturb Door Hanger Suitable For Work Or Play
Amazon
I love the neon look of this fun Do Not Disturb Door Hanger. Whether cramming for a test or playing a newly released video game, there will be times when every college student needs some alone time. The double-sided sign is printed on thick, high-quality plastic and is 9.5"x3.5" with a large 2.5" opening for the doorknob.
See it on AmazonA BedShelfie Built For A Lifetime Of Use
Amazon
BedShelfie is so confident in the quality of its product that every BedShelfie comes with a lifetime warranty. The BedShelfie comes in 7 styles, allowing the user to select the Bedside Caddy that's right for their bedframe. Amazingly, the Wooden Bedside Shelf can hold up to 15 pounds, and no tools are needed to install it.
See it on AmazonA Shag And Sherpa Blanket To Keep You Warm If Your Roommate Sets The Thermostat On Arctic
Amazon
I am always cold. I have a plush blanket across my lap as I'm writing this. The double-sided design of The Connecticut Home Company's Gorgeous Blanket features plush sherpa on one side and ultra-soft shag on the other. The Blanket is offered in 5 sizes and a whopping 44 fabric options to choose from.
See it on AmazonTotes' Bubble Umbrella With Dots Will Have You Singing In The Rain
Amazon
No one wants to show up to a class soaking wet. Totes' Clear Bubble Umbrella features 51" dome coverage, 8 strong flexible ribs, smooth rib covers, and a pinch-proof opening. If polka-dots aren't your thing, the Umbrella is available without them.
See it on AmazonReusable 4x4 Sticky Notes That Are Good For 2 Years
Amazon
Leave a Sticky Note to let your roommate know where the party is or that it's their turn to get pizza. "Post it, restick it, wash it and reuse it thousands of times." The Reusable Sticky Notes stick to stainless steel, glass, cabinets, and plastic. A Wet-Erase Marker is included. "Stickies are patent pending and sustainably made with wind power in the USA."
See it on AmazonShower Shoes To Protect Against Foot Fungus
Amazon
Students may not mind having to share a shower, but I doubt they want to get a fungal or bacterial infection. Quick Drying Slides are a great way to protect feet from cooties. The Shower Shoes have drain holes to let the water drain out and to allow the shoes to dry quickly. The "durable non-slip EVA outsole gives your feet a good grip with no slippage and good balance."
See it on AmazonA 250-Piece Biodegradable Paper Plates Set Made From Sugarcane & Cornstarch
Amazon
One thing there will be plenty of in college is shared food. Birchio provides the convenience of disposable products without the guilt of adding to the landfill. The Eco-Friendly Compostable Plates & Utensil Set includes Forks, Knives, Spoons, and 2 sizes of Plates.
See it on AmazonA BlenderBottle That's Ideal For Nutrition On-The-Go
Amazon
The "Patented mixing system uses a 316 surgical-grade stainless steel BlenderBall wire whisk" that's exclusive to the BlenderBottle brand. The Shaker Bottle Pro Series features a Spout Guard and Adjustable Carry Loop. The 24-ounce capacity BlenderBottle has markings up to 18 ounces and is stain and odor resistant.
See it on AmazonA Foldable Mini Electric Tea Kettle Is The Solution When You Need A Comforting Hot Beverage
Amazon
I thoroughly enjoy a nice cup of instant hot chocolate or a spicy chai after a long day. The "safe, sustainable, and secure" Collapsible Kettle is UL listed, has an Auto-Shut-off, and is BPA-Free. The "Deluxe Set includes a Food-Grade Silicone Kettle with 304 Stainless Steel Heating Plate and a lightweight Cotton Storage Bag." The Kettle has a 2.5 cup capacity.
See it on AmazonWestBend's QuikServe Toaster Comes With Its Own Serving Tray
Amazon
WestBend's QuikServe Toaster has some terrific features. The first thing I noticed was the unique serving tray that folds up when not in use. The next thing I noticed was how slim it is so it won't take up much space. The Toaster even has settings specifically for bagels and gluten-free products and can toast in 90 seconds!
See it on AmazonA Can Opener Is Never Appreciated Until You Don't Have One!
Amazon
Sometimes simple is best. Chef Craft's Can Opener is a "one-stop can tool" with the inclusion of the Tapper on the end of the handle. The 6.5" long nickel-plated steel Can Opener is easy to use and store.
See it on AmazonGet "Smooth Cutting Action" With Scotch's 6" Precision Scissors
Amazon
Whether wrapping a present, working on an art project or just cutting a loose thread from a shirt, a good pair of scissors is nice to have. Scotch's Professional Quality Scissors have the "finest quality stainless steel blades for a sharp edge and long cutting life." The Scissors have a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
See it on AmazonDon't Get Caught In The Dark Without A Maglite Mini Flashlight
Amazon
The Mini Maglite Super-Bright Xenon Lamp is just the right size to easily fit into pockets, purses, or backpacks. The "compact design is renowned for its quality, durability, and reliability." The Flashlight is made in America and even includes batteries.
See it on AmazonDuracell CopperTop Batteries Are Guaranteed To Last An Incredible 12 Years In Storage!
Amazon
Duracell is the "#1 trusted battery brand," and the 5-star reviews on Amazon for the Duracell - CopperTop Batteries Combo Pack seem to confirm that. The Combo Pack includes 20 AA and 20 AAA long-lasting, all-purpose Batteries. "Duracell guarantees these batteries against defects in material and workmanship. Should any device be damaged due to a battery defect, they will repair or replace it at their option."
See it on AmazonA 12-in-1 Power Strip & Surge Protector With 5-Star Ratings
Amazon
TESSAN's Power Strip has 9 widely-spaced outlets and 3 USB charging ports for all your plug-in needs. The Surge Protection feature's "reliable overload switch will trip off automatically to protect your devices" during a lightning storm or power surge. The Power Strip Surge Protector is available in 6.5', 10', and 15' lengths.
See it on AmazonA 39-Piece Tool Set For Everything That Comes "Assembly Required"
Amazon
The General Household Hand Kit with Storage Case contains the tools needed for furniture assembly and small repairs. "All tools meet or exceed ANSI critical standards" and are "heat treated and chrome plated to resist corrosion." CARTMAN's Tool Set listed here is Amazon's Choice for tool kits.
See it on AmazonA Handheld Vacuum Cleaner "Perfect For Quick Pickups And Small Messes"
Amazon
beyond by BLACK+DECKER Cordless dustbuster® is as simple to use as "press and hold the power button." The "lightweight design makes it easy to vacuum without bulky or tangled cords." The clear, washable bowl holds up to 11 ounces of dirt, and the charger can be mounted on the wall.
See it on AmazonThere's No Need For An Ironing Board With The Steam Iron & Vertical Steamer
Amazon
The Vertical Steam feature "quickly removes stubborn wrinkles from hanging clothes," which is a fabulous feature when you're in a hurry. Hamilton Beach's Steam Iron even has a Self-Cleaning function to remove lint and minerals, which will extend the life of the iron. A unique Cord Wrap feature stores the cord neatly out of the way.
See it on AmazonSharing A Closet Isn't A Problem With Space Saving Hangers
Amazon
Each Closet Organizer Hanger has 9 big holes to easily hang clothing from. The thick hook is designed to be durable and load-bearing. I like the 360° Rotatable Hook since I like all my clothes to face the same way. The set includes 6 multi-colored Hangers.
See it on AmazonStay Organized With Versatile Mesh Storage Baskets
Amazon
I love these Mesh Organizer Baskets so much I'm trying to think where I can use them in my home. They can sit flat on a desk, but where they have the most potential is hanging on the rail of bunk beds or typical dorm room beds. The Baskets come 2 to an order.
See it on AmazonUnderbed Storage Containers Are Ideal For Seasonal Clothing Or Extra Bedding
Amazon
The dorm rooms I've seen have one thing in common: they're short on storage space. I love that LotFancy's Underbed Storage Containers have a clear top for easy visibility and a sturdy zipper to secure the top and keep dust out. There is even a handle to conveniently pull the Storage Containers out as needed.
See it on AmazonWhen You're Having A Bad Day, Review The 7 Rules of Life For Motivation
Amazon
Everyone occasionally has a bad day or gets down in the dumps. That can be compounded by being away from home and loved ones. While a Motivational Poster doesn't take the place of a phone call home, it can provide a little encouragement and advice. I like #1 the best, "Never ruin a good day by thinking about a bad yesterday."
See it on AmazonPositive Affirmation Stickers To Say, "Life Is Better When You're Laughing"
Amazon
Remember when you were in elementary school, and the teachers gave stickers for good grades or good behavior? Something that small can still make a difference. Whether you give yourself a sticker or share it with a roommate or fellow student, you'll probably at least get a smile. The Inspirational Quote Stickers Pack includes 200 cute stickers with sayings like, "you are amazing," "run the world," and "you are my sunshine."
See it on AmazonBlow Off Some Steam With A Dammit Doll
Amazon
When you just can't take it anymore and need to yell and scream, take it out on a Dammit Doll. "The Classic Dammit Doll is engineered to absorb all that negative energy so you can let go and get your happy back on." Verified Purchaser, A. Preston, said, "I have been gifting Dammit Dolls for several years, they never fail to get a smile out of the recipient!"
See it on AmazonSpiral Notebooks + Free Study App That Turns Students' Notes Into Flash Cards
Amazon
I know most people use laptops now, but studies have shown that memory can be enhanced by the act of physically writing notes. Five Star's new app lets the user "scan, study, and organize" their handwritten notes. With Five Star Spiral Notebooks + Free Study App students can "crop and edit scans to create customized flashcards. Sync notes to Google Drive and access them anywhere from any device."
See it on AmazonA Reading Light That Lets You Choose White Or Warm Light, Dim Or Bright
Amazon
With LEPOWER's Reading Light, the user can customize the brightness of the light to their liking. The gooseneck design of the lamp arm bends 360° to angle the Light perfectly. The Metal Clip-On Light can be clipped to desks or beds, and the cord is 5' long making it convenient to use where it's needed most.
See it on AmazonA Portable Charger From INIU, "The SAFE Fast Charge Pro"
Amazon
INIU has devoted 10 years to Fast-Charge Technology and has a 15-Layer SmartProtect System and over 38 million users worldwide. A USB C cable, travel pouch, and user manual are included with the Portable Power Bank Charger. Refer to the item listing to see all the compatible phone models. Available in 5 colors.
See it on AmazonLoop Quiet Ear Plugs For Focus, Sleep, Travel, Or Noise Sensitivity
Amazon
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs allow the wearer to "get in their bubble, but stay present." Four sizes of ear tips are included, from XS to L so the fit can be customized. The "earplugs are reusable and washable, providing a sustainable solution to disposable plugs." Available in 6 colors.
See it on AmazonA Motion Sensor Dimmable Night Light With 3 Light Settings
Amazon
The Plug-In Night Light can be set to Low, Medium, or High Light depending on your needs. The Night Light can be set to "On" and will stay on constantly or set to "Auto" so it will only come on when motion is sensed. When set to "Auto," the light will shut off after 30 seconds of inactivity. Two Night Lights per order.
See it on AmazonThe 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit That Is A #1 Best Seller
Amazon
Minor cuts and scrapes are part of everyday life, but they still need attention to make sure they don't turn into a bigger problem. Students can save themselves a trip to the nurse's office by having their own First Aid Kit. The First Aid Emergency Kit includes: Adhesive fabric and plastic bandages, antibiotic ointments, BZK antiseptic towelettes, burn cream packets, aspirin, ibuprofen, gauze roll and pads, wound closures, cold pack, and other multi-use items for any potential emergency.
See it on AmazonPepto Bismol Provides Relief from Nausea, Heartburn, Indigestion, Upset Stomach, Diarrhea
Amazon
You're probably hearing the Pepto Bismol jingle in your head now. College students aren't known for having the healthiest diet, so there are bound to be times when something they ate or drank didn't agree with them. I like to keep Pepto Bismol Chewables in my purse or desk because they're more convenient to take than the liquid. They have the "power of liquid in a tablet."
See it on AmazonA Bathroom Toilet Spray Gift Set Is A Must For Shared Bathrooms
Amazon
Sharing a bathroom with new people is sure to be an adjustment. No one wants to be known as the person who stunk up the bathroom. The Before You Go Deodorizer Set comes in a discreet bottle that looks like a regular perfume bottle. The blend of Wood Sage and Sea Salt essential oils "refreshes a bathroom in seconds, erasing odors and leaving a subtle fragrance in its wake."
See it on AmazonA Swing-Top Trash Can That's Not Too Big, Not Too Little
Amazon
Umbra's 10 Gallon Trash Can is just the right size for a dorm room. I hate to stay in a hotel room with a tiny trash can that won't hold the discarded remnants of one take-out meal. The Swing-Top Lid removes easily for bag removal.
See it on AmazonA Room Deodorizer With 1000+ Sprays To Revitalize The New Living Space
Amazon
New surroundings can sometimes have an off-putting smell. Give the dorm room a refresh with Ayadara's Natural Room Spray. It ticks all the right boxes; it's paraben-free, cruelty-free, non-GMO, 100% Vegan, and Made in the USA! The combination of Lemongrass, Orange, Peppermint, and Lemon Oils "energizes and enhances focus and mental clarity and creates a lasting revitalizing scent."
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