10 Essential Back to School Items Every College Student Needs

Whether you’re heading to college for the first time or going back for another semester, now is the time to make sure you’re equipped for the adventures to come! From dorm life must-haves to study and organizational aids, you’ll have more fun and get more done if you take a little time to get prepared first.

While no list can tell you every single thing you’ll need — college experiences can be wildly different, after all – there are a few real game-changers that every college student should know about. These are 10 of the top back to school items that can make your next year in college the best one yet.

1. Backpack

From your books to your devices to your between-class snacks, a backpack is the center of many students’ campus lifestyle. Before the semester starts, make sure you’ve invested in a great college backpack that’s comfortable, fits your style, and has plenty of room for the things you need to carry. If, like most students, you’ll be carrying a laptop computer with you, make sure to get a backpack with a padded and reinforced laptop pocket. Look for durability, too, as a good backpack can easily last you all four years of college if you take care of it well.

2. Umbrella

Who wants to get rained on between classes or on the way to the dining hall? A compact umbrella that fits in your backpack is a super-clutch addition to your college life kit. Make sure to get one that has an included waterproof sleeve so you don’t get your stuff wet after putting it away. Get ready for envious looks from your friends who forgot to bring their own!

3. Water Bottle

Hydration is a must for everyone, but it’s especially important for college students navigating late nights and heavy workloads. To ensure you’re always thinking and working at your best, get a reusable water bottle that fits well in your backpack. Stainless steel and silicone-sleeved glass are popular materials that are easy to clean and sturdy enough to resist everyday wear and tear. Many campuses now offer purified water stations for easy and tasty refills.

4. Fan

Believe it or not, many colleges still have dorms without air conditioning, making a basic box or oscillating fan a true necessity for a lot of students. Even if you’re lucky enough to have AC, a fan can offer pleasant air circulation and white noise that many people find great for sleeping. Some even include convenient features like automatic shutoff systems and/or remote controls. Plus, they can help clear out the funky smells that are notorious for accumulating in dorm rooms.

5. Headphones

A great pair of headphones can be your best friend in college. Not only are they great for blocking out noise from the many distractions on campus, but they can be a straight-up necessity if you need to watch a video for an assignment without disturbing other people. Bluetooth headphones are ideal for students thanks to their convenience and cord-cutting appeal, and models with active noise cancellation are also popular for students who often work in loud environments.

6. Storage Bins

Most dorms and college apartments aren’t exactly overflowing with extra storage, which is where the ubiquitous storage bin comes to the rescue. These bins can be made of anything from plastic to wicker to rope, and they offer an easy and flexible place to house all kinds of essentials — from clothes to books to chargers and cables. A lot of models are stackable, making them easier to store and arrange efficiently anywhere that space is a priority.

7. Safe/Lock Box

Keeping your possessions safe should be a high priority in any communal living situation. A safe or lock box can be key (no pun intended) for this purpose. It doesn’t need to be some Looney Tunes-esque monstrosity, either. A simple, sturdy metal lock box will be just fine for most people. Keep important stuff like your passport, emergency credit cards, cash, or anything else safe inside, and you’ll be able to rest easier.

8. Power Bank Charger

Whether it’s your phone, your tablet or your Bluetooth headphones, a dead device battery is the bane of any student’s existence. Power bank chargers offer an incredibly convenient solution! These large portable batteries hold enough power to charge multiple devices many times over, and most can retain a charge for months at a time. Increasingly, they also offer today’s must-have tech features like USB-C ports and even wireless charging capabilities.

9. Dry Erase Board

A dry erase whiteboard is an incredibly versatile tool for planning and organizing. No matter what you study and what activities you’re part of, one of these boards can help. Write down a helpful note to remember that last-minute study session, diagram an important concept, leave a message for your roommate — there are so many things that they’re good for! If you want to use one specifically as a calendar, consider a model with a calendar grid already on it, or go with a traditional freeform board if you want to keep it open.

 Surge Protector

Few dorm rooms come with enough electrical outlets for all of your screens, chargers, and various other devices, especially when you have a roommate. That’s why it’s so clutch to have a surge protector power strip (or two) on hand. A durable power strip will provide all of the outlets your digital heart desires, and the surge protection features built into most models will help protect your devices from lightning storms and other electrical events.