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Gifts for College Students

The transition from high school to college is a huge one that many graduates make every year. For some, it is an exciting time, a huge indicator of the fact that they are "growing up". And for others, it can be one of the scariest periods of their lives, and they're wondering if they can even survive.  Regardless of which category you find yourself in, knowing what to expect (and being prepared!) is essential in making the transition as smooth as possible. This guide will help you to determine the kinds of purchases you will need to make, leaving you wondering why you ever stressed out in the first place.

Things To Keep In Mind

Shopping for college can be a daunting task. Remember these simple tips and you'll find it much easier, and less likely to run into problems.

  • Everyone's different: One man's treasure can easily be another man's junk, so keep in mind what sets you apart from others. For example, a design major won't need the same kind of supplies as say, a chemistry major, and just because someone you know found it helpful to bring all her make-up to school doesn't mean it'll do the same wonders for you. In other words, don't get confused by all the advice everyone is throwing at you! Focus on what kind of person you are and what you need to be comfortable.
  • Don't overpack: It is a tendency for college students to bring way more than they need. Chances are, there will be at least one Walmart, Target, or something of that sort in the area. No need to bring 5 family-pack boxes of Q-tips or multiple bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Dorm rooms are usually very small and having more can actually be more of a burden than a lifesaver. Items such as irons and vacuum cleaners can simply be borrowed as well.
  • Communicate: If you know who your roommate is, be sure to contact them before you go shopping for school. Having more than one mini fridge, microwave, or TV will be a huge waste of space so making agreements on who will be bringing what will save you a lot of trouble.
  • Do the research early on: Most colleges have a lot of information, or even pictures, of the dorm rooms and buildings. Knowing what your room looks like, and whether or not you have such things as kitchens and a gym in the building will be great in making sure that you don't have to make multiple trips to Bed Bath and Beyond.

Keep these tips in mind as you read the rest of our guide. Below are the absolute basic necessities you will need for a successful year in college.

Supplies

These are the important school supplies that no college student should be without. Some students wait until they get to school to buy it from the college bookstore, but those supplies are usually overpriced, so save a couple of bucks by purchasing beforehand.

Notebooks 

  • Notebooks, or binders if that is your preference, are absolute necessities for a college student. Even with the introduction of laptops in the classroom, there will be times when hand-writing your notes or drawing something by hand, will be more efficient.
  • Bringing a pack of at least 5 college-ruled notebooks to college is a good idea.
  • Remember to buy looseleaf paper refills  if you're more of a binder user.

Pens /Pencils 

  • Writing utensils naturally pair with notebooks. Bringing both is a good idea because professors all have different preferences.
  • Make sure to buy white-out  or erasers.  Those are lifesavers during tests.
  • If you're not the type to care much about comfort, save some money and buy pens and pencils in bulk. You can always save what you don't use one year and use it the next.

Stapler 

  • Students always underestimate the importance of the stapler. One of the biggest pet peeves for professors is unstapled work. Sometimes, they won't even accept a paper if it's not stapled!
  • A small mini stapler is perfect to toss in your bag for any last-minute stapling.

Folders 

  • College professors distribute handout after handout, and before you know it, you have towering stacks of papers that need to be organized. Prevent that mess by buying folders and keeping track of what goes where early on.

Storage

Hangers 

  • It varies for every individual, but most people don't fold all their clothes and slide them into drawers. Colleges don't usually provide hangers,  so buy a pack of at least 20 and you should be fine.

Underbed Storage Bags 

  • These handystorage bags  are great even when they don't go under the bed. You can use these to store just about anything--shoes, extra clothes, etc.
  • These bags can get quite heavy, so try to look for ones with handles at the ends.

Plastic Crates 

  • These are great for those of you who just can't seem to find any room for all of your stuff. These can double as anything from bookshelves to shoe storage. They are especially great for college because they can be piled or put side by side.

Portable Hamper 

  • One of the biggest problems for college students is keeping their room organized. These portable hampers  will help keep the dirty clothes off the floor!
  • Try to look for ones with handles on top--it's easier to carry to the laundry room.

Bath and Body

Portable Shower Caddy 

  • Shower caddies  big enough to hold all of your bath products are great so that you can carry everything with one hand. Ones with a lot of compartments are especially helpful in organizing all your products. Make sure it's waterproof!
  • This should go without saying, but make sure to bring (at the very least) shampoo,  conditioner,  body wash  (or soap bar), toothbrush,  and some toothpaste. 

Flip Flops 

  • Shower stalls can be quite disgusting at colleges. That is why investing in a separate, cheap pair of flip flops to wear is a good idea. Make sure they're not slippery! 

Mirror 

  • College dorms rarely come with a mirror, and if you have to walk down the hall to get to the bathroom mirror, it's probably worth it to just buy one for your room.
  • Look for full length mirrors  that can be hung on walls or on closet doors to save space.

Towels 

  • Some like to get bathrobes,  however, regular towels are fine. Just make sure to get at least two big ones and some smaller ones as well.

Dorm Decorating

Bedding 

  • In terms of bedding, you have to remember four things: sheets,  comforter,  pillows  and pillow cases. 
  • You can go all out with the bedding. There are so many designs and colors out there that it shouldn't be hard finding one that reflects your personality.
  • Many people like reversible comforters because it's basically a two-for-one deal.
  • Check the size of the bed at your college. Most are twin XL. 

Corkboard/Magnet Board 

  • These are great for decorating and brightening up a dull room. You can use them to put up pictures or post memos. It's also a great way to save tickets and little mementos of college life.
  • You should also consider getting a small dry erase board  as a way to communicate and leave notes for your roommate.
  • Remember to buy thumb tacks,  magnets,  or dry erase markers. 

Lights 

  • College dorms are almost never bright enough. Not only is it a mood-dampener, but it's also bad for the eyes and overall studying. Make sure to bring at least one lamp. 
  • A lamp with a flexible neck is ideal because you will be able to direct the light in whichever direction you wish.

Posters/Pictures  and Wall Maps 

  • Posters and pictures can liven up any wall. They're both great for college because it's an easy way to let people know a little bit more about you and your personality.
  • Many colleges fine students for any damage in the walls, so gummy tack  is probably the safer alternative to tape, staplers, or thumbtacks.
  • To decorate with the vibe of academia in mind, match the World Wall Map  and invest in a decorative globe,  a Continent Map Puzzle,  and an inflatable EarthBall.  

Electronics

Surge Protector 

  • Outlets are hard to find in college dorm rooms. Having a surge protector handy will make life so much more convenient.
  • If surge protectors are too bulky for your tastes, invest in extension cords  at the very least so that you are able to have an outlet where you need it.

Headphones 

  • Headphones are great for you and your roommate--perfect for those situations where you want to listen to music  or watch a movie,  but don't want to bother each other.

Laptop 

  • Probably one of the biggest investments you'll make for college, laptops come in all sizes, colors, designs, and specifications.
  • Check out our laptop guide to see how to make the best purchase.

Basic Calculator 

  • Even if you swear that you are done with math forever and that you won't be using a calculator in college, it's still a good idea to bring a basic one with you. There are many classes that, surprisingly, require them.
  • If you know you'll be using the calculator a lot, make sure to buy a pack of batteries! 

Basic Calculator 

  • Alarm clocks are ESSENTIAL if you want to be a successful college student. So don't rely on your cell phone anymore. Get the NeverLate 7-Day Alarm Clock  that you can set in advance for each day. Perfect for a college student's hectic, changing schedule!

The Little Things

First Aid Kit 

  • Accidents happen so be prepared with a mini first aid kit.
  • Buy some cough drops  and throw them in there if you feel like being extra prepared.

Mini Sewing Kit 

  • This mini kit is great for those moments when you need to reattach a button or sew up a little tear. Your mother won't be there to take care of these little needs, so this kit can be a pocket-sized lifesaver.

Portable Flash Drive 

  • Students will definitely need this in college. Don't be one of those kids who don't get to hand in their paper on time because their printer  broke down at the last minute! These are so tiny and can hold so much nowadays that you'll find these useful even after college!

Bowls /Utensils 

  • Many students go on dining plans, but even they will find that it's simply easier to microwave a meal  in their room sometimes. For those moments, you'll need at least a bowl and utensils.
  • Try to find plastic, microwave-safe  sets. One bowl, plate, and a basic set of utensils should be fine.

Safe 

  • Look; whether you trust your roommates or not, it's a good idea to keep your treasured and irreplaceable things locked up in a safe place. 

Gifts for College Students

Though it may seem quite the contrary, college students appreciate much more than just monetary gifts. There are a handful of things you can give to a starving college student to make him/her more comfortable, organized, and/or brighten the gloomy days leading up to exams.

Dorm Necessities

Refrigerators 

  • Make sure you're aware of the college or university's restrictions on wattage before you buy.

Microwaves & Other Appliances 

  • A decent microwave for a dorm can be had for as little as $40.
  • Check out other items for boiling water  and heating warm drinks.

Coffee Makers 

  • The easy-to-find coffee for one makers can be bought for as little as $30.
  • Check with the college or university for any rules against coffee makers in the dorms.

Closet Organizers 

  • A student may not get a ton of closet space to work with, so be economical. Closet organizers are great for making the most of the little space they will have.

Entertainment

Handheld Games 

  • Help your favorite college student pass time between classes with handheld video games.
  • Sony's PSP  and the Nintendo DS  are great options.

MP3 Player 

Television 

  • Give a college student a chance to sit back and relax. TVs  make great gifts for college bound teenagers.
  • Buying a TV takes some consideration. You have the option of contacting your child's roommate and/or his/her parents to discuss buying one TV for the couple to split, or you could choose to buy a smaller TV meant only for your child's use (The latter tends to be preferred).

Accessories

Laptop Bags 

  • Getting through school is tough enough; carrying things with you shouldn't be. Make the life of some lucky college student a bit easier by giving him/her a laptop bag. 
  • Most come with a slot for a standard size laptop, as well as compartments for your AC adapter and mouse. Oh, and you can fit a couple books too.
  • Consider bags made by Timbuk2,  Manhattan Portage,  Targus,  and Kensington. 

Flash Drives 

  • These are a great utility that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors that fit into any lifestyle.
  • Perfect for the student who wakes up early to print a paper, only to find that his/her printer isn't going to cooperate. This is a reliable way of getting your document to a computer lab.

Poker Sets 

  • Great for late night get-togethers, poker sets are fun unisex gifts for everyone.
  • These can be had for as little as $15, while some can reach upwards of $150.
  • Excalibur,  Brookstone,  and even the World Series of Poker  produce great poker sets.

Related Guides

External Links

  • LamNext.com: Some ideas to brighten up your otherwise dark, dull dorm room.
  • SFGate.com: A helpful article on college necessities.