We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A Rocketbook smart reusable notebook you can fill with handwritten notes, then blast them into cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.) and wipe the pages clean to start over. Not only will you be able to look back on them for your own reference; you'll *also* be able to send notes directly to that friend who skipped class the day before a big exam. (Yeah, they def owe you one.)
You'll get the notebook (with 36 dotted pages), a Pilot Pen, and microfiber cleaning cloth. There's another version of Rocketbook that includes a planner!
Promising review: "Must-have for every college student! This is by far the most useful item I have ever purchased and I wish this came out years sooner! One of the main issues of having a standard notebook is in the event that if you lose it you will be out of luck. That is not the case with the Rocketbook since you will have your files saved to the cloud. This notebook's best feature is the fact that it's virtually waterproof. I have ruined many notebooks this way! I have no complaints with this notebook just a warning; you have to watch how hard you press the pen because it will leave a permanent mark after you wipe it off." —Yaclaudes Minoso
Get it from Amazon for $19.82+ (available in two sizes and 16 colors/patterns).
2. A vibrant wireless keyboard and mouse set because anything that adds a nice pop of color to your workspace will make sitting down at your desk every day feel a little more bearable. Because it's wireless, it'll be easy to take on the go if you're running around campus, or if your classes are virtual, you'll be able to use this colorful duo at home for all your computer needs.
The set includes a wireless keyboard and mouse with a USB receiver for a 2.4GHz connection. Pick up some AA batteries — both will need them! And if you use a MacBook and don't already have a USB-C hub, you'll need one of those as well.
Promising reviews: "Great keyboard! Fits really well on my desk and makes online classes wayyy easier. Love the additional accessories for customization as well as cleaning." —Kindle Customer
"So cute! Not gonna lie, this got me through my winter finals in college; the tapping noises from the keys are so soothing. Works very well, and color scheme is amazing! Planning on buying the yellow one as well. 👀" Samantha
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in 11 colors).
Pssst... If you're looking for a compact version (i.e. without the numeric keypad), Amazon has that too! Check it out for $35.99.
3. A wildly popular set of wireless Bluetooth earbuds that are super reliable and won't break the bank. These bbs have — no joke — over 231,000 (!!) 5-star ratings on Amazon from reviewers who consider them a fantastic AirPods alternative for their low price, great sound, waterproof + sweatproof design, and solid battery life (over 10 hours on a single charge).
These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 45 hours of playtime when you're on the go — it'll fully recharge the earbuds in less than two hours.
Promising review: "THE BEST Bluetooth headphones I’ve ever had. 😍 When I tell you these things are TRULY waterproof, truly noise canceling, have amazing sound quality, and got so snuggly and comfortably into my ears omg!! I’m a college student so having headphones that quickly and easily connect without fault and are noise canceling and comfortable is a MUST and these, PLUS the case that keeps them charged at all times??? Amazing headphones!!!" —Sam Rod
Psst — BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly also swears by these! Check out her review here (#5).
Get them from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in five colors).
4. A cold brew coffee maker so you can fuel up with a refreshing caffeinated drink without spending all your money on morning Dunkin' runs. This popular device boasts an airtight lid and stainless-steel filter designed to keep coffee fresh for up to two weeks!
Promising review: "I loved this! As a college student, I find this is a lifesaver; it saves me money and time in the mornings! The size is pretty good, it's super easy to use, and it makes great-tasting coffee." —Amazon Customer
"This product is made with plastic and comes with a handle so it will not break and you can take it places with you. I often bring it with me to college and keep it in my backpack. The lid locks so it will not spill. Great design and only takes about two minutes to clean and is super easy to refill." —Cooper
Check it out on TikTok to see how it works, and peep our Takeya cold brew coffee maker review for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two sizes).
5. A pair of blue light–blocking glasses because regardless of whether your classes are in person or virtual, you're spending a ton of time looking at a computer and other devices, which is doing no favors for your eyes. These can help reduce eye strain and fatigue when you're staring at a computer for hours on end, which just means you'll be able to focus more on your lessons and homework.
Electronic devices emit a lot of blue light, which your eyes do a terrible job of blocking. Computer glasses that filter blue light can help reduce the amount of blue light you're exposed to, plus you don't need a prescription to wear them and they work even if you're already wearing contacts.
Promising review: "Must-have for college students. Bought them for finals week and they truly saved my eyes. I get headaches from staring at my screen for long periods of time (as finals week requires) and these helped so so much. I recommend to everyone. Will definitely be using these even more in coming months as I start law school!" —HLM
Get them from Amazon for $13.99 (available in multiple colors and in packs).
6. Wireless sleep headphones in the form of a comfy headband so you can play white noise (or whatever else helps you catch some Z's) without the discomfort of regular earbuds or earplugs. It'll be a *lifesaver* whether you live in the dorms, a college apartment, or at home, letting you block out the noise of loud neighbors or a roommate who's an early riser while you're trying to rest up for a long day of classes.
Promising review: "I absolutely love these headphones. I always listen to music or white noise when I fall asleep so I bought these for college so my roommate won't have to listen to my music. These work really well, they don't hurt my head and help me sleep all night. I also love that it is a USB-C charging port, which is the same as my phone so I don't need any extra cords. I can just unplug my phone in the morning and plug in my headband." —Lily B.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 16 colors).
7. A cushioned laptop desk so you can do your homework or studying anywhere, whether it's your bed (so comfy!) or a couch in one of the common areas because your roommate won't stop blaring YouTube videos without headphones on. 🙃 It has an integrated mouse pad and phone slot, with enough space for your laptop on the left.
It's great for laptops up to 15.6 inches!
Promising reviews: "Love it! I’m a college student and I use it ALL the time! It is a must-have if you like to do work or play PC games in bed or on the couch. It’s good quality, cute, comfortable, and functional." —Lauren
"College dorm must-have. My son uses it daily in his college dorm and loves it. Sturdy but not heavy, pad not too soft and not too hard, perfect size for 15-inch Mac with room for a mouse." —Ry
Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in seven colors, and in a style with a wrist rest).
8. Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer that'll let you cover dark under-eye circles from staying up late studying the night before, and the pimple that's decided to pop up out of the blue. With a built-in sponge for blending, this'll quickly let you touch up your face before rushing out the door to class.
Promising review: "I am only 22 but this covers my bags from many college sleepless nights, and it covers any acne I may get. It blends out perfectly and it doesn't crease, which I love. This is a staple in my everyday makeup routine. HIGHLY SUGGEST!" —Caylee
Check out BuzzFeed's full Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer review for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 18 shades).
9. A six-outlet wall charger and surge protector, because as a busy student you could *always* use more outlets for all your devices. It automatically lights up in the evenings thanks to a dusk-to-dawn sensor, so you'll be able to easily see your different cables while you're up late studying. It has six AC outlets *and* two USB ports, plus three levels of adjustable brightness you can tap through.
Promising review: "I put it next to my table where I do all of my college work. I always need multiple things to plug into the wall. This helps me have multiple cables plugged in at the same time and also protects them." —Nallely Velasco
Get it from Amazon for $17.97.
10. And a dual-port USB power brick that'll transform into a portable charger when you need to head to class or go run errands. Low battery? We don't know her.
Promising reviews: "Perfect for keeping the laptop powered up after a long day of lecture. Super fast charge and does not get hot like some others. It's a little big and heavy compared to other wall chargers, but that's to be expected. Overall a great purchase and a must for any student!!!" —Amy
"As a student, this charger has yet to fail me. I bought this a year ago and I always make sure I carry it with me in my backpack. The carrying case is great because I store the USB cable and an extra lightning cable in it." —Luke M.
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
11. A tiny bed-side shelf for your lofted dorm room bed, essentially giving you a nightstand or mini desk for placing your laptop, phone, water bottle, and other small items on. Now you can go straight from typing essays to catching up on The Summer I Turned Pretty without having to leave your bed.
Promising reviews: "Dorm must-have. Quick delivery. Used on loft bed. Great for the college student." —Sharon Zain
"I bought it for use on my bed in my college dorm and the extra space it adds is very helpful. Being able to place my phone there, my laptop, lunch, and so much more has been very convenient. The sturdiness and materials are more than satisfactory for what I was looking for." —Paul
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in two colors).
12. Or the iconic and slightly more compact BedShelfie made from natural bamboo and featuring a cup holder so you don't accidentally knock over your water when that 7 a.m. alarm goes off.
Promising review: "I am dorming at college and this shelf is excellent as space is limited because the dorm rooms are small. I needed a place for my glasses, cellphone, etc. at night and it was difficult to reach my desk. This shelf was easy to install and very sturdy." —Deborah
Get it from Amazon for $31.44+ (available in four styles).
13. And speaking of alarms — a heavy-duty alarm clock that'll make sure you don't sleep through that 8 a.m. class. Even the heaviest of sleepers will find it impossible to sleep through its 113-decibel wail and flashing lights (they don't call it the Sonic Bomb for nothing) — apologies in advance to any roommates.
Promising review: "This is an absolute must for heavy sleepers! I have 8 o'clock classes. I am a college student. I have to take sleeping pills so I have trouble waking up in the morning. I have to put the shaking device under my pillow but it wakes me up every time! so grateful for this product!" —Holly Heard
Get it from Amazon for $39.95 (available in six colors).
14. Or, for a gentler approach, a soothing sunrise alarm clock if your bedroom gets barely any natural light. It wakes you up gently and gradually by simulating the sunrise so you don't even feel the need to hit the "snooze" button.
The light comes on gradually, starting at 10% brightness and working its way up to 100% by 30 minutes before your wake-up time (though you can adjust this down to 20 or 10 minutes before), and you can have it play sounds of nature like songbirds, ocean waves, or a splashing creek. There's a similar process for falling asleep as well, with gradual light fading and sounds like pouring rain and crickets + campfire available to lull you asleep.
Promising reviews: "Good for college students. After sleeping through my phone alarm, I decided to finally purchase a real alarm clock. This is perfect because it works as an alarm and also gives enough light for me to stay up and do work without bothering my roommate! Definitely recommend!" —Kbf
Get it from Amazon for $32.88+ (available in three styles).
15. An internet-beloved time-marked water bottle because staying hydrated can help boost energy levels and improve concentration, and this'll give you a visual reminder of how much you've drunk — and still need to drink. Bonus: The mouth piece is spill-proof, and it comes in *really* cute colors.
Promising review: "As a college student, I'm always on the go and never remember to drink water. I have been having health issues and have been told so many times to drink at least 8 cups of water a day. I decided to try this water bottle to help me remember to keep hydrated. It has helped me so much! I can easily sip water during class and keep track of the time. If I'm in a hands-on class, I can know how much I need to drink after class ends. I love the color! (I got the mint color). The bottle is quality made, doesn't leak, and is skinny so it can fit in my cup holders. I love the leak-proof lid! The strap is handy for me to grab and carry the bottle. It has made my life a ton easier and I'd recommend it to everyone!" —BunnyGirl
Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in 16 colors).
16. A silicone keyboard cover that doesn't just add a cute pop of color to your laptop — it'll also prevent Cheeto dust and Dorito crumbs from getting under your keys during those late-night studying sessions, because it's no fun once certain letters stop working entirely.
Promising review: "A college student MUST-HAVE. It matches my case that I bought. It’s squishy and makes the keyboard clicks quiet for college students night working. Also protective of chips and snacks. Not to mention it’s just super cute." —Sofiya Cron
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 27 colors).
17. A slim laptop stand to ~elevate~ your work setup — it'll bring your laptop closer to eye level, which is better for the ergonomics of your setup, but it'll also ensure your laptop gets proper ventilation so it doesn't overheat. No one has time for neck pain or a laptop that shuts down in the middle of a lecture.
This stand fits any laptop from 10–15.6 inches and can be easily disassembled into three parts for easy transportation. It's recommended to pair it with a keyboard and not try to type on the laptop directly when in the stand!
Bonus: You can store textbooks and notebooks underneath it when not in use, kicking your desk organization up a notch too.
Promising review: "College essential. Put together within one minute. Great stability and quality, perfect for keyboard to lay under, great size and height. I’m happy with this order. Elevates my office space instantaneously to a modern and functional field to work in." —Sophie
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 10 colors).
18. A 60-pack of self-stick organizing tabs, a major upgrade over your standard sticky notes since you'll be able to thumb to a specific page and find your notes instantly. No more cutting up sticky notes to create tabs on your own!
Promising review: "A college MUST-have. It sticks like your average sticky note but with the tab function and room for notes — what’s not to love? I use these for going over a textbook. I attach one to each chapter and on it write the page numbers and info covered. This saves so much time when I’m trying to look up an answer or do last-minute study reviews. I didn’t realize they were bound as several sticky pads (with the non-sticky protection page at the end of each color). It allows me to remove the tabs in any order I like. I have spent YEARS making my own tabs by cutting up sticky notes and then using another note to tag important info — this simplified everything." —Meghan
Get a set of 60 from Amazon for $7.90.
19. Some adjustable shelves for housing both your school supplies and decor and to help you tidy that cluttered desk. Now you'll have cubbies for storing all the random *stuff* you just don't know where to put and turn the clutter into cozy, visually appealing organization.
The shelves come in two separate parts that can be arranged close together or spread further apart, depending on what you need! Some reviewers even picked up several to build a bigger shelving unit on their desk, as pictured above.
Promising review: "I got this to put on my desk in my dorm to provide more storage and I was blown away by the quality. It's held all my notebooks and textbooks no problem. I've had a full-sized fern in a terracotta pot on it and it hasn't bellowed or buckled. It has many different slots so I could keep all my sticky notes, notecards, paperclips, etc. in arms reach. It was very easy to assemble and even came with the screwdriver to put it together. I highly recommend it, especially if you're a college student or work at a desk frequently." —Breanna Jones
Get them from Amazon for $25.99 (available in six colors).
20. A clip-on lamp that'll attach to the side of any desk to light up those late-night study marathons, whether you're cozied up at home or grinding it out at the library. It can clip onto desks, tables, headboards, and even computers so you always have light when you need it, AND you can select warm or cool light depending on your mood.
Promising review: "Dorm life must-have! Small but sturdy light with options and flexibility! Impressed with the quality of the clip...attached securely to bed rail. Small size doesn't take up space but still puts out good amount of light. Bendable neck will be handy along with bonus of being able to choose four lighting options: white or soft as well as a low and high setting in both, accessible by a switch located on the cord a short distance from the clip." —Lori B.
Get it from Amazon for $12.86+ (available in three colors).
21. An 18-pack (!!!) of colorful fine point pens if color-coding notes makes your organization-loving heart happy — and besides, it can help you stay engaged and remember bullet points more easily! Plus, you can doodle while you wait for the lecture to start, or when the prof goes off on another random tangent.
Promising reviews: "Very smooth and easy to use. I love them so far, gonna be a college must-have for me! I love the vivid colors!" —Amaryllis
"They are my absolute favorite to take notes with. I used them about two years ago and then decided to purchase them again for college. I like color-coding notes and such and find these to be the easiest to write with. They don’t feel cheap when you hold them, compared to some other pens I have used in the past. They also seem to last forever! My previous set lasted a good year before I lost them." —Sarah Overman
Get a pack of 18 colored pens from Amazon for $7.99.
22. And an adorably encouraging daily planner so you can plan out the next day and hit the ground running in the a.m. This pad is set up for you to jot down not just appointments, priorities, and to-do lists but also water intake, meal planning, and fitness goals, so it's helpful for organizing your entire day beyond just your classwork.
Each planner comes with 50 tear-off sheets the size of a standard piece of paper.
Bliss Collections is a family-owned, Wisconsin-based business established in 2012 that specializes in stationery, planners and pads, and drinkware.
Promising review: "Love this planner! Bought for college to keep my days organized and use my time wisely! Definitely worth the money and a good size! Will be purchasing more." —Brenda M Mata
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
23. A durable mesh hanging shower caddy for on-campus folks who are dealing with a shared bathroom situation — this lets you keep your shampoo, conditioner, razor, hairbrush, and other toiletries in one spot so you don't lose anything or (oops) accidentally reach for your roommate's fancy conditioner instead. The mesh design ensures it dries quickly with no water accumulation!
Promising review: "Must-have for college. It's a nice little shower caddy to have. I bought it for college this year and I'm happy with it, but heavier items can cause an imbalance in the caddy, so I just put them in the center." —William Faunce
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 13 colors and a two-pack)
24. And a pair of quick-drying shower sandals because going barefoot in a communal shower is just asking for trouble 🤢 seriously, don't do it!! These are cute, will protect your feet, and have drainage holes to dry quickly after each use. They're also super comfortable with decent arch support!
Promising review: "As a student in college, I can tell you that these are good for taking showers with. You don't want to get some weird infection from the communal showers in the dorms, so put these on and easily take them off without slipping. The holes on the bottom are also pretty nice to prevent water from accumulating in the slipper and making puddles." —Diego
Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in women's sizes 5–14 and men's sizes 3.5–12.5, and in 12 colors).
25. An electric hot pot if you *didn't* opt for the most expensive meal plan to take all your meals at the cafeteria, because tuition and textbooks have already bankrupted you enough. With this, you can easily whip up hearty, healthy meals using simple ingredients right in your dorm room or apartment, from stews and noodles to fried rice, eggs, chicken, and more.
Promising review: "This little pot saved my life in the dorms. I probably would've starved without it. It's so easy to use, heats nicely, small enough to store in a dorm room but big enough to cook lots of creative meals for one! If you're moving into dorms put this on your essentials list!" —Jas Davis
Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in four colors and with or without a steamer).
26. A rapid microwave ramen cooker for when you've been studying hard for that upcoming exam, only to look up and realize it's midnight — and you haven't eaten. This'll let you cook up some hot, delicious ramen in just minutes, using only a microwave.
Rapid Brands is a small business that you might have seen on Shark Tank!
Promising review: "These are simply amazing! Many 'As-seen-on-TV' products are usually gimmicks from my experience but these work fantastically and really improve the cooking process. As a college student, this is a must-have and is really as simple as it looks. It cooks the ramen to the perfect consistency every time, as if one were to make it conventionally." —Sean
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in 16 colors, two sizes, and various packs).
27. And a microwave pasta cooker made for other types of pasta, sure to come in clutch when you're *starving* and don't have a way of boiling water (or just impatient). This lets you make al dente pasta in the microwave — it sounds like a gimmick, but reviewers say it's legit.
Promising review: "A MUST-HAVE item for any college student with access to a microwave. It cooks boxed pasta as well as any pot, which can provide a welcome change to the college food. My roommate and I got heavy use out of this thing, and I honestly don't know how I would have survived living in dorms without it." —Justin S.
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
28. A dry erase sticker board to convert any wall into a whiteboard for taking notes or working through a problem collaboratively with others — especially useful for group presentations or study sessions! You can also just stick it onto your desk for jotting down reminders and to-dos.
You can stick this to basically any surface and can cut it to any size. The adhesive on the back means you can easily remove it (without damaging the surface) and move it to a different spot. It also includes an eraser and three dry-erase markers (one blue, one black, and one red).
Promising reviews: "This is an absolute must for virtual learning. I’m a college student who moved back home because of the pandemic. I put this on my door and write 'do not disturb' during classes to ensure no one comes in." —pao
"Super convenient! Love that it blends with the wall and you can adjust it to whatever size you want! Definitely a college student must-have :)" —Mais Salloum
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two colors).
29. A classic bullet journal perfect for keeping track of your class schedule, assignments, and more in an open-ended format that encourages creativity. You can create calendar spreads, track habits, write journal entries, doodle, and keep as many running lists as you like! The possibilities are truly endless, thanks to the versatile dotted pages.
You can look up bullet journals on TikTok, YouTube, etc. for inspiration if you need help getting started! But as the reviewer below mentions, try not to get intimidated by the elaborate spreads and art some people create using bullet journals — you can keep yours as simple as you like, and experiment with your style over time! As you can see above, many people do dress up their pages with art and cute washi tape.
Promising review: "As a college freshman, I'm just getting used to planning my own schedule. I bought this to keep track of assignments, due dates, and club meetings, but I've been using it for so much more! I used to use a Moleskine weekly planner, and I prefer this Leuchtturm because of the numbered pages table of contents, and the two ribbon bookmarks. I also found that I like the journal style better, so I can make my own monthly and weekly calendars, but also have space to put shopping lists, notes, and anything else I want!" —Sylvia
Get it from Amazon for $22.95+ (available in 30 colors and four page styles: dotted, plain, ruled, and squared).
30. A six-compartment laptop backpack with vintage flair helping you lug your laptop, textbooks, notebooks, water bottle, chargers, and other essentials around so you can stay prepared and organized through your last class of the day. Its padded interior compartment will protect your laptop, and there's even a pouch inside for a power bank!
A power bank is not included, but if you don't already have one, try this highly rated Anker option.
Promising review: "College must-have. I wish I had bought this backpack sooner in my college career. The material is amazing and looks like it would be really expensive. The straps are nice and thick, perfect if you carry a lot of books, binders etc. I have an Asus laptop and it fits nicely on the inside. Not to mention there is a good amount of cushion and padding on the inside. The front zipper part is large enough to fit a small notebook, and was perfect for my small planner. There’s even a space for a battery pack/charger. It’s worth every penny." —Gabrielle
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in eight colors).
31. A pretty pastel expanding file folder for keeping all your notes, homework, and syllabi for each class organized so you can quickly find what you need instead of panicking when you can't find the worksheet that's due today. It can hold between 150 and 200 sheets of paper!
32. A productivity cube, because the thought of tackling that big project or essay you've been putting off? Groan. Breaking it into 5-, 15-, 30-, and 60-minute chunks? Much more manageable. This little cube helps keep you on task for a set amount of time, beeping and flashing a light when you're done so you can take that much-needed TikTok break.
You set the countdown time, then flip the cube to start the timer! Two AAA batteries are needed.
Check it out in this TikTok office desk tour!
Promising review: "This timer has really helped me with my ADHD. I’m a college student and I use it for studying and tracking my breaks." —Hope Diamond
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in seven styles).
33. A hanging laundry bag to keep dirty clothes off the floor and eliminate the need for a bulky hamper that you *definitely* don't have space for in your dorm room or small apartment.
Promising reviews: "I bought this product in 2018 and just bought my second one for my dorm room. One of mine hangs off my dresser and take up no room at all, the other will hang off my dorm bed. I put it in the wash with my clothes, it is very sturdy and very good quality." —heather burton
"Bought this for my college kid who had to bunk in a very small room with two other guys. He said it was super nice that it hung on the door because they didn't have much floor space at all. Kind of a lifesaver." —Susan May
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three colors and two-packs).
34. Or a huge backpack laundry bag if the trek to the closest laundry room is no short distance. Conveniently, it has pockets for holding your detergent, quarters, dryer sheets, and more, making it easier to carry everything you need so that laundry day isn't *too* much of a pain.
Promising review: "This is a definite must-have for anyone in college whose laundry room is in a different building. It fits a bunch of clothing in it and there’s pockets for your Tide Pods and dryer sheets. The material is a bit thin and it’s not super sturdy but it will definitely get the job done. The backpack strings do kinda dig into your skin if you're carrying a heavy load but it definitely beats dragging your entire hamper up and down flights of stairs. 👍👍" —Myles
Get from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 13 colors).
35. A mini stapler for the class whose professor *requires* you to turn in physical papers, and god forbid they're not stapled when it comes time to submit. It's small enough to keep in your backpack and will come in handy more times than you know. Trust us.
The mini stapler comes with a refill pack of 1,000 (!!!!!) staples, so you'll be covered for the foreseeable future.
Promising review: "Must-have for college students. This product is super handy to have in your backpack to staple things at school. I would suggest it to any college student who regularly turns in hard copies of papers. I am a senior business major, and this has been the most handy tool in my backpack to turn in papers. It also comes with a lot of replacement staples, so I have yet to have to buy more staples." —Pholla01
Get it from Amazon for $3+ (available in four styles).
36. A set of space-saving folding hangers giving you space for *twice* the number of cute outfits even though your dorm room closet is teensy. Just one of these hangers fits five regular-sized hangers on it, folding down to utilize the vertical space for more storage. Now all your bulky hoodies won't crowd your other clothes!
Promising review: "Saved a ton of space in my college apartment. Good for smaller closet spaces like college dorms/apartments. It does make the clothes drag on the floor a little, so if you have those double row closets I’d use them at the top." —Ayanna
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $9.93+ (available in black, white, or mixed colors, and in other packs).
37. A super lightweight, budget-friendly stick vacuum great for cleaning your dorm room (because *someone's* gotta do it). You can use it as a handheld, then extend it out for cleaning the floors, with swivel steering so you can get into those dirty, dusty corners that haven't been cleaned in ages. It won't take up much space either!
Promising reviews: "College must-have! Super cute and works great for dorm rooms!" —Tia
"Great little vacuum for college students. I purchased this for my daughter to use in her dorm. She says it's perfect. It cleans both tile and carpet floors with ease. It's light and has great suction. I highly recommend this affordable little vacuum to folks with tiny homes, small apartments and of course college students." —MistyMcD
Get it from Amazon for $30.60 (available in two colors and another model).
38. A quilted cooling mattress topper to save your back from your dorm room mattress because let's be real, they're not exactly the height of luxury. This machine-washable pad provides some extra cushioning so you can close your eyes and pretend you're still in your cozy childhood bed.
Promising review: "I bought this for my college dorm room and it is great! Not too thin or too thick, and it's very easy to take off and throw in the washer for a quick wash. A must-have addition if you live on campus but want another layer on top of your mattress!" —QW
Get the twin XL size from Amazon for $28.99 (available in sizes twin–split head flex king).
39. And a set of bed bands so you can cinch those bed corners tight and keep your sheets and mattress pad from sliding right off the bed, especially if you tend to toss and turn at night (and your dorm room mattress is made with slippery vinyl).
Bed Band is a US-based small business that specializes in bed bands for mattresses of various sizes.
Promising review: "Must-have for dorm room mattresses! When you move your freshman into his or her dorm, you'll find that the mattress is very slippery due to being made with a vinyl material. Mattress topper, pad, etc., will slide very easily making it very difficult to change sheets. We purchased these bands at the recommendation of a seasoned parent, and we were so glad we had them. We put the mattress topper and mattress cover on, then used the bands to strap them down. The pad and topper don't budge when changing the sheets. We got another set to use to keep the sheet pinned. They work perfectly! Fantastic product. We bought the regular size for the dorm room, and the XL set for our king bed at home. Wonderful product!!!!!" —Travelin' Mom
Get a pack of four bands from Amazon for $13.99 (available in three colors, two sizes, and multiple packs).
40. Vacuum-sealed bags if you've stared at your bulky blankets, winter coats, and chunky sweaters — and then at your tiny closet — in despair like, Where on earth am I supposed to store these? You can also use these in your suitcase to bring way more clothes home with you for the holidays.
People love these for traveling over a long period too!
Promising review: "Being a college student, I don't have the biggest space to put all my clothes and going back and forth from home is just a pain. To fix my issue, I ordered these storage bags in the hopes that I could make all my seasonal clothing under my bed. Sure enough, it worked out perfectly." —Caitlyn Mackenzie
Get a pack of five small bags from Amazon for $23.99 (available in sizes small–jumbo and also in 10- and 15-packs).
41. A memory foam chair cushion your bum will thank you for, whether you're sitting in a hard lecture room chair or at your own desk. It's designed to relieve pressure on your tailbone, hips, and lower back while sitting for long periods of time, and reviewers say it's worked wonders for their aches and pains.
The cover is removable and washable!
Promising review: "I got this seat cushion because I returned to college after my kids finished school, and at my age, those hard school chairs make my hip joints ache after a long day. The cushion is bulky and big to carry around, and adds an inch or so to my height, making me a bit tall for the tables, but it keeps my hips from aching, even after hours, so it's worth it. The cushion doesn't crush down much for me, and I weigh around 160." —TAP
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in five colors).
42. A roll of double-sided heavy duty mounting tape letting you decorate your dorm room or apartment to your heart's content. It's strong enough to hang picture frames, shelves, lights, and more, and it's even reusable.
Note: It's not recommended to use this on painted walls, as it may strip off the paint upon removal. If you're working with painted walls, try heavy-duty Command strips!
Promising review: "I love this tape. After trying and failing multiple ways to adhere items to the wall in my college dorm and friends' dorms, we attempted to hang our stuff with this tape, and it works great! We even managed to hang somewhat heavy canvas prints and framed paintings! I have not had too much trouble with removing it but I do advise following the directions and removing it very gently and carefully, because again, it is incredibly strong!" —Erin Murray
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes).
43. An electric mug warmer for when you're studying for hours and sipping on your coffee or tea so slowly, it'd go cold halfway through if not for this handy gadget. With this, your fave caffeinated bevy will stay the perfect temp for hours, even when you temporarily forget about it during a particularly tough homework question.
Tip: Reviewers suggest turning the heat down from high to medium once your drink gets down to about the halfway point so it stays a comfortable temperature!
Promising review: "I'm a current college student, so I spend a lot of time at my desk. I tend to make a cup of coffee to drink while I do my work but I get so preoccupied with what I'm doing, by the time I take a sip of my coffee it's cold. This mug warmer works very well at keeping my coffee warm. I have forgotten to put my mug on the warmer a couple of times and had my coffee get cold. However, I just put the mug on the warmer and get back to work, then by the time I turn back to my coffee it's usually warm again. It's easy to use and fits nicely on my desk. I'm very happy with the product and I would recommend." —Kayla Nyberg
Get it from Amazon for $23.29+ (available in eight styles).
Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.