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Today I’m sharing some college must haves from Amazon. If you missed it, I also have a post for back to school essentials here, and college dorm room essentials here. College can be an exciting experience, and these college must haves from Amazon can help to make it a smooth experience too. This post is for you, whether you are going back to college or if it’s your first year. You’re going to do great!
1. Laptop
Going into college, a laptop is an absolute college must have. From taking notes in class (if that’s how you prefer), to researching articles and writing papers, a laptop is probably the most important thing to have. It’s handy for google documents as well, which is perfect for those group projects. This option is a great pick by a trusted brand that will serve you well, whether that’s in your classes or for when you take a break from schoolwork.
SHOP IT HERE: Laptop
Raving Review: Upon taking this out of the box, my first impression was how sleek it looked. The laptop is the perfect size for actually using on your lap like I often do, which is also why I wanted a 14″ or less laptop. Super easy for transporting too. Setting up was fast and easy. Now that I’m using it, it’s lightning fast compared to my previous laptop. I’m very happy with this so far. -HME1975
2. Ipad
If you prefer an iPad over a laptop, this is a great option. Additionally, you can get this keyboard case for the iPad to assist you in taking notes while in class.
SHOP IT HERE: Ipad
Raving Review: I’ve been a heavy iPad user for many years now, and moved to the iPad Pro 11” from an older 12.9” iPad Pro. With the 11” screen and the folio keyboard, the iPad functions as my computer for pretty much everything I do from a personal perspective (streaming videos, email, some work related stuff)… with no need for a real computer or laptop. Recommend the 256GB or larger due tot he size of videos, pictures, etc these days. –ross
3. Notebook
This is mainly for those of you who like to take notes by hand, but if you do, notebooks are a must have for college. I like these Moleskine notebooks because they come three in a pack and are large. They also come in a kraft paper option as well.
SHOP IT HERE: Notebook
Raving Review: I should start by saying I feel in love with Moleskin notebooks in college. The dots are so helpful when it comes to having a notebook where you can make your calendars. I use this for making my every day lists, making notes to keep myself organized, making lists for work of things I need to get done, and still have pages available to draw on when my kids are bored. It’s a great notebook and I love it!! The folder in the back is always a favorite feature as well. –Bridalbosslady
4. Highlighters
If you are the type to take notes by hand, highlighters will be your best friend. They’re also great for reading through articles and text. Plus, the colors in this pack are so aesthetically pleasing!
SHOP IT HERE: Highlighters
Raving Review: As I’ve come to expect with Zebra products, I absolutely love these mildliners. The colors are muted and warm, great for bullet journals or annotations. –Jordan
5. Noise Cancelling Headphones
Headphones are truly a college must have. Not only can you listen to your favorite music or podcast as you walk to your classes, but if you get noise cancelling headphones like these, they will help you out when it’s time to study. These are perfect for studying in common areas to help keep you focused. This is a great affordable option, but if you prefer, there is a Bose headphone option here.
SHOP IT HERE: Noise Cancelling Headphones
Raving Review: This is our second same Anker model headphone purchased and replaced a Sony branded one. This newer version is as good as the original, and it’s even more comfortable. It seems a bit more padding was added to the ear headphones and they are truly comfortable. I can use them for a long time without my ears hurting. The noise cancellation is still really good. Can’t beat the features at this cost compared to the bigger brands. –Izzy223
6. HP Printer
Although your library will have a pay per use printer available, having a printer makes things easier for when you need things done ASAP. Plus, you don’t have to leave your dorm. A printer will come in handy for printing out papers and also if you want to print out articles so you can read, highlight and take notes on them.
SHOP IT HERE: HP Printer
Raving Review: set this up with the app on my phone in less than 3 minutes. it added to both of my macs in seconds. it also came with ink. quite literally the easiest printer set up i’ve ever experienced in my life, and i have high expectations LOL! i would recommend this printer to anyone with a home office or a college student. you can have about 50ish pages loaded into it at once so if you’re printer more than that at one time consider something a little bigger. hope this helps anyone thinking about this HP! i love it so far! –Donna M. Lanaman
7. Water Bottle
This may sound super basic, but don’t underestimate the value of bringing your own reusable water bottle to class! Colleges will have refill stations throughout campus and you don’t have to spend any money on plastic water bottles. Plus, some campuses don’t even have plastic water bottles available anymore. I love this water bottle because it holds so much water and reminds me to drink more water.
SHOP IT HERE: Water Bottle
Raving Review: set this up with the app on my phone in less than 3 minutes. it added to both of my macs in seconds. it also came with ink. quite literally the easiest printer set up i’ve ever experienced in my life, and i have high expectations LOL! i would recommend this printer to anyone with a home office or a college student. you can have about 50ish pages loaded into it at once so if you’re printer more than that at one time consider something a little bigger. hope this helps anyone thinking about this HP! i love it so far! –KC
A traveller for your coffee or tea is a college morning must have, especially if you have any morning classes. You can bring your own coffee from your home/dorm, or use it at any coffee shop to be sustainable. This one has over 14,000 reviews!
SHOP IT HERE: Traveller Mug
Raving Review: I have probably spent close to $100 trying to find the perfect travel mug that didn’t leak. Many of them promised no leaks but in the end they all ended up leaking. No big deal unless you’re at work and don’t really want to have brown coffee stains dribbled on your white shirt. This Contigo mug is the only one I found that doesn’t leak no matter what. Make sure you get this exact model not the snap top which does leak. –JPCraig
This lanyard is perfect for your student ID. This way you always know where it is and can pull it out quickly when you need it. Plus, it has a little room for a credit card or cash so you don’t have to carry your wallet everywhere with you.
SHOP IT HERE: Student ID Holder
Raving Review: I was tired of using the cheap badge holders they gave out at work. They’d fall apart fast, and I couldn’t keep anything else in them. This is nice and sturdy. It will hold my work ID, a credit card, and a few extra things, and it still fits nicely in my pocket. –Laura S. Wolterstorff
10. Backpack
A backpack to hold all of your college essentials is a must have! I like this backpack as it can fit so much in there. Plus it comes in so many colors!
SHOP IT HERE: Backpack
Raving Review: Second time purchasing this as – just to change the color up a bit – and switch for a season (or two 😉 ). This is super roomy yet has a ton of pockets and space for everything. I have gotten a ton compliments on it and it’s the go-to bag for the family trip! Light to carry – really well designed to distribute the weight. Go get yourself one, or maybe two. The color selection is fantastic! –Loralei McManus
I hope you found this list of college must haves helpful! I’d love to know what other college must haves are on your list. Let me know!
