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Off to college —2026 edition
61
items Beat the rush to buy things for new and returning college students. Gather things needed for that dorm room or new apartment.
Sections
10
Clothes
Packing essentials
Bedding
Cleaning
School supplies
Electronics
Clothes
College is tough, but dressing doesn’t have to be. Be comfortable and stylish.
Just like in a hotel room, never let your bare feet touch the bare floor.
shevalues Shower Shoes with Arch Support
Oversized and comfy. Stay warm walking the campus when the weather changes.
ATHMILE Womens Oversized Fleece Hoodie
Hangout clothes or suitable to wear to class. Comfort and cute. Great for fall.
Dokotoo Womens Oversized 3/4 Sleeve Striped Sweater
Simple and cute and great for when your roommates keep the apartment too cold or your professors keep the class frigid.
Trendy Queen Cropped Oversized Sweatshirt
So comfortable at an affordable price. I now realize I don’t need a ton of padding to be comfortable. Barefoot shoes are my absolute go to.
Wide Barefoot Minimalist Zero Drop Shoes
Packing essentials
Getting from one place to another with ease! Packing and storage are part of going away to college. Make it as easy as possible.
Exactly what you need when it’s time to pack. Easy to store between moves.
6 Pack 93L Heavy Duty Moving Bags with Zipper
See through makes it easy to organize. Being foldable makes them easy to store in a small dorm room or apartment closet.
8 Pack XL Heavy Duty Clear Moving Bags
A must for food storage in the living space and for moving breakable things. Also great for fragile items.
Sterilite 6-Pack Latching Under Bed Storage
A laptop is essential for college these days. Protect it while you are moving.
Taygeer Travel Laptop Backpack 35L Black
Bedding
Sleeping, studying, eating. Be comfortable! But be sure to keep the bed fresh and clean.
A good mattress cover is essential, especially if you don’t know who had it before you. I’d never sleep in a bed that wasn’t covered.
Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Pad - Soft Quilted Topper
All the towels you need. We learned the hard way to get them embroidered or to use a vinyl cutting machine to at minimum add your initials.
LANE LINEN 24PC Cotton Bath Towels Set - Grey
Keeping it cute. Most dorm beds are extra long. Make sure you check this before buying bedding.
Bedsure Sage Green Twin XL 5-Piece Comforter Set
A good throw blanket makes you feel warm and cozy, especially when you miss home.
Fleece Black Throw Blanket 50x60 Inch Cozy
I’d never leave my favorite pillow at home. I’d never sleep without it.
EIUE Hotel Collection 2 Pack Queen Pillows
Perfect for that first college apartment. The sale price makes it affordable to replace it every year if you need to.
Altavida Comforter Set with Coordinating Quilt
Cleaning
Cleaning sucks, but do does a dirty living space. Also cleanliness helps with germ control.
Most dorm room/college apartments don’t have much ventilation. Keep that air, clean and healthy.
PuroAir 100i Smart HEPA Air Purifier
Bringing laundry home for mom? You definitely need this.
Large Waterproof Laundry Backpack Bag, 29"H
Because spills happen and clothes are expensive. Tuck this into you purse, backpack, car glove box.
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Pen, 3 Count
When you have more clothes than closet space, take advantage of vertical space.
Closet Organizers, 6-Pack Space Saving Hangers
Always have these around because germs spread quickly. Also have disinfecting spray.
Clorox Allergy Wipes, Bleach-Free, 75x3
Snack tray coffee bar, book holder? All of the above. I’m sure if you have it, you will use it.
Sywhitta 3-Tier Rolling Utility Cart with Handle
School supplies
There’s probably no glue or construction paper or #2 pencils on your list. But they sure were fun school supplies when you were young.
A bed tray is essential in a small space. Multitask—eat and study at the same time.
Lap Desk with Drawer, Cup & Tablet Holders, 23" Walnut
Just for laughs. Take a break from school tasks and read something just for fun.
The Naked Roommate & 107 College Issues
Yes. I put things in the calendar on my phone. But, there’s nothing like putting things on paper calendar with notes and reminders.
kate spade Medium Planner 8x6.75 Spiral 2026-27
My pen-loving students love a good set or colorful lens. They are retractable so the ink stays in the pen, not on your stuff.
Linbsunne 0.5mm Black Gel Pens Retractable 10pcs
Electronics
It’s an electronic world.
So many electronics, so few outputs. Don’t forget the surge protector.
Surge Protector Power Strip 11 Outlets 6 USB
Never leave home without a way to charge your devices. This is so necessary I’d there’s no electrical outlet.
VRURC 10000mAh Portable Charger w/ Cables
This lamp doesn’t take up the limited space you have in your dorm or apartment. Different adjustments for the right amount of light.
Addtam LED Desk Lamp with Power Strip & USB
Pocket is genius! No need for a big, bulky side table that you don’t have room to keep things.
NEST and NOOKS Twin XL Fitted Sheet w/ Storage Pocket
Proper lighting to get the look you want. Dorm mirrors aren’t made to provide good lighting so you can look your best.
ROLOVE 12.6x15 LED Vanity Mirror with Lights
School bags and laundry amd gym bags, oh my! Endless possibilities of things to hang on here to keep them out of your way.
Optish Over Door Hooks, 12 Coat Rack, Black
Health and safety
Always be prepared for accidents and unexpected events. These are things you may not realize you need until you don’t have them.
Always be prepared for bumps and bruises! Simple little items you never know when you will need them.
BAND-AID Travel Ready Emergency First Aid Kit, 80 Pieces
Keep all your stuff together because it’s YOUR stuff. The two pack gives you one to keep on your desk and want to bring back-and-forth to the shower.
EUDELE 2 Pack Mesh Shower Caddy 8-Pocket
Keep your things safe. This is great for jewelry and small electronics that could easily disappear.
Master Lock Portable Small Lock Box 5900D (2 Pack)
Block out noisy neighbors so you can get a good nights sleep-especially when you have early classes or exams.
Magicteam White Noise Machine with 20 Sounds
Never enough outlets and charging ports. This also protects from power surges.
Addtam Surge Protector 5 Outlets 4 USB Ports
Miscellaneous for the dorm/apartment
Things to use to make it your own. Keep from marking walls especially in apartments when you pay a deposit. Make your room your own by adding your own touches.
Great pack of hooks. This pack contains a size for every purpose.
Command Variety Pack: 10 Picture Strips, 6 Wire & 8 Utility Hooks
Add a touch of home and a bit of nostalgia. Nothing like an old-fashioned bulletin board for fun memorabilia.
FEBSNOW Cork Board 15.7x12in White Frame
Can never go wrong with extra shelf space. You really need this to keep things off of your desk so you have a nice uncluttered place to work.
Tangkula 3-Tier Desktop Bookshelf Organizer
Who wants to wash dishes? Paper dishes are the way to go to microwave meals on the go or leftovers mom sent you from home.
Disposable 8.5" Paper Plates 300 Count Bulk
Cereal, soup, oatmeal. Really don’t have a lot of space to store dinnerware. Plus, it’s not easy washing plates in a dorm room bathroom.😆
Amazon Basics Disposable Paper Bowls, 20 Oz, 50 Count
Trash happens. Remember to take out smaller bags (before they are filled) more often so they aren’t so heavy.
Amazon Basics Tall Kitchen Trash Bags 13 Gal
Remove makeup and not ruin your washcloths by getting makeup stains on them. They’re also much cleaner than picking up a washcloth that someone touched with their dirty hands.
Ourmed Life Disposable Biodegradable Face Towels, 50 Count
Sale price as of 06/01/2026 is amazing.
Most apartments do not allow lit candles these days. This give you the scent without the danger.
GODONLIF Candle Warmer Lamp with Timer
Not in a dorm and need cookware where you live? Great price! With 2 sets, you’ll be able to cook an entire meal.
Carote 5 Pcs Pots and Pans Nonstick, Cookware Set with Detachable Handles, Oven Safe, Induction Ready, Stackable Kitchen Cooking Set, Navy Blue
Never run out of tissue. Check the app for a 10$ off coupon.
Charmin Ultra Soft Toilet Paper Starter Kit
06/06/26 this is a great deal on a toaster oven/air fryer. It would be great for someone going to college away from home.
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven 7-in-1, 1800W Stainless Steel CTOA-122NAS
So many designs to choose from. This set covers everything from florals to modern two simple geographic designs. It’s everything you need to set up a dorm or apartment bathroom. You don’t have to worry about finding matching things. It’s already done...
Zrodlmo Shower Curtain and Rug Set, 16pc Anti-Mold Quick-Dry Modern Bathroom Decor Set Machine Washable, 72" x 72", Red - Walmart.com
This is a practical solution to Iincrease storage space and keep things organized. Lots of possibilities for this.
Kaitiemoo 4-Tier Over Door Organizer, Beige
Decor and whatnot!
Don’t forget to bring a bit of home with you. These are custom-made and do not cost an arm and leg.
Make it personal. Custom made neon lights make your space your own.
ADVPRO Custom LED Neon Sign for Bedroom
Cute for old and new memories. The lights and a special glow to the room at the pictures at special memories.
HXWEIYE 120LED Fairy String Light 40Ft USB
You’re never too old for a duck lamp. This is just so cute. It would make me laugh every time I looked at it.
YRHH-PET Duck Cute Squishy Kids Night Light
Never forget to be kind to yourself. Stay positive. Remember your goals. Never give up.
Little Reminders You are Enough Wood Plaque
Fun way to be different. Little shelves that make a special touch to empty walls.
EXIN DECHEN Floating Wall Shelves Set of 2
This is a rug that is quite monotone. Use it with any decor to tone down bright things or just cover and not so nice for space.
Modern Abstract 3x5 Non Slip Grey Rug
School makes you hungry!
Things that make sense.
Long day ion campus with no time for a lunch break? Make this your go to container to add to your backpack.
Cook with Color 3-Compartment Snack Box with Removable Ice Pack, Portable Food Storage Container with Locking Lid and Handle, Charcuterie Lunch Box for Portion Control, Dishwasher Safe, Blue - Walmart.com
Quick and easy. Always keep something on hand for late night munchies when you’re having long study sessions.
Kraft Easy Mac and Cheese, 18 Packets, Original
When you’re on the go. Less than a dollar each. This gives you a choice when you’re not quite sure what you want to eat
Mighty Merchandise Healthy Mixed Snack Bar Box (60)
Sweet, salty, all you need. Always have something like this on hand to take care of munchies.
Kellogg's Cheez-It, Pringles & Rice Krispies Mega Pack, 30.1oz (30 Count)
Gummies are good. May not be up for a whole energy drink, so a couple of Gummies which takes the place of an energy drink could be the perfect thing.
Proper Wild Energy Chews Vegan Focus Gummies
Quench your thirst and have energy to keep going. Celsius brand are the best tasting drinks in my opinion.
CELSIUS ARCTIC VIBE Sparkling Energy Drink, 12 Fl Oz (12 Pack)