Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
discover Discover

Must-Have Gear for Freshmen: What to Bring for a Smooth Start to College
Purple Star emoji 17 items
By
Ayana profile picture
Ayana
Starting college is super exciting but can also be a bit overwhelming. Having the right gear can really help make the transition smoother. Here’s a laid-back guide to must-have items every freshman should pack to get off to a great start
Sections
4
 
academic supplies
 
Health and hygiene
 
clothing and accessories
 
Tech and Gadget

academic supplies

When my sibling started college as a freshman, they were meticulous about selecting the right academic supplies to support their studies. Here’s what they discovered and experienced

 
Ayana profile picture
I appreciate how this binder is expandable and features vibrant colors that make it easy to identify.
INFUN Telescoping Refillable 3 Ring Notebook
placeholder
 
Ayana profile picture
The barrel is exceptionally smooth and comfortable to write with.
Gel Pens | Black Fine Point Smooth Writing
placeholder
 
Ayana profile picture
An excellent variety of colors!
Tank Style Highlighters, Chisel Tip
placeholder
 
Ayana profile picture
Ideal for note-taking and color-coding subjects for better organization.
Spiral Notebook 6 Pack
placeholder

Health and hygiene

Maintaining health and hygiene has always been a priority for me and family, especially during busy periods like starting college or traveling. Here’s how I’ve managed to keep up with it.

 
Ayana profile picture
Conveniently lightweight packets that are simple to use—no need to fumble with bottles or open lids.
Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel Travel Packets
placeholder
 
Ayana profile picture
They are great, fit well, breathable and colorful
50 Packs KN95 Face Mask
placeholder
 
Ayana profile picture
It feels comfortable and complements my all-black outfits perfectly.
100 PCS Black Disposable 3 Ply Face Masks
placeholder
 
Ayana profile picture
The bag features numerous pockets in each section, making it easy to locate items. The side pockets are also well-sized for holding water bottles.
15.6 Inch Travel Laptop Backpack with USB
placeholderplaceholder

clothing and accessories

Starting college is a big step, and having the right clothes and accessories can make a huge difference. Here’s a casual guide to what you’ll need to stay comfy, look great, and be ready for anything college life throws at you

 
Ayana profile picture
Very comfortable and light safety shoes
Slip On Steel Toe Shoes for Men Women
placeholderplaceholder
 
Ayana profile picture
They were comfortable from the start, add some extra height, and match the pictures well in terms of color and style. I'm very pleased with them.
Women's Fashion Sneakers Running Shoes Non Slip
placeholderplaceholder
 
Ayana profile picture
It comes with a small bag for easy storage and portability.
Outdoor Ventures Men's Rain Jacket
placeholder
 
Ayana profile picture
These jeans have a flattering fit
Lee Women's Legendary Mid Rise Flare Jean
placeholderplaceholder
 
Ayana profile picture
This laptop bag is excellent overall. Its standout feature is the ample cushioning, which makes it very comfortable to carry on your arms and back.
Travel Laptop Backpack
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder

Tech and Gadget

When starting college, having the right tech and gadgets can greatly enhance your daily routine. Here's a quick guide to essential items to bring for a seamless and efficient college experience: a laptop for all your academic work, an external hard d...

 
Ayana profile picture
Great battery life, super light, super fast, great storage, performance is awesome and absolutely amazing quality above.
IdeaPad 1 Laptop| 15.6” FHD Display
placeholder
 
Ayana profile picture
It has surpassed all my expectations, deserving a five-star rating for its outstanding speed, reliability, and generous storage capacity.
Type-C™ USB Flash Drive, 256GB
placeholder
 
Ayana profile picture
It supports various connection types and displays the charge level, making it exactly what I needed.
Charger-Power-Bank
placeholderplaceholder
 
Ayana profile picture
Installing the driver was straightforward, and connecting the printer wirelessly through the Windows app on the Brother website was just as easy.
Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
placeholder