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!
semester favorites - fall '25
11
items My first semester in college is already almost over, so here are the things that made it a good time.
Sections
4
stationary 🖊️
clothing & accessories 🛍️
beauty 💄
food 🥙
stationary 🖊️
Okay, I know these aren't anything new, but I cannot live without these pens. The best for journaling and note-taking, they are so smooth. This year, I found a blue one unattended in one of my classrooms so naturally I stole it, and whoever lost that...
Pilot G2 Pens
Yes, I still use these. Yes, I own AirPods. No, I do not regret it. Once upon a time, these were the only earbuds that would fit in my ears until I got the AirPod pros and had to jam them fit in my ears. Don't get me wrong, I can't live without my Ai...
Wired earbuds
Again, not monumental, very basic, but the best things ever. These pencils are the only pencils I will use. They write so smooth and so dark it's beautiful. One of the biggest reasons I still like taking hand-written notes.
BiC 40pk Xtra Smooth 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil
clothing & accessories 🛍️
As a Chicagoan, you have to trust me on winter essentials. I do not leave my dorm without this scarf. It is so cold out here I dread walking outside, but this scarf is really really worth it. Do I look stupid? Probably. Do I care? No, because I am so...
Hollister Scarf
You MUST invest in good earmuffs. Personally, I have an amazing pair from Hollister but they don't sell them anymore, so here is an alternative. If you hate beanies and hats like me, it is so important to have earmuffs. My ears are the first to go in...
Cable-Knit Earmuffs
Literally the most comfortable pair of pants I’ve ever put on. I wear these multiple times a week and I have the same ones in two other colors as well. Perfect for the winter too; they don't get excessively cold like some jeans tend to do.
Women's Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans
beauty 💄
Oh my god this stuff makes my hair so soft and so tame. Usually my hair gets frizzy after I air-dry or blow-dry even though I have relatively straight hair, but this cream makes such a difference. Not only does my hair stay down, it also makes it so ...
Nutritive Nectar Thermique Blow Dry Heat Protectant | Kérastase
food 🥙
These are such cute little snacks and they are so convenient. Rarely do I get time to have breakfast in the morning before class, so I grab one of these and run out the door. They don't cover a whole meal, but they are very good stomach-quieters. Cho...<3
BelVita Snack Packs
UIUC student! Guilty! I am here every weekend and I fear the hostess and the waitress know me. It is that good. They have such good vegetarian options too at such a good price. Please go there it is so worth it.
Oozu Ramen
Like are we serious? Who doesn't love crepes? This place is so good I bring all of my friends here. Their crepes are to die for and the portion sizes are very worth it. 10/10 must visit!
Paris Super Crepes
These things are SO GOOD! When I don't have enough time to grab breakfast in the morning, I take one of these and go on my way. So delicious and very filling.
KIND Protein Breakfast Bars