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Broke College Girl Essentials
89
items Sections
6
Sleep Essentials
Things That Save You Money
Things I Always Keep in my Backpack
Things You Think You Don’t Need, but You Do
Shower Routine
Meals, Snacks, & Drinks for the Dorm
Sleep Essentials
These are my favorite melatonin gummies and you will absolutely need these to survive in college
Natrol 10 mg Melatonin Gummies Sleep Aid
I didn’t get these exact sprays for bed but I got a spray just to make myself feel more calm and soothed before bed
Lavender Pillow Spray for Sleep
I got this exact bedding for school and it made me sooo happy especially when I wanted to come back to a nice beautiful bed. So cute and kinda pricey but totally worth it. I got mine from Homegoods!
Laura Ashley Pink Luxury Bedding Shop - Macy's
I never ended up using my silk sheets, but I did buy them & I use silk pillowcases at my room at home, they're so nice & so good for your hair
Pink Silk Bedding - Amazon.com
I had been wanting one of these for so long, it was so worth it, so comfy & pretty
Kate Spade King Pink Blush Fleece Blanket Throw Pastel Baby Soft ...
Sorry but even as a college girl I will never stop buying these. So comfy & made my bed just pop & feel more alive & at home
Squishmallows - Jazwares
My iPhone alarm sucks even when I turn my sounds & haptics up, it still manages to turn down. This just makes sure I'm actually waking up on time & going to class
Alexa
Girl one thing about me is I'm gonna overheat, so when I found out there wasn't air conditioning my dorm I just about passed away. This fan saved my life!! So good for sleeping
Woozoo 5-Speed Globe Fan - Costco Wholesale
Guys if there's one thing you get for your room in college, let it be this.College mattresses are 10 times worse than everyone says. After just the first night I was in so much pain. I got mine from Walmart for $60 & I will never go back
Mattress Toppers & Pads in Bedding - Walmart.com
Joyspun has THE BEST pj sets, these will make you want to get clean & cozy for bed every night
Joyspun Pajamas & Loungewear in Joyspun - Walmart.com
I'm always on my devices, especially at night,so these are great for supporting my eyes especially at night
livho High Tech Blue Light Glasses
My brain never shuts off so I like to have something by my bed to either write out my feelings or jot something down so I don’t forget
Cute Trendy Notebooks - Amazon.com
One thing I didn't get but wish I would have for school is definitely a sound machine for sleeping. The dorms are sooo loud and if it’s not in the building it’s cop cars outside and other loud sounds
White Noise Sound Machines for Baby - Yogasleep
This is a must for me, especially living in the dorms, even if the blinds are open just a little, and they will be if you don’t have air conditioning because you’ll die if you don’t keep the window open, it’s soooo bright
Pink Sleep Mask - Amazon.com
Things That Save You Money
I definitely recommend investing in a water pitcher or dispenser to keep you from buying packs of plastic water bottles especially if you don't like the water in a new college city
Pink Brita Pitchers | Brita Water Pitchers & Filters - Target
Buying one of these isn't really necessary, you can get an app or even write/draw up your own, but having something physical to look over & make you aware of what you’re spending is really helpful and important
Expense Tracker Notebook - Amazon.com
Just like the brita, having one of these to bring with you everywhere is super helpful & keeps you from buying water anywhere else
FreeSip® Water Bottle - Owala
You can get reusable bags for 99¢ at places like TJ Maxx & it saves you money if you shop at stores that charge you for plastic bags,& it saves the environment :)
Tote Bags Now
I got one of these in hopes I'd get less from coffee shops, but I didn't use it nearly as much as I should have. It was still good to have the option
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
Believe it or not, having this iPad is saving me money because I'm not buying notebooks & binders & paper, and I no longer get tons of pencils & highlighters, so though it's not a ton of $$ saved, it’s still something
iPad - Apple
Make sure you have a planner or something on paper to keep track of your assignments & their due dates, if you're on top of those you’re hopefully doing well in school, and hopefully passing your classes. If you fail your classes then you’re goin...
Planners 2026-2027 : Discover Our Range of Options | Moleskine
I finally ended up investing in a high quality backpack that will last you years, it's the exact one linked. This will save me so much money and keep me from having to buy more backpacks in the future
adidas Prime 7 Backpack - Grey | Free Shipping with adiClub
Definitely take advantage of apps that offer student discounts, they will end up saving you $$ in the long run
UNiDAYS: Student Discounts | Free and Exclusive discount codes
If your campus doesn't have laundry machines, you can at least save yourself from paying for a dryer by getting one of these!
Clothes Drying Racks: Home & Kitchen - Amazon.com
Most colleges have a workout place where the cost is included in your tuition, so if you workout regularly, make sure you're not paying for a membership somewhere else
17 idées de Workout room | salle de gym a la maison ... - Pinterest
If you're looking to waste less you can cut down paper towels & get hand towels or wash cloths, you'll need them for dishes anyway
Utopia Towels 12 Pack Premium Wash Cloths
I saved a lot of money & the environment by using water, cleanser, & a makeup towel to remove makeup. I don’t like the oil residue makeup wipes leave on my skin anyway
Monogrammed Luxury Makeup Towels | Weezie
Definitely look out for coupons provided at your dorm! We always had ones for Culvers, Subway, etc. A lot of money saved !!!
Coupons, Promo Codes and Cashback for April 2026
Looking for websites that offer the books you need for your classes may save you hundreds in the long run! They really love to overcharge for them these days
VitalSource: eTextbooks | Rent or Buy Online Textbooks
Things I Always Keep in my Backpack
I always keep a deodorant in my bag, especially in the warmer months. One thing that will ruin someone's day is if it’s already hot & someone around you can smell your BO
Outlast Clear Gel Deodorant Completely Clean - Secret
I don't like gum but I always keep mints or even something like a jolly rancher to keep my breath tolerable or to just have something
ICE BREAKERS Gum & Mint - Hersheyland
I always keep a dry shampoo on me in case my hair looks oily. This one from Kristen Ess is in my top 3, it smells so good
Dry Shampoo Travel Size - Kristin Ess Hair
I always have something for me to keep track of my assignments or write down things I have to do to calm my brain
Planners 2026-2027 : Discover Our Range of Options | Moleskine
I can always use a brush to make my hair look tamed!
Mini Hair Brush - Amazon.com
I need something for my lips so they don't get chapped, my current favorites are from star face
Skincare Products for Lips | ChapStick – Chapstick SBC
These are in every bag I own. I spill on myself all the time & these have saved me on many occasions!
Tide To Go Pen Instant Stain Remover
My phone battery is awful & I never seem to learn my lesson so I finally made myself get one for my backpack
Portable Charger - Amazon.com
I don't have this exact kit, but I make sure to have a little pouch with pads, wipes, etc. for unexpected periods
Period Kit - RedDrop
I've become a bit of a germaphobe since living in the dorms because girls make the bathrooms so dirty,so I always keep a sanitizer or spray bottle of rubbing alcohol to kill germs
Touchland Hand: Innovative Hand Hygiene Solutions
I have so much anxiety in my classes now, so I make sure to have something to fidget with
Fidget Toys - Niska cena na Allegro
Things You Think You Don’t Need, but You Do
I forgot to buy strips & hooks for my dorm & had to get some ASAP! One thing that really made me feel at home was hanging pictures of friends & posters
Damage Free Adhesive Hooks & Strips | Command™ Brand
I knew I would have a bunch to plug in but I had so much more than I thought, make sure to get a couple to start! It helps to get ones with USB ports too
Extension Cord With Usb Ports - Amazon.com
My dad got me a tool kit for christmas & I didn't really think I would need it, but it was so helpful!
Best Sellers – Tagged "small tool kit for college" - Apollo Tools
I forgot to get one in the beginning, but our kitchen in the dorm didn’t even have one so I got one quick. We used it so much
Microwaves - The Home Depot
i buy so much stuff, taking those store stickers off literally nothing else will get that sticky residue off. i have two bottles of this, everywhere i go!
Goo Gone
This isn't exactly a need, but having this when I took a shower was so nice & made it more fun. I got one for $5 at 5 below
Shower Speaker - Amazon.com
Definitely get a vacuum whether it's portable or plug in, it gets so dusty in the dorms & gross if you eat & wear shoes in your room
Dorm Vacuum - Amazon.com
I know everyone’s gonna make fun of me for this, but especially once you or your roommate wants the main lights off, and your lamp by your bed side is wayyyy too bright and keeping you up, having these on the creases of the ceiling is so soothing and...
Led Lights - Amazon.com
Whether it’s to practice problems for homework, or use as a door decoration, this really helps get the social aspect of college rolling. Ask all kinds of questions, request drawings, do polls, etc. So cute and creative
Mini Whiteboard - Amazon.com
I have a lap desk with a little bean bag thing on the bottom for my legs, but you’ll definitely get sick of sitting at your desk and will want one of these. My computer overheats so easily and this was a life saver
BUYIFY Foldable Laptop Bed Desk for Sofa
You’re DEFINITELYYY going to need a shower bag. The dorm showers are disgusting. My personal shower bag has a million pockets and they’re all stuffed full. I keep body washes, scrubs, multiple shampoos and conditioners, hair masks, razors, shaving oi...
Masirs Shower Caddy Mesh - 9 Pocket Portable
If you don’t use shower shoes in college bathrooms you’re literally going to get some kind of fungus or disease. It’s so nasty in there so PLEASE wear shoes. Make sure they’re sturdy and won’t make you slip. I think I got mine from dollar tree. Liter...
Best Shower Shoes - Amazon.com
You’re definitely gonna want snacks or food in your dorm, and if you get non perishable snacks you need something to keep them from getting stale and gross. I got a bunch for cheap from TJ Maxx ! They’re magnetic too so you can keep them on your frid...
Chip Clips - Amazon.com
If you’re like me, literally 80% of all the stuff in my dorm is hair products, makeup, and skincare. I had so much I didn’t even know what to do with it or where to put it. I sold a lot of it to kids around school, but for the stuff I wanted to keep,...
Makeup Organizer - Amazon.com
If you’re like me, literally 80% of all the stuff in my dorm is hair products, makeup, and skincare. I had so much I didn’t even know what to do with it or where to put it. I sold a lot of it to kids around school, but for the stuff I wanted to keep,...
Pink Makeup Storage - Amazon.com
I bought quite a few little buckets to keep stuff in under my bed. It held a lot of stuff!
College Dorm Gift Baskets - Amazon.com
absolutely love this when it comes to keeping my car clean, but i also love it for my dorm!!
Car Vacuum
I think every dorm has a mirror on each side of the room for each person in the room, but in case they don’t, you’ll want one of these (maybe regardless like me) to get ready in the morning. You will NOT want to go to the bathroom and sit there every...
Amazon Best Sellers: Best Personal Makeup Mirrors
If you want to eat anything in your dorm, you’re gonna wanna get bowls. I tried not to use plastic containers too much because microwaving them is really bad for you, but I was gifted a ramen bowl for my birthday and I use it so much to heat all my f...
DOWAN 22 OZ White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4
I definitely recommend getting two of each utensil for your dorm. Just like the bowls, if you get food from anywhere and bring it home you won’t have anything to eat it with. This makes everything much easier
Silverware Set for 6 Premium Stainless Steel
If you get bad period cramps or stomach aches I promise you're going to need this
Deepsoon Electric Heating Pad for Back & Neck
I promise you, AC or not in the dorms, you will die of heat in the summer
Woozoo 5-Speed Globe Fan - Costco Wholesale
If there is one thing you absolutely need for a migraine it's this. I get the worst headaches & migraines & this is my holy grail.
Home - Tiger Balm US
Shower Routine
I’m going to go over my routine in order, so first I grab my towels, this one and my hair towel
Bath Towels - Sam's Club
Then I get my xl hair turban, I got mine from TJ Maxx of course
Turbie Twist 2-Pack Extra Long Microfiber Hair Towel
I grab my shower bag with all my stuff in it
Masirs Shower Caddy Mesh - 9 Pocket Portable
Then I grab my loofah and or long scrub bath cloth from where I hang them up to dry
Eco Loofahs | Eco-Friendly Exfoliating Bath Sponges - Target
I get my shoes on
Best Shower Shoes - Amazon.com
I like to use a mix of high quality shampoo & a shampoo for low porosity hair so I don’t protein overload it. I prioritize moisture for the first round of shampoos
hydro rush intense moisture shampoo - Amika
For my second round of shampoo, I use two kinds of purple shampoos and mix them. I lather them for a while and let them sit to minimize the yellow tones in my hair
bust your brass cool blonde strength repair shampoo - Amika
I use this to lather both rounds of shampoo
Rubber Scalp Scrubber - Amazon.com
Once again, I use two kinds of products for conditioning too, still focusing on moisture, & letting this sit for a few minutes
Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner - Amika - Sephora
Next, I use a hair mask & let that sit while I finish out the rest of my routine
Hair Mask & Treatment - Eva NYC
Using my loofah I lather this all over, head to toe. Other good body wash recs are in my body care list on here !
Stay Hydrated Body Wash 18 oz - method products
For my intimate areas, I use these washes, I switch it up sometimes
Shop Our Daily Intimate Washes - Vagisil
On days I need to shave my legs & underarms, I use these
BIC: Women's Razors - Amazon.com
Currently for shaving I use this!
eos Cashmere Shave Oil | Bikini Shave Oil for Smooth Skin
For teeth brushing I use this!
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 Electric
Trying out a new toothpaste as of late, so this is currently in my rotation
hello Whipped Mellow Mint Dream Fluoride Toothpaste
I use this after brushing
MasterMedi Tongue Scraper for Adults with Travel Case
Finish off oral care with this
Mouthwash & Oral Rinses | Colgate®
Meals, Snacks, & Drinks for the Dorm
I quite literally lived off these & ramen. Not good for you but quick & easy
Original Mac & Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Microwaveable Dinner
Another thing I lived off of, these help ease my migraines so I kept a ton on hand
Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodles - Maruchan
I love buying myself a $7-8 coffee, but this really drained my bank account this year at college so I learned buying your own saves you a lot of money. I usually got almond or soy milk for it too
Iced Coffee Cartons with Real Milk & Cream - International Delight
I bought so much Poppi this year. It's so delicious & there's so many flavors. My fav by far is the cranberry fizz
poppi
I bought a lot of these at the beginning of the year, I had a water boiler pitcher so it was super easy
Idahoan® Real Premium Mashed Potatoes
Also got a lot of these to bring to work or as a snack between classes
Pringles® Potato Crisps | Pringles®
These with some salt are amazing
Imperial Garden Organic Edamame, 8 oz, 12 ct | Costco
I got so much fruit this semester even though it goes bad quickly. So good & a great healthy snack
Driscoll's