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College Freshman Essentials

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Starting college can feel overwhelming, but having the right essentials makes everything so much easier. When I was an incoming freshman, I wanted products that were practical and budget friendly. These are my top recommendations for staying organize...
 
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Staying hydrated is essential for long lecture days and busy schedules. I love this bottle because it's leakproof, keeps drinks cold for hours, and has both a straw and sip opening.
Owala 32 oz. FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
 
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Your phone and tablet will get a lot of use on campus. A reliable portable charger keeps you powered through classes, study sessions, and long days away from your dorm.
Power Bank - heyday™ ️Pastel Pink
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Dorms and libraries are typically pretty loud. Having a good pair of noise cancelling headphones is super important when you're trying to study.
Sony WHCH720N/P Bluetooth Noise Canceling Headphones - Pink
 
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Packing meals is a great way to save money, and having an insulated lunchbox is necessary to keep the food cold. Bringing food is also healthier than relying on a vending machine for snacks, or eating out.
Cute Corduroy Insulated Lunch Tote Bag. Reusable Large Capacity Cooler for Work, Picnic, or Travel. Corduroy Purple Floral 168 Medium(10L)
 
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Keeping track of assignments and important information is a lifesaver in college. There is no one reminding you of deadlines, so make sure to write down every date from the syllabus.
Day Designer 6"x8" 2026-2027 Weekly/Monthly Lila Planner Painted Gingham Red Smooth Frosted Wirebound
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Everything is digital right now, so you will spend lots of time on ipads/laptops in class and studying. These glasses will help reduce the strain on your eyes.
Men's Crystal Clear Blue Light Filtering Square Glasses - Original Use™ Clear: Scratch-Resistant, Recycled Plastic Frame
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Many people don't realize they need a bandaid or other first aid supplies until its too late. It's always good to be prepared!
Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit - 80ct
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Carrying laundry in a backpack is much easier than it is to deal with a basket or other type of container, especially if your dorm has stairs.
Canvas Backpack Laundry Bag - Brightroom™: Linen Backpack Hamper, 50L Capacity, Multipurpose, Beige, 1 Handle
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Dorm beds are super uncomfortable. Getting a matress topper will make a world of a difference!
Twin XL 3" Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Room Essentials™
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A shower caddy is super important if you're living in a communal bathroom. It helps you carry your stuff, and also prevents it from touching the ground.
Dorm Mesh Shower Caddy Gray - Room Essentials™
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This fan is life changing! Espicially if you live in a dorm with out air conditioning, you need to have a fan. This fan isn't super loud, but does an amazing job at cooling down the room
Oscillating Fan White - Woozoo
 
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Dorms are known to not be the cleanest place, and having an air purifier will help keep the air cleaner. Lots of people get sick living on campus, and having this device can prevent that.
Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier with Night Light Space Gray
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You will find a whiteboard outside many dorm rooms! Its fun to leave little messages and to create poll questions for your hallmates to answer!
U Brands 8.5"x11" Contempo Magnetic Dry Erase Board White: Small Wall Mount Presentation Board, Polypropylene, Steel, Plastic
 
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Dorm beds typically don't have headboards, and it can be uncomfy trying to study or doomscroll laying against the wall. This pillow wedges between the wall and your bed to provide comfort!
35"x20" Headboard Pillow Faux Shearling Ivory for Dorm - Room Essentials™
 
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Using tide pods could stain your clothes, not clean them well, and is a pain to carry around. This one box of detergent sheets will last you at least a semester, if not the full year.
ECOS Laundry Detergent Sheets - Free & Clear - 7.9oz/64 loads