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What to get/What not to get for school
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items As a now college student, I have tried it all. So trust me when I say these recs will save you from buying something you don’t need. A quick guide to back-to-school essentials, this will help you see what’s worth buying and what to skip—so you’re pre...
Sections
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bags to get
Bags not to get
Tech to get
Tech not to get
Extras to get
bags to get
North Face backpacks are often considered some of the best choices for students—especially college students—because they combine functionality, comfort, and durability in a way few other brands do. They are built to last because Northface uses high-q...
Best Selling Backpacks & Daypacks
Herschel backpacks strike the perfect balance between style and function. Known for their classic, minimalist designs, bags like the Little America and Pop Quiz feature padded laptop compartments and spacious interiors. They’re ideal for students who...
Backpacks and Bags | Herschel Supply Company
Patagonia’s Refugio Daypack and Arbor models blend outdoor durability with student practicality. These eco-conscious backpacks are known for being tough, water-resistant, and simple in design. Great for students who need a hybrid bag for campus and o...
Refugio Daypack 26L
Bags not to get
Okay don’t get me wrong, this bag is super cute, but these fast fashion brands focus on trend-driven mini or purse-style backpacks. They don’t offer proper structure or support, can’t fit standard laptops, and usually fall apart within months. They’r...
Novamen Backpack - Black
Once again, do not get me wrong, I LOVE Vera Bradley. I even have a Vera Bradley purse. However, I would never use this brand as a back pack because over time it does not hold up well. It gets stained easily and is a pain to wash. And while Vera Brad...
Women's XL Backpacks for School and Travel by Vera Bradley
These Walmart backpacks are Walmart quality. I had one when I was in middle school and lemme tell you, the zippers break, the straps wear out, and over all these just aren’t great backpacks for school. While, this in-house brand offers ultra-cheap ba...
No Boundaries Backpacks in Bags & Accessories
Tech to get
With many laptops removing traditional ports, these hubs let you connect HDMI monitors, USB flash drives, and SD cards. Anker and Belkin are reliable brands that won’t short-circuit or damage your devices.
Hubs - Anker US
If you take notes digitally or do any kind of art, an Apple Pencil gives you pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and natural handwriting feel. It’s a must-have for iPad users in college.
Apple Pencil
When it comes to working on a laptop I find myself using a mouse rather than a mouse pad, just because of efficiency. These wireless mice are quiet, ergonomic, and perfect for long study sessions. The MX Master even allows for multiple device switchi...
M330 SILENT PLUS
Tech not to get
While visually sleek and cheap, these often have connectivity issues or short lifespans. Hubs frequently overheat, and mice lag after minimal use. So just get the smaller one with less ports, I promise you don’t need that many for the quality of it.
Jelly Comb Usb Charger
Don’t get me wrong, cheap earbuds are great, especially when they’re Bluetooth. However, just go ahead and buy the real deal, it will save you time. These budget wireless earbuds look great on paper, but reviews mention inconsistent connection, poor ...
soundpeats
Extras to get
If you’re a reader or like working at night, this lamp is everything. Adjustable brightness and color temperature, easy on the eyes during late-night study sessions.
Best Desk Lamps Series of 2024: Home, Office, Study & Laptop
Okay I’ll admit it, I’m lazy, so I love anything hands free. Sturdy, lightweight, great for watching lectures (Netflix) hands-free or for video calls. Great during school time.
Lamicall Stands | Hands-Free Tech Within Reach
If you have extremely bad back problems like me, you’ll want this. You sit a LOT in school and this helped me. I suffered a tailbone injury from sports and this was my holy grail.
ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion
This was extremely great and efficient for keeping my laundry in track and clean. It’s durable, foldable, with breathable mesh sides. Great for separating lights and darks in a small dorm.
Simple Houseware Double Laundry Hamper with Lid
Im gonna say it, this is the very best water bottle you can get. It has a straw for sips, and an open pour lid, it never leaks for spills, and it’s super cute. No water bottle has kept my water cold longer than this one (yes even longer than my Stanl...
FreeSip® Water Bottle