Ask any college student what they want before heading off to college, and the answers may be fun or funny but not necessarily what you want to buy them. (A six-pack of beer? A new gaming system? A credit card with unlimited balance?) Don’t worry — whether they’re living in dorms or studying remotely, these are the best gifts for college students that they will really appreciate (even if they don’t say so, at first).
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The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harlen Cohen
This is the must-have guide book for navigating every uncharted moment. Find out how you can handle living with a stranger or missing your family back home. You might even find yourself in one of colleges’ sixteen types of hookups. The #1 book on college life will help guide you on what to expect and how to conquer situations you’ve never encountered before.
Girls, you know you’ve been wondering where you’ll put all your shoes. And boys, admit it, your Nike collection is going to need some room, too. With the Smart Carousel Organizer, you can easily give any cluttering item a place to hang. Get off on the right foot with your roommate and save space.
Anker PowerCore Portable Charger
Say goodbye to your phone dying all the time. This lipstick-sized charger makes sure you always have battery. It’ll keep your IPhone 6 and most other smartphones charged for an extra 14 hours. Perfect for those long walks to class with headphones in or when checking your Twitter DM’s hourly.
After a long week of midterms and missing all your favorite TV shows, catch that last episode on Roku. Over 2,000 channels to choose from, including top subscription options like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO GO (for all you Game of Thrones lovers), as well as access to news, sports, movies and more. All it takes is a few clicks on this simple remote and they’re laid out for you. It’s easy to set up and only $49.00 with free shipping.
Living with your peers day and night means entertaining visitors, and you’ll get annoyed when they want to sit on your bed. With a bean bag, you can either study in comfort without falling asleep, or find the quickest way to keep friends coming over. If anything, you may have to fight to sit in your own.
Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Speaker
For all you freshmen who are the life of the party, you will love the portable Bose Soundlink Color Bluetooth Speaker. Play that Spotify playlist for up to 8 hours with full-range sound and a rechargeable battery. It doesn’t take up much room, and lets you play DJ anywhere you go.
One of the less glamorous facts about dorm life? Sharing a bathroom with other residents. The last thing you want is Sarah from 210 stealing your toothbrush, and this 8-compartment shower caddy has you covered. Now there’s an easy way to have everything you need when going to-and-from the bathroom.
Another unglamorous fact about college? Laundry. Don’t be that freshman dropping socks and t-shirts on the way to the washer, this Pop Up Mesh Laundry Hamper will help you out a ton. It helps you easily carry your load to the laundry room and back to fold, especially since those machines might not be right outside your door.
This isn’t your phone’s flashlight. With 700 lumens of light, the G700 can not only help you spot any creepers, but it might also save your life. There will be places you have to walk to alone in the dark and safety is crucial on a college campus. Be prepared.
Target Gift Card
Finally, $100 at Target is essential. From a mini-fridge to backpacks, you’ll find everything any college freshman would love. With a gift card, you can design your room to fit your personality. Target always has discounts too, so you’re sure to find something you like.
Your college experience will be a time in your life you’ll never forget. Choose to make it as stress-relieving and fun as possible— and start shopping early!