40 Best Back-to-School College Dorm Essentials and Gear (2023)
40 Best Back-to-School College Dorm Essentials and Gear (2023)
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Three Great Backpacks
Book Bags
If You Prefer Purses
Shoulder Bags
A Great Paper Planner
Class Tracker Ultimate Student Planner
Have a Stash of Face Masks Ready
Wwdoll KN95 Face Mask
Whether you're an incoming freshman or returning to dorm life, picking the right stuff for your higher education ambitions can be tough. On one hand, you want to have quality gear that won't let you down by midterms. On the other, the inevitability of crushing debt looms in the years to come—so you want to be frugal wherever possible.
This guide is filled with all the stuff you might need: an affordable (but capable) laptop, a versatile backpack, coffee gear, audio gadgets, and fun tech to make dorm life more livable. You don't need every single item in this list, so spend only where you think is necessary.
Updated August 2023: We've added new products for the new school year.
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Photograph: Herschel
Three Great Backpacks
Book BagsYou need a good bag to carry all your textbooks, notebooks, and laptop, plus a drink and maybe some snacks. We think these three are the best backpacks for students, but we have several more choices in our Best Laptop Bags guide. If you'd rather have a tote or purse, we have more options further below.
Best budget bag: You don't need to spend a ton to get a well-made backpack for class. Herschel's Heritage Backpack ($70) was my college bag of choice, and it's still holding up years later. It has a 15-inch laptop sleeve and enough room for bulky textbooks in the main compartment, but my biggest gripe is the lack of a water bottle pocket. The bag is made from 600-denier polyester with a faux leather bottom and handles.
A gorgeous, slim alternative: We are obsessed with the Rains Backpack Mini ($110). It's stylish and sleek and works well as an accessory to an outfit. Despite the small 9-liter capacity, it has a 13-inch laptop sleeve and can hold a few books too. I've used it for work plus as a weekend bag and carry-on. Rains has a ton of color options too. The 13-liter version is $125 if you need more space.
Best upgrade: The Tom Bihn Synik 22 ($320) is our overall favorite backpack, but it's far too expensive for most college students. That said, if you can afford it, this bag has a lot of thoughtfully designed pockets for conveniently accessing water bottles and pens. It's made from Bluesign-certified 400-dernier ballistic nylon.
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Photograph: Longchamp
If You Prefer Purses
Shoulder BagsBackpacks are great, but some of us prefer a purse or tote bag. Our Best Laptop Totes and Purses guide has more recommendations, but these are a few standouts.
A tote-to-backpack converter: Fjallraven's Kanken Totepack ($100) goes from shoulder bag to backpack with just a few pulls. The main compartment includes a 13-inch laptop sleeve, plus a smaller one for a tablet or planner. There are also two small water bottle pockets on the outside. The fabric should repel water for those rainy school days.
A stylish purse: When I got to college in 2012, I spotted the Longchamp Le Pliage Shoulder Bag ($155) everywhere—this newer version is made of recycled polyamide canvas. It's popular because it doesn't just look nice, the fabric is also durable and weatherproof. A laptop fits, but it doesn't have a sleeve dedicated to keeping it safe.
Totes with tons of pockets: The Moment MTW ($120) and Bellroy Tokyo ($129) totes are made for the organizationally obsessed. Both have pockets around the interior perimeter for drinks, headphones, a laptop, your phone, wallet, and whatever else you might need quickly. The middle holds the rest of your goods. The Bellroy is eco-friendly too, as it's made of recycled plastic bottles.
A budget purse: The Newhey Laptop Tote Bag ($26) is one of our favorites among the many cheap laptop purses we tested. It most likely won't last your entire college career, but until you can upgrade to something else, it'll do the job for very little cash. There's a padded laptop sleeve that can fit a 15-inch computer, and a zippered compartment runs down the middle, splitting the two open sections. There's a removable strap for sliding it across your body if that's what you prefer.
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Photograph: Class Tracker
A Great Paper Planner
Class Tracker Ultimate Student PlannerEverything is digital these days, so get a paper planner to jot those important schedules down. Putting pen to paper can be quite therapeutic, too. This student planner from Class Tracker comes in a few different styles and is compact, so it won't add weight to your backpack. It's organized well with spaces for daily assignments as well as tests, papers, and projects due that day. Read our Best Paper Planners guide for more recommendations.
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Photograph: WWDoll
Have a Stash of Face Masks Ready
Wwdoll KN95 Face MaskCovid-19 is not yet a distant memory, and college, unfortunately, offers a lot of opportunities for germs to fly. It's a good idea to keep a box of disposable face masks available. Hopefully, you're already vaccinated for Covid-19 (it's free and easy), but not everyone in your class will be. With new variants still spreading across the US, and a summer surge, it's important to avoid getting sick or being a carrier of the virus. Keep masks handy for classes and other situations where there are crowds. Read our Best Face Masks and Best N95 Masks guides for more recommendations, and our Covid-19 At-Home Test Kits guide has more advice on testing frequently.
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Photograph: Cosori
The Best Electric Kettle
Cosori Electric Glass KettleElectric kettles are great for making ramen, heating water for a cup of AeroPress coffee, making a pot of tea, or prepping your afternoon bowl of matcha. Cosori's Electric Glass Kettle is currently our favorite. It's affordable, easy to use, and the borosilicate glass is durable even when exposed to high temperatures.
On the bottom of the kettle, you'll find the built-in blue LED which turns on when the water is boiling and off when it's done. It's super convenient for when you're moving around your dorm or apartment, allowing you to keep an eye on it at a glance. It's worth noting that it's on the louder side but boils quickly. For more options, check out our Best Electric Kettles guide.
★ Another great electric kettle: The 1.5-liter Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch Electric Kettle ($130) is slightly smaller than the Cosori (1.7 liters) but taller and slimmer. It's also a lot more expensive. But with insulated double walls, it keeps the exterior cool so you won't burn yourself. It's an excellent option for those with roommates around.
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Photograph: Resketch
A Sustainable Notebook
Resketch NotebooksThese notebooks are made of reclaimed paper—not recycled paper, which is material that’s been pulped and repressed into uniform sheets. Reclaimed paper is sourced from various books, notebooks, user manuals, and reams that have for whatever reason gone unused. Each Resketch notebook has pages with mismatched line patterns, paper thicknesses, and colors. Some pages even feature maps, random text, or technical drawings. It sounds annoying, but it’s quite fun to accept the challenge of working with what’s on the page. Also, the company’s sustainable approach is great for the planet.
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Photograph: Sony
Great Noise-Canceling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5If you're easily distracted, owning a pair of noise-canceling headphones at school can help boost productivity. Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are pricey, but they offer absorbing and energetic sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and great battery life. If you want to save some money, we also recommend the predecessor, the WH-1000XM4, which also packs great noise cancellation, a clean sound signature, and 30-hour battery life.
★ Budget-friendly earbuds: If you prefer buds to over-ears, try Google's Pixel Buds A-Series ($98) (8/10, WIRED Recommends). They're our favorite wireless earbuds for most people, with a great price, a comfortable fit, and Google Assistant support—you can ask it your schedule when you're running out the door. They're IPX4 sweat-resistant, pair well with Android and iPhones (you can't use Assistant on iPhones), and they last around five hours on a single charge, though the case will extend battery life when they're not in use.
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Photograph: Apple
A Great MacBook
Apple MacBook Air (13 Inch, 2022)The MacBook Air (7/10, WIRED Recommends) has a revamped design, solid battery life, and a 1080p webcam for looking sharp on video calls. Under the hood is the M2 chipset, which offers plenty of power for most everyday tasks. And with a MagSafe connector, you don't have to worry about your laptop flying off if you trip on the cable. It's more expensive than its predecessor, but with the education discount, the base model starts at $999.
★ Another affordable MacBook: The M1-powered MacBook Air ($800) is our favorite budget MacBook (9/10, WIRED Recommends). With education pricing, you can snag it for less. It's a few years old, but it's still one of the most powerful laptops you can buy for this price. It's fast, lightweight, and more than capable of handling schoolwork. The battery will also get you through a full day of classes.
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Photograph: Lenovo
A Great Windows Laptop
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5This is our favorite Windows laptop for students. It packs a 14-inch IPS display, a 360-degree hinge to convert it to tablet mode or stand mode (great for watching movies in your dorm), 16 gigabytes of RAM, and a 256-gigabyte SSD. The Ryzen 5 processor packs plenty of power, but if you're a computer science major or dabble in video editing, we recommend upgrading to the more powerful Ryzen 7 (if it's in your budget).
We also love that it comes with a variety of ports including two USB-A ports, one USB-C, an HDMI, an SD card reader, a headphone jack, and a charging port. If you plan on using it to take notes in tablet mode, there's also a digital pen for an extra $40. Be sure to check out our Best Laptops and Best Cheap Laptops guides for more options.
★ A more affordable 2-in-1: Microsoft's Surface Go 3 ($500) doesn't pack the fastest Intel chips and it lacks all-day battery life, but this is another great budget option for most college students. The small size is super portable, the Surface Pen compatibility makes it great for note-taking, and the Type Cover transforms it into a solid (if tiny) laptop. (Those need to be purchased separately though.) Windows 11 also makes for a nice touchscreen experience.
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Photograph: Baggu
A Fun Laptop Sleeve
BAGGU Puffy Laptop SleeveIt's tough not to love this adorable laptop sleeve from Baggu. The puffy material provides loads of protection and the velcro enclosure keeps your laptop securely inside. Depending on the size of your laptop, you might also have room to squeeze in an external keyboard and mouse. It's available in a 13- or 14-inch version (which is also ideal for tablets) or get the 16 incher for larger laptops. It also comes in a ton of fun prints but there are also a few solid color options for those who want a more muted look.
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Photograph: ObVus Solutions
A Collapsible Laptop Stand
ObVus Solutions Laptop Tower StandWhether or not you invest in a monitor, you should get a laptop stand. They make working more comfortable and reduce the need to hunch over your desk. This is our top pick. We like that you can bring it up quite high and position it at various angles. It also collapses and is slim enough to fit into most backpacks when you need to work from the library. Read our Best Laptop Stands guide if you want to look at other options.
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Photograph: Amazon
An Easy Reader
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021, 11th Generation)If you’re lucky enough to have classes that offer digital versions of textbooks, or if you're taking a few literature classes, consider a Kindle. You might be able to find books for a slight discount, and you can check out library books for free as well. Unlike your phone or tablet, Kindles have displays that are easy on the eyes, work great in direct sunlight, and have glare-free screens. (Unlike a smartphone, they also won't ping you every minute with messages from your group chats.)
Any of the current Kindle models are worth it, but the Paperwhite is the best. There are three versions, including one for kids, but most students should go for the base model. The Paperwhite is waterproof, comes with 8 gigabytes of storage, and features a pleasant warm front light. Just make sure to pay a little extra for the version without ads. If this is too spendy, Amazon has other Kindle models and we've rounded them all up here. If you're anti-Amazon, read our Best E-readers guide for other alternatives.
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Photograph: Asus
A Desktop Monitor
Asus 24-Inch Full HD MonitorMonitors make working at a desk so much more enjoyable. You can plug your laptop directly into one and use it as a second screen, which can be a huge boost to productivity (or you can load up a Twitch stream while you do homework). We've tested quite a few external screens over the years, and this Asus 24-inch Full HD monitor is a safe, affordable bet. The screen can be a bit oversaturated, but you can tone it down in the display's settings. It's not terribly big, so it won't take up all the space on the table, but you can also VESA mount it if you like. Read our Best Monitors guide for more recommendations.
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Photograph: Mobile Pixels
A Portable Monitor
Mobile Pixels Duex Plus Portable MonitorA portable monitor is a great way to get more screen real estate when you don't have access to your desktop monitor—like at a coffee shop, the library, or even on the go. This one from Mobile Pixels is our favorite.
It attaches to the laptop screen using magnets, so you'll have to be comfortable with sticking and leaving adhesive magnets on the back of your laptop. But it's easy to install using the included assembly instructions. Whenever you need to use it, simply slide it out to reveal a 13-inch display and connect the USB-C cable. It does add some thickness and bulk to your machine, but you can remove it whenever it's not in use.
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Photograph: Twelve South
A Portable USB Hub
Twelve South StayGo MiniIf you have a laptop or tablet with USB-C and a few other ports, chances are you need a hub that expands your connectivity options. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu has been using the StayGo Mini from Twelve South for more than a year with no problems. It has a headphone jack, USB-A, HDMI, and USB-C for pass-through charging. It's super compact so you can take it anywhere, and you can also choose to plug it flush into your laptop or connect it via a cable. Read our Best Hubs and Docks guide for other picks.
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Photograph: Logitech
A Compact Keyboard
Logitech MX Mechanical Mini Wireless KeyboardWe love mechanical keyboards here at WIRED. They offer a satisfying tactile typing experience, and you'll certainly do a lot of typing in college. This one from Logitech has three different switches to choose from (you can learn more about switches here). It's compact enough to tote around campus, and it's wireless, so it connects via a USB-A dongle or Bluetooth. There's built-in backlighting, but if you leave it on all the time, you'll need to recharge it via USB-C every few days. With it off, you can go for months on a single charge. Read our Best Keyboards guide for more.
★ A budget wireless keyboard: Don't care for a mechanical keyboard? If you just want something cheap, then stick with the Logitech K380 Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard ($40). It connects via Bluetooth and is very small. You'll just need two AAA batteries to keep it powered for months. Did we mention it comes in pink?! For $15 more, you can add a number pad.
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Photograph: Logitech
A Whisper-Quiet Mouse
Logitech MX Master 3SThere are dozens and dozens of cheap mice you can pair with your laptop, but the Logitech MX Master 3S is excellent for people sharing a room. Mouse clicks can sound annoying when someone is trying to study, and this is one of the quietest mice we've ever tried. The left and right mouse buttons are practically silent. You also get dual scroll wheels, which is really handy if you have to scroll horizontally through a bunch of spreadsheets for class. It's expensive, but your roommates will thank you.
★ An ergonomic option: The Logitech Lift ($70) is a great option for those who suffer from some wrist pain because it automatically lifts your palm away from the desk—preventing your nerves from getting pinched. There's also a Mac version that allows you to program buttons on the mouse to trigger Mac-specific apps and features like Do Not Disturb, Mission Control, and, Safari, and Final Cut Pro.
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Photograph: Branch
A Standing Desk
Branch Duo Standing DeskStanding all day isn't a viable (nor healthy) alternative to sitting all day, but a standing desk lets you switch things up and is generally more versatile than a normal desk. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu really likes the Branch Duo because it's compact (there's a larger size as well), and it takes mere minutes to put together. The laminated medium-density fiberboard (MDF) paired with the powder-coated steel frame makes it feel sturdy and durable too.
There are two height presets, a collision detection feature to stop the desk if someone is underneath it, and you can add cable management and storage options to reduce clutter. The motor isn't as quiet as the Branch Standing Desk, but it's not egregiously loud.
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Photograph: BenQ
Our Favorite Desk Accessories
Desk PeripheralsAll of us at WIRED have complicated desk setups that make working from home easier. You don't have to go that hard for a dorm room, and you probably only have so much space to spare anyway. See our full work-from-home guide for more options, but these are some of our favorite desk accessories worth considering.
BenQ ScreenBar Computer LED Lamp for $109: WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu swears by this desk lamp, which only works if you have an external monitor on your desk. It hangs over the top of the screen and illuminates your workspace. Best of all, it takes up zero space on your desk! We also like BenQ's Genie e-Reading Desk Lamp ($199). It's more expensive, but it sits on your desk and comes equipped with brightness up to 1,800 lux, a color-temperature mode (with hues between 2700K and 5000K), and an ambient light sensor.
Monoprice WFH LED Desk Lamp With Wireless Charging for $35: This affordable lamp has an edge over the competition. The base includes a wireless charger so you can charge your phone while working. A USB-A port on the back can be used to charge another device, too. It has multiple color temperature settings and six brightness levels.
Monoprice Extra Wide Length Microfiber Desk Mat for $18: This mat is soft and doubles as a mouse pad if you're going to add a separate keyboard and mouse.
Woozoo Oscillating Vortex Fan for $85: It's cute, comes in a bunch of fun colors, and keeps a room fairly cool as it swivels on its base. It's a great little desk fan for the warmer days of the school year, and the included remote means you can turn it on without leaving the bed.
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Photograph: Branch
Upgrade Your Chair
Branch Ergonomic ChairYour dorm probably comes with a chair, and if that's the case, you don't have to spend any money on another. But if you need something better, or maybe you're living in your own apartment or house near the school, this one is our top pick in our Best Office Chairs guide. You can make a ton of adjustments, it's comfy, and it draws heat away with the mesh back.
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Photograph: Monoprice
A Plug-In Protector
Monoprice 8-Outlet Rotating Surge StripThere are never enough power outlets, especially in a dorm. This surge strip is ingenious, with eight outlets, six of which are on a rotating wheel—that means chunky plugs won't block other precious space. An LED indicates that it's indeed offering surge protection too.
★ If you have a lot of USB-C gadgets: Your phone, laptop, and tablet all likely charge via USB-C, so it might be worthwhile shelling out for Satechi's 108-watt USB-C 3-Port Wall Charger ($75). This lets you charge three gadgets at once. It's not super small, but it is less bulky than a MacBook charger. It has enough power to juice up your laptop and phone simultaneously.
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Photograph: Oxo Good Grips
Cheap Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning SuppliesDorms have very little square footage, but they can get dirty quickly. Clean up small messes with this awesome Oxo dustpan. It's compact, and, importantly, affordable. Oxo also has a nice microfiber duster, so you can avoid constantly re-upping single-use Swiffers. For cleaning dishes or hard surfaces, the E-Cloth Washing Up Pad lasts longer than typical kitchen sponges.
If your dorm is a suite-style with a private lounge, you might need something a little more capable than a dustpan. You don't need to buy a Dyson, but a cheap Dirt Devil like this should suffice. Check with your roommates to see if one of them already has a vacuum or try to split up costs.
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Photograph: Clorox
A Tabletop Air Purifier
Clorox Tabletop True HEPA Air PurifierSince you'll likely be spending a lot of time in your dorm, we suggest investing in an air purifier to ensure you're always breathing in clean air. We also know space is limited, which is why we like the Tabletop True HEPA Air Purifier. It's compact enough to sit on your desk or nightstand. With a 360-degree HEPA filter, it cleans rooms up to five times per hour when placed in an 80-square-foot room and two times an hour in a room up to 200 square feet.
It's easy to operate, with responsive touch controls on top. You can choose between three different speeds (low, medium, and high) and there's an optional timer with three settings (two hours, four hours, and eight hours). If you want to leave it on overnight, there's a built-in adjustable nightlight and whisper-quiet setting too. That way, you don't have to worry about disrupting your roommate.
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Photograph: Aeropress
The Best Compact Coffee Maker
AeroPress GoThe AeroPress Go is one of the most popular coffee brewers on the market for a reason: It makes a damn fine cup of coffee, but it's still small enough to fit into a drawer. The Go is barely bigger than a coffee mug and incredibly lightweight, so it's perfect for use in a cramped dorm room, where counter space is always in short supply. We like the Aeropress Go for its compact, all-in-one design, but the original Aeropress ($40) is still quite portable and another option to consider. (There's also the new Aeropress XL!)
There is no wrong way to brew with an Aeropress. In fact, there are dozens of YouTube videos showing different techniques. But we recommend starting with the company's own proven recipe, which you'll find included in the box. Just assemble the Go, add the two key ingredients (coffee and hot water), give it a stir, wait a minute, then press down the plunger. It produces a cup of hot coffee that tastes infinitely better than the sludge-like industrial blasting agent they sell in the dining hall.
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Photograph: Amazon
For Constant Sipping
Reusable Bottles and MugsYou need good, reusable bottles to stay caffeinated and hydrated between classes. Whatever bottle you like and will constantly use is the best choice, but in case you're not picky, we have guides for reusable water bottles and travel mugs. These are a few of our favorites.
Miir Narrow Mouth Bottle for $35: This water bottle is available in insulated and uninsulated ($18) versions—our full guide breaks down the difference, but insulated will keep it colder or hotter for longer. The cap is big enough to fit your fingers through for comfy carrying, and the whole thing is quite durable.
Miir Flip Traveler ($28): Miir makes our favorite travel mug too for toting around hot drinks. Its flip-top lid is leakproof, so you won't spill coffee on your white pants right before class begins (yes, this happened to me once). Like the Miir bottle above, it should last longer than your college career.
Owala FreeSip ($33): Owala's Free Sip (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a clever spout with two openings—one for sipping through a straw and one for chugging. It also has a nice lock mechanism, so you don't have to worry about spilling water in your bag. The bottle comes in a variety of sizes including 19, 24, and 32 ounces. We prefer the 40-ounce size because we don't have to refill it as much.
Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler ($45): This TikTok viral water bottle isn't the best for carrying around in your bag since the exposed straw will likely spill. But it is cup-holder friendly, making it a great option for those commuting to classes in a car. The double-wall vacuum insulation will also keep your drink hot or cold for hours.
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Photograph: Ultimate Ears
A Fun Speaker
Ultimate Ears Boom 3There are bigger and badder Bluetooth speakers, but none match the fun and convenience of the Boom 3. It puts out some of the most pleasant, balanced sound for its size—just over 7 inches tall—while being loud enough for an in-room dance party. The cylindrical speaker is swathed in woven material accented by no-slip rubber feet and chunky, can’t-miss-’em buttons. The battery lasts 15 hours between charges and gives you 100 feet of Bluetooth range. The Boom is waterproof, so it’s perfect for spring break or for shower-hour karaoke. On top of all that, it has a two-year warranty, which will get you halfway through undergrad.
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Photograph: Garmin
A Fitness Tracker
Garmin Vivomove TrendThe Vivomove Trend (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the first Garmin with support for wireless charging. So, instead of constantly searching for the proprietary charger (a major pain point with most fitness trackers), you can conveniently drop this one on an all-purpose Qi wireless charging pad.
It also comes equipped with an analog watch face. To start an activity, you can either swipe and tap on the display or wait for Garmin’s super-accurate Move IQ feature to recognize it. You’ll also have access to Garmin’s fitness tracking features like contactless payments, incident detection, sleep tracking, and 24/7 heart rate monitoring. Garmin offers some of the most helpful and comprehensive fitness algorithms out there too, including its Body Battery metric. WIRED senior associate reviews editor Adrienne So has always found it startlingly precise—it’s been able to catch when she’s getting sick or getting PMS.
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Photograph: Loop
Peace and Quiet
Loop QuietDorm buildings aren't always easy to sleep in, so a good pair of earplugs can help you tune out your roommate's snoring or the party next door. The Loop Quiet plugs are our favorite for sleeping. They're made entirely of silicone and block out more noise than you'd think. Since they sit flush with your head, lying on them isn't uncomfortable. You can wash them with warm water every morning. Each pack includes four sizes of ear tips. Read our Best Earplugs guide for other picks.
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Photograph: Apple
A Totable Tablet
Apple iPad (2021, 9th Gen)If you don't want to lug your full-size laptop everywhere, the iPad makes a compelling alternative for both homework and hang time. Workflow improvements in the last few versions of iPadOS make it possible to get some real work done. Videos, ebooks, and games look incredible on the crisp, non-reflective screen, and the crazy fast A13 Bionic chip inside means it's up for just about any task. It works with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard.
★ An Android alternative: Not a fan of Apple's operating system? The OnePlus Pad ($480) is our favorite Android tablet. It packs an 11.6-inch LCD 144-Hz display, excellent battery life that'll get you close to a full workday, smooth performance, and runs Android 13 out of the box.
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Photograph: Kobo
An E-Ink Tablet
Kobo Elipsa 2EKobo's Elipsa 2E is expensive, but it's a lot less distracting than a standard tablet. You can use the included rechargeable stylus to mark up ebooks, PDFs, and take notes on virtual notepads. It's a great option if your major requires reading multiple books a semester because you can keep track of notes easily.
Using OverDrive's Libby app, you can also borrow books from the library. And with Bluetooth connectivity, you can pair your headphones to listen to audiobooks or sync the tablet to Dropbox and Google Drive to access your files wherever and whenever. It has long battery life too—mileage will vary, but you'll likely only have to charge it once a week.
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Courtesy of Noonlight
A Personal Safety App
NoonlightCollege should be fun. But campuses and the towns they reside in can't guarantee safety. Add in alcohol and walking to and from parties, and you could be putting yourself in harm's way. We've reviewed a few personal safety apps and products, and the Noonlight app (available on iOS and Android) is the easiest way to stay safe. The basic version is free.
Just open the app and hold the onscreen button while you're walking or otherwise feel uneasy. When you're safe, release your finger and enter your pin within 10 seconds. If you're not safe, don't enter your pin number. Once the timer runs out, Noonlight will attempt to contact you and send help to your GPS location immediately.
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Photograph: 3M
For Chill Hangs
3M Command StripsPins leave holes in your posters (and walls), tape rips the paint off, and sticky goop leaves oily marks. That's why we really like these 3M Command Strips. They're strong enough to hold a poster or even a framed picture (use four or six for bigger items), and they peel right off when you move out. Simply follow the instructions for easy removal. 3M makes clips and different types of hooks, too, for whatever you need to hang.
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Photograph: Hot Tools
A Quiet Hair Dryer
Hot Tools Pro Artist QuietairWhen you're living in such close quarters with other people, you want to make sure you're conscious of how much noise you're making—especially if your roommate is doing homework, studying, or sleeping. A lot of hair dryers claim to be quiet, but they rarely are. The Hot Tools Pro Artist Quietair, on the other hand, lives up to its name.
It's so quiet, it's certified by Quiet Mark—an independent organization that asses how much noise pollution household products produce. WIRED contributor Victoria Woollastan-Webber says she was easily able to have a full-blown conversation with her 4-year-old (who typically shouts her name while drying her hair) without having to turn the dryer off, even at the highest speed setting. Even on the low-heat/low-speed setting, it dried her hair within minutes and left it looking and feeling soft and smooth.
★ A versatile hair dryer: If you care more about styling options than noise, Shark's HyperAir ($250) comes with a unique set of attachments. There's a brush attachment that turns it into a blow-dry brush (which rotates with a button), an air concentrator with a nozzle that shrinks and expands, and a diffuser with prongs that can be lengthened and shortened for different hair lengths.
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Photograph: Allbirds
Some Cozy Slip-Ons
Allbirds LoungersOne of the singular characteristics of dorm life is how the boundaries between outside and inside start to blur. Does it count as going out if you visit a friend’s room? How about if you have to run to the cafeteria? Or down two flights of stairs to the mail room? Allbird’s loungers are easy to slip on and off. They’re made of washable merino wool that minimizes odor, and they're so soft that you can wear them without socks.
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Photograph: Nintendo
A Tiny Time-Killer
Nintendo Switch LiteIt won't help your grades, but a Nintendo Switch is the perfect gaming console for a dorm room. Specifically, the Switch Lite (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which costs $200 and is uber-compact. Check out our Best Switch Games and Best Switch Accessories guides to make the most of your tiny console.
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Photograph: Urbz
A Living Lava Lamp
Urbz Mushlume UFOBy day, the Mushlume doesn't look like much. It's just a 10-inch-tall fungal fruiting body made of plastic with a white stem and some water in the clear cap. But after night falls, give the thing a swish, and watch it come to life. Literally—a colony of bioluminescent dinoflagellates lives inside the clear aquarium at the top. With each hearty swirl, the little creatures glow a bright cosmic blue for a few seconds. Think of it as a more scientific spin on a lava lamp. It's great for marine biology students, night owls, and the kid with several hard drives filled with lossless audio files of Phish concerts.
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Photograph: Immi
A Classic College Meal
Immi Instant RamenInstant ramen has been fueling the students of the world ever since Momofuku Ando first marketed the quick, nourishing meal in 1950s Japan. American company Immi updates the iconic fast food for the 21st century. Traditional Asian flavors like pork tonkatsu, red miso, Sichuan beef, and shrimp tom yum are here rendered entirely vegan and made with ingredients that are higher in energizing protein and lower in sodium and carbs than the stuff in a cup. The noodles require 7 minutes on the stovetop or in the microwave to fully cook, so they’re not exactly “instant,” but the results are creamy, chewy, and oh-so satisfying.
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Photograph: Ninja
A Compact Air Fryer
Ninja Air Fryer Max XLIf you're tired of eating at the dining hall or you don't have much time to squeeze in meals between classes, air frying is both a fast and healthy way to cook. You can use it to whip up salmon, tofu, potatoes, and more. The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is our favorite compact option.
It comes with a 5.5-quart, ceramic-coated, non-stick basket, and a simple-to-use control panel. In addition to multiple settings, you can choose from cook modes like air roast, max crisp, air broil, dehydrate, bake, reheat, and more.
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Photograph: JackRabbit
An Electric Bike
JackRabbit BikeDepending on the size of your campus, a bike can make life easier, especially on those mornings when you're rushing from bed to class. College kids don't need to spend thousands on a fancy-pants bike, and we recommend checking out Facebook Marketplace for a used cruiser.
If you do want to spend more on an ebike, we like the $1,000 JackRabbit micro ebike (7/10, WIRED Recommends). The small size is adorable, and it makes it light and portable too. Ebikes really only go up from there in price, but we have a bunch of recommendations.
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Photograph: Niu
An Electric Scooter
Niu KQi3 ProIf you're not a fan of bike riding, it might be worth considering an electric scooter instead. We have several picks here, but our favorite for most people is the Niu KQi3 Pro. It has a reliable range, feels sturdy, and offers a comfy ride. It comes with fun perks too, like bells, lights, and a roomy handlebar to attach a phone mount for navigation. It's not terribly heavy at 45 pounds, and it's easy to carry.
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Photograph: Amazon
More Accessories to Consider
Honorable MentionsThese are more of our favorite recommendations. Not all of them are totally necessary, at least not right away. You should pick and choose what works for you.
- Ikea Skubb Underbed Storage Case for $10: When WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano lived in a tiny NYC jail cell (I mean, apartment), she stowed four of these under her bed to hold every item of clothing her closet couldn't accommodate. College beds have ample room underneath, and these can hold off-season clothing, shoes, or anything else you need, like party supplies. Amazon has a bunch of options too.
- Dalykate Backpack Laundry Bag for $17: You may need to hike your laundry down a few flights to the laundry room. This hamper has a pocket to hold your detergent and backpack straps for portability. It's what WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu uses to head to his laundromat.
- Urpower Clothing Steamer for $26: This cheap little steamer is one of my favorite purchases. It's powerful and has lasted me enough years that I've yet to buy an iron.
- Hey Dewy Portable Humifider for $60: If you have really dry skin and a constant stuffy nose, we've found that putting this little humidifier on our nightstand has actually helped.
- Dreamegg D11 Portable Sound Machine for $30: If you live in a single, or you and your roommate agree on the type of peaceful noise to fall asleep to, this sound machine is little with 11 sound options.
- Mr. Coffee Coffee Mug Warmer for $18: If you're often drinking coffee or tea in your dorm, and find that it gets cold quickly, we highly recommend this mug warmer. You'll never have a cold sip again.
- Subminimal Nanofoamer ($32): This handheld milk frother is a great, more affordable alternative to making a cappuccino or latte with an automated machine (which also takes up a lot of time). It'll texture milk or milk substitutes for a perfect, creamy addition to your coffee.
- Deconovo Blackout Curtains for $11: These come in a bunch of cute colors, and WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu says they do a great job of keeping the sun out in the morning when you're trying to ignore your alarm. The price is for just one panel. You can pair it with this tension rod ($23).
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