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It’s back-to-school season, also known as “back-to-campus” for college students. Maybe you’re a first-time freshman or a seasoned senior… wherever you are in your college journey, you need some essentials. We’ve gathered 10 must-have products for college life, from beauty buys to school supplies and dorm decor.
1. Clarisonic Skincare Devices
Whether it’s new university stress, late nights out, or germ-ridden college dorms, skincare has never been so important. Properly cleansing your face is an absolute *must* and Clarisonic devices are 6x more effective than regular manual cleansing! Plus, it’s super easy—I mean, you just have to hold the brush. So, there’s no excuses, even for test-cramming all-nighters. CURRENTBODY is now the only company that carries Clarisonic, and with our exclusive code FINDS10, you can get 10% off when you spend $50 on Clarisonic products.
2. Noted by Post-it
This might sound silly, but you’re a billion times more motivated to study when your school supplies are cute. Trust me… it’s all about the aesthetic. And the new Noted by Post-it collection, is the perfect blend between cute and quality. They’ve got the best notebooks, pens, pouches, calendars, and Post-its (which are an absolute necessity). This summer collection is limited time so I wanted to let you know before it’s gone. You’re welcome.
3. Lasko Fan
MyCool™ Mini Blower Fan ($25.99)
Dorm rooms get stuffy; apartments are especially warm as school is starting in late August and early September. That’s why you need this mini Lasko fan—it’s small and doesn’t take up much space, but it’s powerful enough to give you a cool breeze. The USB cord plugs in directly to your computer for when you’re getting hot and stressed during studying. With a built-in carrying handle and a wall adapter plug, you can take this fan with you anywhere. Oh, and it’s *super* quiet so your goes-to-bed-early roommate won’t get annoyed.
4. Target Room Essentials Bath Caddy
This $6 bath caddy set is an absolute must for dorm living. It includes a shower caddy with handle, razor/soap holder, and a toothbrush holder with holes for quick drying. This plastic bath caddy makes it easy to wipe clean and dry off while protecting and organizing your items when you’re going from your room to the bathroom and back. It’s available in peach, gray, and white… can you tell which one is our favorite?
5. The Container Store Closet Organization
Premium College Closet Solution (starting at $4.99)
When it comes to dorms and apartments, closet space is extremely limited and organization is even worse. This closet storage collection from The Container Store has everything you need to make the most of your small space. It includes an over-the-door full body mirror, a 2-level metal shoe rack, velvet hangers (they can fit more stuff because they’re thinner), and hanging compartments that basically give you built-in shelves. You can get the entire collection together or order items separately, depending on what you need.
6. Cute, Roomy Backpack
PINK Collegiate Backpack ($44.95)
It’s college, so tiny backpacks and cute little bags aren’t going to cut it… at least, it didn’t for me. You’re trekking from your apartment to campus over and over again, and you’ve got to carry your study materials, snacks, extra jacket, water, phone charger, and whatever else you need. The good news is that Victoria’s Secret actually has a great option! I know, I’m pleasantly surprised. This backpack is durable with its padded straps and has room for everything with different pockets and an interior laptop divider. Yes, please.
7. The Perfect Pot
Perfect Pot ($165)
From the same company that has blessed us with the waitlisted Always Pan, the Perfect Pot is probably one of the most useful tools you can take with you to college (and for the rest of your life). With this pot, you don’t need any other pots. Talk about a budget-friendly space-saver! You can boil, bake, roast, and steam pretty much anything in this pot. It even comes with a wooden spoon and strainer layer—name one more thing you could possibly need, I’ll wait.
8. Pocket Hand Sanitizers
Garden Fresh PocketBac Hand Sanitizers, 5-Pack ($8)
We won’t stand for sickness. Nope, no thanks. You’ve survived a pandemic just to be taken down by a common cold? I don’t think so. Pocket hand sanitizers are a necessity for campus libraries, dorm bathrooms, and university cafeterias. With this Bath & Body Works bundle, you get 5 hand sanitizers (that actually smell good) for only $8. So, you can keep one at your desk, in your backpack, in your car, in your purse, and by your bed.
9. Bedding
Dormify Shibori Twin XL Comforter & Sham Set ($139)
Ok, yeah, this one is a no-brainer: obviously you need bedding. But don’t just settle for any bedding. Sure, you want to save money, but you also want to have a space that you like to look at, you’re proud of, and feels like home. This dorm bedding set from American Eagle comes with a luxe tie-dye comforter and sham to get your dorm ~aesthetic~ started. And it’s a twin XL… which, as you may know by now, is so hard to find.
10. Towels
CARO HOME 6pc Florence Dobby Low Twist Towel Set ($24.99)
Don’t forget towels! And *don’t* just buy a single towel because you’re just one person… yes, that’s what I did. It was a mistake. So don’t learn your lesson the hard way when your one towel is still wet or you want to take a shower while you’re doing your laundry. You need 2 towels, hand towels, and wash cloths. This 6 piece towel set from T.J.Maxx has it all and it’s soft enough to make you feel like you’re in a hotel instead of a communal bathroom.
College is an exciting and stressful time. These life-saving essentials will keep you on track, organized, and focused while you’re out living your best life. Happy new school year and good luck!
