College packing list quick picks
Easy-to-store coffee maker: Bodum 12-Ounce Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
Wireless earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Reusable water bottle: Yeti Rambler 26-Ounce Water Bottle
Quick-drying shower caddy: Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy
With the school year just around the corner, it’s always a good idea to get ahead of your college packing list. The truth is, back-to-school shopping is far from glamorous, and while coming up with dorm decor ideas and replenishing that all-important campus wardrobe may be more exciting, you’ll want to make sure your kid has everything they need for a smooth move-in experience.
It can be easy to gloss over practical items like an umbrella or a stain remover spray, but ultimately, those will be the items they’ll need to have on hand on a day-to-day basis. To help you out, we asked our interns for their college packing advice and rounded up a list of top-rated essentials your kid will actually use when they step on campus.
Dorm supplies
"Dorm rooms can get very congested and musty very quickly, so I recommend getting an air purifier," says Nyasha Nyoni, a CNN Underscored intern and student. Nyoni recommends this model "because it's lightweight, almost completely quiet and is incredibly easy to set up as well as change out the filter."
Since college students can't count on air conditioning in dorms, a powerful yet compact cooling fan is a must-have. After testing 15 models, the Vornado 660AE was one of our favorites, thanks to its sturdy design and adjustable head.
A nice mattress is one of the great comforts of home. Since dorm mattresses aren't the most plush things in the world, help your student get some much-needed sleep with the added support of this mattress pad.
An electric kettle is necessary to make two freshman staples: coffee and instant ramen. That's why we recommend snagging this budget-friendly model, which boiled water faster than any unit we tested.
A utility cart is a great way to save space and stay organized in a dorm. This one from Target can help hold everything from snacks to school supplies.
Command hooks are a must for hanging up decorations and preventing wall damage. This variety pack has large plastic hooks strong enough to hold towels or jackets and small metal ones perfect for stringing up lights or keeping desk cables in order.
College students don't need the most luxurious bath towels on the market, which is why recommend opting for these super-affordable and absorbent bath towels from Target brand Threshold.
Vacuum storage bags are a must when packing for move-in day, Nyoni says. "They really help you save space and maximize your luggage. Even if you aren’t flying to get to college, the vacuum bags allow you to pack more items in confined spaces like a car, storage boxes, etc."
Nightstands aren’t necessarily efficient in terms of saving space, so this bedside caddy is the perfect spot to keep a pair of glasses, a phone and anything else they’d want to have near their bed.
CNN Underscored intern and college student Jayna Rohslau says she cherished this mini French press from Bodum. "[It's] cute and pack[s] the right amount of caffeine," she says.
For an even more portable coffee maker, consider the AeroPress. Thanks to its compact plastic design, you can easily transport it without it breaking and store it in a cramped dorm room. And most importantly, it makes great coffee.
Cleaning and laundry
Dust can build up fast in dorm rooms, so having a mini vacuum on hand is the best solution for keeping those bunnies at bay. This one was the simplest to use, charge and empty of all the handheld vacuums we tested.
Taking over laundry duty for the first time? This stain remover is top rated and great for tackling pesky spots with less effort so your kid can spend less time in the laundry room.
A traditional iron and ironing board can be a bit bulky for a dorm room with limited storage, so consider buying a portable steamer to keep their clothing wrinkle-free.
A laundry basket with handles is perfect for lugging clothing to and from the laundry room, and this fabric hamper can be rolled down and stowed in a closet or under the bed.
Ditch single-use plastic water bottles and opt for a water filter pitcher instead, which will save both money and trips to the vending machine. Our top pick from Brita left water tasting great and was easy to set up.
Optimize your dorm's closet with these space-saving organizers that hold up to five traditional hangers.
Cleaning wipes are great for making sure the dorm is clean when you move in. They're also easy to reach for when the surfaces in the room need a quick refresh throughout the school year.
Electronics
Make the most of your dorm's limited outlets with this surge protector. With six outlets and three USB ports, it will make sure your student's phone, laptop and other devices stay charged and ready to go, so long as they remember to plug them in. There is also a 10-foot option available.
Portable chargers are a practical purchase to ensure their devices never run out of battery, no matter where they are. As our best budget portable charger, this one is a great choice for students who are always on the go.
Considering the amount of time students spend on their devices, blue-light glasses may help the body’s natural sleep cycle after a long day spent looking at a screen.
Apple AirTags, which can be attached to valuable items like room keys or wallets, are great for making sure students can find their belongings whenever they misplace them.
Dependable wireless earbuds can be a game changer for college students on the go. Plus, the noise-cancellation feature is perfect for studying and focusing. We tested these for months and named them as some of our best true wireless earbuds.
Campus necessities
There’s nothing worse than having to walk across campus in the rain without an umbrella. Stay dry with this compact umbrella that has the most comfortable handle of the umbrellas we've tested.
Organization skills can make or break a semester. A quality planner can seriously help students stay on top of assignments and manage their time.
As our favorite reusable water bottle, this Yeti Rambler is perfect for bringing to class — and it's definitely worth the splurge.
Students almost always need to keep their college ID cards on hand to access buildings and on-campus services. This MagSafe-compatible wallet lets you keep your cards right with your phone so all your essentials are in one place.
Toiletries
Since many colleges don’t allow candles in dorms, a room spray is a great option for keeping a dorm room smelling fresh. This Mrs. Meyer's spray in Rain Water is loved by reviewers for its light and long-lasting scent.
This quick-drying shower caddy has eight pockets for holding all your student's shower essentials as they tote them to and from their communal bathroom. And the carrying handles allow them to hang the bag out of the way in their room.
Grab your college student a pair of Crocs, which they can wear as shower shoes and around campus. Trust us, you won’t want your kids to shower barefoot in the dorm bathrooms.