Buying Guide: 18 Things You Really Need for College
School supplies involve more than just pencils and paper.
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Featured in this article
Charger
Laptop chargers often come with huge transformers and an unnecessary long cable. [Zolt](https://www.gozolt.com/), an uber-small portable charger, can charge your laptop, cellphone, and tablet, allowing you to just carry one plug for all of them. $100
Hydration
Stop buying those disposable plastic water bottles. The [Autoseal Cortland](http://www.gocontigo.com/24oz-autoseal-cortland-water-bottle.html) is leak and spill-proof, so you have fewer opportunities to embarrass yourself. It's also not giant, so it'll fit into your bag. $12
Fitness Tracker
Avoid the infamous freshman 15 with the [Garmin Vivo Move](https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/health-fitness/vivomove-/prod532348.html). It's a fitness tracker that doesn't look like a fitness tracker—it'll count your daily steps and track your sleep and look great on your wrist. $150
Cable Ties
All cables do when you're not using them is cause clutter. These [Velcro cable ties](https://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-ONE-WRAP-Management-Self-Gripping/dp/B001E1Y5O6) will keep any type of cable nice and neat. Your desk will stay organized, and the inside of your backpack won't look like the trash bin at the Olive Garden. If you're a baller and like to carry wads of cash around, these ties are perfect for keeping the Bennies in order. $7
School supplies are about more than just pencils and paper. At college, you're the boss. You're in charge of not only your classes, but also your life. These items will make your time at school a little easier.
Zolt01Charger
Laptop chargers often come with huge transformers and an unnecessary long cable. [Zolt](https://www.gozolt.com/), an uber-small portable charger, can charge your laptop, cellphone, and tablet, allowing you to just carry one plug for all of them. $100
Photograph: Contigo02Hydration
Stop buying those disposable plastic water bottles. The [Autoseal Cortland](http://www.gocontigo.com/24oz-autoseal-cortland-water-bottle.html) is leak and spill-proof, so you have fewer opportunities to embarrass yourself. It's also not giant, so it'll fit into your bag. $12
Garmin03Fitness Tracker
Avoid the infamous freshman 15 with the [Garmin Vivo Move](https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/health-fitness/vivomove-/prod532348.html). It's a fitness tracker that doesn't look like a fitness tracker—it'll count your daily steps and track your sleep and look great on your wrist. $150
Amazon04Cable Ties
All cables do when you're not using them is cause clutter. These [Velcro cable ties](https://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-ONE-WRAP-Management-Self-Gripping/dp/B001E1Y5O6) will keep any type of cable nice and neat. Your desk will stay organized, and the inside of your backpack won't look like the trash bin at the Olive Garden. If you're a baller and like to carry wads of cash around, these ties are perfect for keeping the Bennies in order. $7
Getty Images051,000 Solo Cups
The infamous red cups. Solo cups are perfect for any college party, of course. Best of all, they're recyclable and reusable. Get the [pack of 1,000](https://www.amazon.com/SOLO-Cup-Company-Plastic-Carton/dp/B004E3RRIC) though, because there are endless uses for these things. From a beer pong party to gargling mouthwash to brushing your teeth when the bathroom's crowded, these cups are a necessity. $153
Teva06Sandals
Shower flip-flops are a must, especially if you're sharing bathrooms with other students. These awesome [Teva flip-flops](http://www.teva.com/men-flip-flops/deckers-flip/1008666.html) have multi-layered cushioned soles and durable polyester webbing. They'll prevent you from getting athlete's foot, or from slipping on the tiles. Win! $32
Mophie07Extra Juice
Those four-hour lab requirements are murder on your batteries. Mophie's [Powerstation 8X](http://www.mophie.com/shop/universal-batteries/powerstation-8X) is a huge energy reserve, but it's still slim and portable. It can charge two devices at once, and it's even strong enough to recharge your iPad. It even comes in rose gold to match your phone. $150
Amazon08String Lights
College dorm rooms come with crappy overhead fluorescent bulbs, making a set of [Christmas lights](https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Wonderland-100-Count-Clear-Christmas/dp/B0009IN5AA) a must. They work year round and are perfect for any holiday like Groundhog Day. Oh, and Christmas too. Plus, they could "set the mood" for special occasions. $9
Netflix09Netflix
Downtime option number one: [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/getstarted) and chill in your dorm room. You can get your favorite TV shows or movies to fill those lonely nights. If you have the option to mooch off your parents' account or ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, do that. Otherwise: $10/month
Apple10iPad Pro and Pencil
Pens and notebooks are for high school kids. With the [iPad Pro and Pencil](http://www.apple.com/apple-pencil/), you can take notes to a whole new level. You can sketch, too, or just download games to help get through those classes that give you the Zzzzzzzs. Total price: $698
Heelys11Extra Wheels
Yes, [Heelys](http://shop.heelys.com/770155m-adults-launch-black-heelys). For all the grown-up-kids in college, these shoes provide a quick and easy way to roll your way into class. And maybe into someone's heart. No more walking for you. Disclaimer: Other students will laugh at you, but who cares? You're already gone! $60
Bang & Olufsen12Headphones
Mobile music is crucial. It helps you concentrate, and more importantly, it effectively tunes everyone else out. The [Beoplay H5](http://www.beoplay.com/products/beoplayh5) uses Bluetooth, so you can take your listening wireless. The braided material is durable, so you can just shove them right into your pocket wherever you're going. $249
Holmes13Fan
Your dorm's HVAC system was installed in the '50s. The *1850s*. Get one of [these air-movers](https://www.amazon.com/Holmes-HBF2010A-WM-Metal-20-Inch-White/dp/B0037W4YD2) for your room. Set it right next to your bed on hot nights. Also, they generate enough white noise to drown out the annoying party next door. $20
AeroPress14Coffee Maker
Your best buddy during those late night study seshs? Coffee. The [AeroPress](http://www.aerobie.com/product/aeropress/), a portable coffeemaker, will make a dark and robust brew in just minutes. Put the grounds into the tube and pour in hot water. Once you fill it to the top, wait a minute or two, then insert the plunger and press firmly. Get it? No? [Watch our video](https://www.wired.com/video/2014/02/gadget-lab-a-look-at-the-aerobie-aeropress-coffee-maker/). $30
Google15Chromebook
Don't break your piggybank for a fancy laptop. The [HP Chromebook 13](http://store.hp.com/us/en/ContentView?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&eSpotName=chromebook13) gives you [all the web-based apps](http://www.wired.com/2016/08/attention-poor-students-chromebooks-get-awesome/) you need to get through college, while providing a sleek design and 11 hours of battery life. Your campus has Wi-Fi literally everywhere, right? $499
Corter Leather & Cloth/WIRED16Multi-Purpose Keychain
You're going to be in charge of a lot of keys, so get a real keyring like the sturdy and fashionable [Bottlehook](http://shop.corterleather.com/products/bottlehook). Put the cast metal hook into your belt loop and let your keys dangle into your pocket. There's a leather tab where you can scrawl your Snapchat handle, and the top has been shaped to expertly crack open your brewskis (hence the name.) $36.50
Trek17Bike
Avoid being late at all times by getting off your feet and onto a bike. This simple and ergonomic [Trek FX S4](http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/city-bikes/fitness-bikes/fx/fx-s-4/p/1341000-2017) is great for short and long-range commutes. The 20 gears are especially helpful if you're going over hills. It is also DuoTrap S compatible, which means you can use a sensor to track your miles and map your rides. $1,100
The North Face18Backpack
Every college student needs a backpack for textbooks and a laptop, but you should get something comfortable as well. The [North Face Borealis](https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/equipment-backpacks/borealis) gives you a comfy companion with a laptop sleeve that fits a 15-inch computer. A padded back panel alleviates any stress on the spine. $89
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