35 Items College Students Need

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on items college students need.  I don’t believe there’s one item on the list that I didn’t purchase or send money to purchase at some point. Do you have a child or relative who is college bound?  They’re going to need your help getting prepared for college, trust me.  Mom and dad aren’t going to be around for a wakeup call, to fix breakfast or to get them from point A to B.  They will need to grow up quickly, and it’s not going to be easy.  Our jobs as parents are to love them from afar and help them out where we can.  As a result, 

Items College Students Need: 

• Gift/Gas Cards – The top item on the list of items college students need is a gift card.  All college students can use gas or a special gift.  Also, gift cards can be used to purchase a book or other items on campus.
• Snack Items/Cookies/Drinks – Next, chips, cookies, energy drinks and bars are always welcome for those late night study groups.
• Instant Soup/Cans of Tuna/Chicken – Cans of tuna and chicken are great ways for protein.   Instant soups and noodles are perfect for a quick meal on a cold day too.
• Plates/Forks/Spoons/Bowls/Microwavable Dishes – These items will come in handy when ordering pizza, making sandwiches or eating salads in the dorm room.
• Paper Towels/Napkins – At home or college, there will be spills, and a need to wipe those greasy pizza hands and mouths.
• Keurig/Coffee/Coffee Mug/Tea/Honey – My daughter wasn’t a coffee drinker, but she loves tea and honey. The Keurig was perfect for making individual cups.

• Highlighters/Mechanical Pens/Notebooks/Folders – These items come in handy.  Eventually, highlighters dry up or get lost.  Also, folders bend and notebooks get used. Each semester brings a new need.
• Wrinkle Releaser/Febreze – Wrinkle releaser is perfect for those mornings when you don’t have time to iron.  Your college student will appreciate both.  Especially, Febreze on those days when they want to wear those jeans one more day before washing them.
• Tooth Paste/Floss/Waterpik/Mouth Wash – Taking care of your teeth is important at home and school.
• Shampoo/Conditioner/Flat Iron/Curling Iron/Detangle Comb – Students still like to look good.
• Body Lotion/Razors/Shaving Cream – Keeping the skin hydrated and smooth is still important.
• Loofah/Spa Items/Body Wash – To a college student, these are luxury items.  So, be generous.
• Bath Tissue/Air Fresher/Disinfectant – Next, having individual items can be heaven sent.  There’s no arguments about who used the last roll or emptied the last can of spray.

• Wireless Printer – Every college student has term papers to write and rewrite.  It’s easier at times to print papers, schedules etc.
• Printer Cartridges/Compressed Air to Clean Keyboard –  Products for computer cleaning and maintenance will come in handy.
• First Aid Kit – Unfortunately, accidents happen.  It could be a cut, scrape, or burn.  Being prepared is important.
• Rolls of Quarters/Detergent/Dryer Sheets/Laundry Basket – Doing laundry doesn’t end because you’re in college.  Unfortunately, washer and dryers take quarters and clothes can’t be cleaned with detergent.  Dryer sheets will remind the student of home.
• Bed Sheets/Comforter/Pillows – Additional items that college students need is bedding.  Having a nice, clean bed is essential to getting a good night’s sleep.  This applies to dorms or apartments.  So, fresh sheets, a plum comforter, and heathy pillows are essential.
• Towels/Washcloths –  Oversized towels and washcloths are essential items for a college student.
• Picture Frames and Photo Albums –  Making memories in college is important. I remember my daughter wanting special frames to house her dance team photos.  Additionally, specials nights out with friends, and with the love of life who is now her husband.
• Subscription to Netflix, Hulu etc. –  Being able to watch your favorite shows in college is a luxury.  Being able to watch them in the privacy of your room rather than a common room is even better.  Give them a subscription to Netflix or Hulu.  It’s a perfect gift.
• Footbath/Nail Polish/File/Clippers/Manicure Items – I remember my daughter and her roommates giving each other manicures and pedicures.  They enjoyed painting each other nails and experimenting with makeup.
• Shower Caddy/Shower Cap –  Next,  don’t forget the shower storage items. A means to store shampoo, conditioner and body wash is essential. Essentially, if they will be sharing a bathroom in a common area.
• Diffuser/Oils –  So, I replaced burning candles with diffusing essential oils.  And, I love them.  They’re great for relaxing, keeping calm and staying centered.

• Duct Tape/Screw Driver/Pliers/Wrench –  Although we may not want to think about things coming apart, they do.  Throw in some nails, picture hangers and screws too.  These are great gift ideas for college students that they won’t think of.
• Charging Station –  Additionally, charging stations are great for charging a phone, tablet, Kindle or other items in one place.
• Fire Stick/Smart TV/Printing/Media Streaming Device –
• Bed Support Pillow –  Great for watching TV or studying on their bed.
• Storage Crates – Great for  storing movies, papers or using as a table.
• Ironing Board/Iron – Table top ironing boards are perfect. 
• DSR Camera – Capturing memories throughout college years is important.  It only happens once, so encourage your son or daughter to capture as many memories as possible.
• Alarm Clock – There won’t be any knocks on the door to get up.  As a result, give them an alarm clock to get them up and out.
• Robe/Slippers – There’s nothing better than being able to wrap up in a nice warm robe and slippers after a shower in a cold dorm room.
• Shelves – Remember, dorm rooms are small.  So, shelves are practical for housing books, pictures or other mementos.
• Refrigerator – Last, cold beverages, storing meals and left overs is a college student’s dream.  Make sure it has a small freezer section for healthy dinners.

Finally, we hope that you found our list of items college student need useful.  I guarantee as the mother of a college graduate, every item will be beneficial.  You’ll actually purchase most of them more than once!  You may also like:  6 Ways to Save on College Tuition and Cool Things for College Students.