Top 12 College Essentials for 2023 Back to School

#1. Re-Useable Water Bottle

Although disposable water bottles seem convenient, they’re very wasteful. Using a reusable water bottle at your college or university is a great way to stay hydrated. They also help reduce your carbon footprint, and are a more environmentally-friendly option!

As well, most campuses have bottle refilling stations so don’t worry about refilling your bottle throughout the day. Reusable water bottles are also a great way to save money on buying bottled water. If you’re still using a plastic water bottle in the 2023 school year, it may be time for an upgrade!

#2. Headphones

Headphones are an essential item for your 2023 back to school list. Whether you’re listening to music, watching a video lecture, or taking an online class, headphones are a must-have. They’re also a great way to cut out distractions and keep your privacy in a public space. It also lets others know that you’re studying/doing tasks independently, so they’re less likely to bother you.

#3.  Portable Charger

Becoming independent and attending a new school in 2023 means using your phone and devices A LOT. A portable charger is a great way to juice up your devices while on the go. You’ll never have to worry about running out of battery and being unprepared. On top of that, campuses have limited outlets, so a portable charger can be a lifesaver and a luxury.

#4. Tylenol/Advil

Heading back to school in 2023 means a new level of stress, staring at screens, and long days. Keeping pain relievers on hand helps you treat those minor pains so you can get back to work. Always make sure you’re following the dosage prescribed on the bottle, and consult your doctor if you have any questions. 

#5. Desk Fan/Fan

A super useful item to have in your college dorm/new living space is a desk fan/fan.  A lot of dorms and student housing get warm easily, so a fan can help you keep cool. Many people also enjoy the white noise that comes from fans for sleeping, studying and relaxing. A desk fan also helps you eliminate dust build-up and keep the air circulating in your study space.

#6. Mattress Topper

Student housing doesn’t have the comfiest mattresses, and a power nap is the best way to recharge after a long day. Add a mattress topper to your college essentials for 2023 list!

A mattress topper can help you get a better night’s sleep and stop any potential pain from an uncomfortable mattress. They also make tossing and turning quieter, helping your roommate get a better night’s sleep! Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

#7. Storage Bins

Staying organized in your new living space is important, and storage bins can help. College provides limited storage options and as an already overwhelmed freshman, storage bins make things easier. If you’re with a roommate, storage bins are an easy way to keep items separate and avoid a mix-up. Living in a new space also means moving your stuff around, and storage bins are portable and convenient for that. 

#8. Travel Mug

Let’s be honest here; are really still using a disposable cup in your 2023 college year? If you answered yes, a travel mug needs to be on your college essentials list. Not only is it sustainable but a big money saver for those like us who drink a lot of coffee. Travel mugs are especially useful when you’re on your way to morning class and need a hot drink on the go!

#9. Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a good way to stay germ-free with all the new places you’ll be going to. It’s a quick and simple way to clean your hands before eating and be extra cautious while leaving a public restroom. Additionally, the pandemic has proved that hand sanitizer is a college essentials for 2023 back to school.

#10. Stovetop Espresso Maker

Keeping a tight budget while in college can mean not buying a $9 coffee everyday. With a stovetop espresso maker, you can save time and money in the morning. Heading back to school also means waking up early, and what better way to do so than with coffee? This little investment can save you a lot of money, and is definitely on our college essentials list. 

#11. Shower Caddy + Shower Shoes

Most dorms have communal bathrooms so a shower caddy is a must-have to keep track of your hygiene products. It’s also important to have shower shoes when using communal bathrooms to prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi. Shower shoes also prevent the risk of stepping on anything unwelcome, and protect your feet while you keep clean. Let’s make our 2023 school year an organized one!

#12. Surge Protector

Even though its the 2023 school year, a lot of dorms have older electrical systems. Meaning, a surge protector can help. Keeping and using one in your dorm can help protect your devices from surges and voltage spikes.

An older electrical system is also more likely to have a power surge, so it’s good to stay safe. Surge protectors also offer more space to plug in your devices, and are a lot safer than overflowing outlets.