Starting College is exciting: new friends, new independence, and a whole new chapter of life. But between lectures, late-night study sessions, and dorm socials, you’ll quickly realise that having the right essentials can make your College life so much smoother. From smart tech to compact kitchen gadgets, here’s a roundup of must-haves that will carry you through the year.
1. Carry It All College Bags: Tote & Laptop Bags
A good College bag is more than just a fashion choice, it’s your everyday companion.
Laptop Bags
If you’re carrying your laptop daily, a Laptop Bag is worth it. Designed for 14–15.6” laptops, these slim but protective bags keep your tech safe while looking professional.
Tote Bags
With a big volume, handy design, and plenty of pockets, it’s modern enough to take from class to coffee. Available in navy, grey, tan, and black, there’s a colour to match every style.
2. Tech Essentials for Study & Gaming: Affordable Laptops & More
Your laptop and setup will shape your College workflow, whether you’re typing essays, editing projects, or winding down with games.
Affordable Laptops for Students
- Budget option: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go (11.6”): compact, light, and perfect for note-taking and browsing.
- Balanced option: HP Intel Core i3 (14”): great for assignments and multitasking at an affordable price.
- Premium option: Microsoft Surface Laptop Copilot (15”). This AI-powered laptop is ideal for students who need top performance for study, creative projects, and entertainment. The touchscreen display makes multitasking seamless, and it’s built for students who want power and portability combined.
Monitor
A good monitor does more than just give you a bigger screen. It makes your whole study setup more ergonomic. Instead of hunching over a laptop for hours, you can sit back comfortably and work at eye level, which is far better for your posture during long study sessions.
In a student dorm where space is limited, a monitor also doubles as a great alternative to a TV, making it perfect for streaming shows or hosting movie nights with flatmates. And of course, if you’re into gaming, the right monitor can transform the experience with smoother graphics and more immersive play.
For gamers: the HP Omen 27” 165Hz keeps your games smooth and immersive.
For study and streaming: the Xiaomi A2i 27” or HP Series 5 27” offer crisp displays for lectures, documents, and Netflix breaks.
Gaming Headset
Why not choose a Gaming Headset that works across all platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile)? With comfy padding and a built-in mic, it’s equally handy for online lectures and multiplayer nights.
3. Stay Active with Headphones
Good audio gear makes a huge difference, whether you’re in lectures, studying in the library, commuting, or relaxing with music. Here are some solid choices across different budgets:
Earbuds
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Premium option: Samsung Galaxy Buds Compact, high-quality sound, with great noise-cancellation and comfort.
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Mid-range option: Marshall Earbuds Stylish design with balanced sound for daily use.
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Budget option: Sony or Urbanista Affordable, reliable, and perfect for everyday listening.
Over-Ear Headphones
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Premium option: JBL, Marshall, or Sennheiser Excellent soundstage and comfort, ideal for long study sessions or immersive music.
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Mid-range option: Sony Strong balance of audio quality and durability at a student-friendly price.
- Budget option: Trust Simple, functional headphones that cover the basics and work across all gaming platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile).
4. Power & Storage Must-Haves
Your College day can stretch from early lectures to late study sessions, so power and storage backups are essential:
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A durable charging cable (always worth having a spare)
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A power bank for long days when outlets are scarce
- A portable hard drive for assignments, group projects, and safeguarding your photos & media
5. Smart Kitchen Gadgets for 1-2 people
Dorm cooking doesn’t need to be stressful (or expensive). These air fryers cook food quickly, use less energy than ovens, and save money compared to eating out. Shop the latest Air Fryers for under €100.
Air Fryers
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Budget option: Salter 3.2L Air Fryer
Compact and affordable, ideal for 1–2 people. Quick cooking, easy to clean, and perfect for reheating premade meals.
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Mid-range option: Russell Hobbs 5L Satisfry
A larger capacity for batch cooking, great for shared flats. With multiple cooking functions and dishwasher-safe parts, it’s practical and versatile without being overly pricey.
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Premium option: Ninja Air Fryer (3.8L or 4.7L models)
Packed with features like air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate, plus faster cook times and precision controls. Perfect if you want a long-lasting, all-in-one kitchen upgrade.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4.7 L | AF140UK
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 3.8 L | AF100UK
Blenders
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Budget option: Ninja Blast Cordless Portable Blender
Lightweight, USB-C rechargeable, and easy to carry. Great for students on the go who want smoothies or protein shakes without hassle.
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Mid-range option: Nutribullet Magic Bullet
Simplstic design with solid performance. Comes with bottles-to-go, making it easy to whip up smoothies and take them straight to class or the gym. A good blend of functionality and aesthetics.
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Premium option: Ninja 2-in-1 Blender BN750UK with Auto IQ
Powerful 1200W motor, multiple speed settings, and versatile functions. Can handle frozen fruit, nuts, and even sauces, making it ideal if you want a single blender for both quick smoothies and more advanced cooking.
6. Get Around Fast: Scooter
Don’t let traffic or ghosting buses make you late to lectures. A foldable or electric scooter is a quick, eco-friendly way to get across campus or into town. Lightweight and easy to store, it’s a cost-saving investment that makes commuting stress-free.
Top Pick: Segway Ninebot E2 D II Electric Scooter
With a foldable design, a range of up to 20km, and a comfortable suspension system, it’s built for both short commutes and longer rides around campus. It reaches speeds up to 20 km/h, has multiple riding modes, and is easy to store in dorms or apartments. An eco-friendly, practical choice for students who want reliability and convenience.
7. College Party Board Games
College isn’t all study; socials are just as important. A simple party board game can be a great icebreaker in dorms or group hangouts. Compact travel-friendly games like Magnetic Ludo, Chess, Draughts, or Snakes & Ladders fit easily in a drawer and keep the fun going all night.
Conclusion
From a reliable laptop to a money-saving air fryer, these essentials are designed to make College life easier, healthier, and a little more fun. Investing in the right gear means fewer daily hassles and more energy for what matters most — learning, making friends, and enjoying the journey.
