The back-to-school must-haves college students swear by

Forget the standard packing lists for back-to-school season. We’re about to give you the real must-haves when returning to campus this fall.

This isn’t about shower caddies or twin XL sheets, either. This is about the things you really wish you’d remembered, the tiny comforts, clever hacks, and can’t-live-without items that make college feel more like home.

As interns across every corner of the New York Post — from the buzz of Page Six to the grind of finance and the pulse of sports — we’ve picked up more than a few lessons, including the best things to buy to start the semester strong.

On the cusp of our final year in undergrad, here’s a roundup of the things we’re bringing to school, from the must-have kitchen gadgets to the home items that make life easier.

My true non-negotiable? The TheraICE Headache Relief Mask. It’s the ultimate life hack for study-induced migraines or… let’s be real, a brutal, mixie-fueled Saturday night into a brutal Sunday recovery. It delivers a deliciously painful dose of ice-cold relief, with just the right amount of pressure and blackout magic. Whether you’re battling a midterm meltdown or the Sunday scaries, this thing shows up. — Charlotte Finch, Senior at Villanova University, Commerce Intern

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If there’s one thing every shared space secretly needs, it’s an air mattress. Whether it’s a $30 hand-pump inflatable or a deluxe self-inflating setup, someone will always need a place to crash. Instead of offering up your already-too-small twin XL or pointing toward the suspicious-looking floor, be the friend who is always prepared. Because when someone says, “Ugh, I wish we had an air mattress,” there’s no better feeling than being able to say, “I’ve got one.”

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As an avid reader, I’ll admit my hobby is really twofold: buying books and (eventually) reading them. But let’s face it, books take up serious space and add unnecessary weight. The Kindle genuinely changed the game for me. Sure, giving up physical pages took some getting used to, but the convenience? Unbeatable. It’s the easiest way to lighten your bookshelf and your backpack when it matters most. Every student needs one.

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Dorm air circulation is not exactly known for its excellence. This 10-inch box fan from shinic is compact, cute, and actually moves air (shocker!). With two speeds, whisper-quiet hums, and a handle for hauling between your desk and bed, it’s the intern-approved breeze you didn’t know you needed but won’t study without.

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You’ve got the keys to your new place, a barely-there grocery list, and a TikTok pasta recipe burning a hole in your brain. Enter: The SENSARTE ceramic cookware 13-piece set. It’s a non-toxic, heat-evening, roommate-impressing starter pack for your first grown-up kitchen. With stackable pots, slick nonstick coating, and handles that won’t roast your hands, it’s basically culinary training wheels.

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You’ve got frozen fruit, big smoothie dreams, and zero patience for clunky appliances. The Hamilton Beach Power Elite is a 700-watt glass-jar blender that blends, thanks to its Wave Action system and Ice Sabre blades. It’s compact, easy to clean, and won’t blow your college budget. Smoothies, sauces, frozen margs? Done.

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Dorm space is limited. Take vertical space to your advantage with this rotating acrylic organizer that stacks your favorite products in clear, adjustable tiers. Spin 360 degrees for instant access without cluttering your tiny countertop. Besides, your makeup deserves a spotlight.

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This may seem like a weird one— or an obvious one — but college gets messy, and it’s good to have the right thing on hand. Enter the Utopia Kitchen Flour Sack Towels: The 12 generously sized, 100% cotton, lint-free, and machine washable hand towels are a must, plus so affordable. Whether you’re drying dishes, cleaning up spills, or using them for crafts, they’re up to the task. At just over $1 each, they’re a dorm essential that won’t break the bank.

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“Moving into my last ever college house means bringing along the apartment staples I swore by the last few years, like my trusty air fryer and electric kettle, which basically powered every intimate dinner party I threw. “But this year, with a bigger space, I’m trading in low-key nights for full-blown wine and charcuterie soirées. That means a more reliable wine opener, an embarrassing number of charcuterie boards, and a Dyson vacuum to tackle the inevitable post-party chaos and crumbs. They’re not just college must-haves, but also starter pieces to curate my essentials for post-grad adulting.” — Dibya Talukder, Senior at Cornell University, Commerce Intern

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Put away the lighter and the screwdriver (and the YouTube tutorials). This Cork Pops wine opener gets the job done in seconds — just pop and pour. It’s sleek, easy, and perfect for those last-minute, low-effort wine nights that somehow turn into full-on therapy sessions with roommates.

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“People always think about the essentials — sheets, shower caddies, chargers — but no one tells you how important it is to bring things like games. It’s those little unexpected items that actually bring people together and make your dorm feel like home.” — Lily Goldblatt, Senior at Boston University, Post Studios Intern

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“After moving into my first apartment, my Ninja Air Fryer became a lifesaver. It’s expensive, yes, but so worth it,” says Goldblatt. “It toasts, airfries, bakes, roasts, dehydrates. Whether I need to bake a cake or toast a bagel, this countertop option is perfect for a small apartment”.

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“We all know digital cameras are back in style, because honestly, the iPhone camera just doesn’t cut it anymore,” shares Goldblatt. “The Kodak PixPro is the affordable upgrade, giving you real-quality photos without emptying your wallet — perfect for capturing college moments that deserve more than a quick snap.”

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“My dorm felt super plain at first, but once I put up my Mixtiles, it instantly felt like mine. It’s such an easy way to bring your favorite memories from home without wrecking the walls. Everyone who walks in comments on them.” — Kaitlin Keli, Junior at Emory University, Alexa Intern

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“This was the one product every single intern swore by, and for good reason. Liquid I.V. is hydration, but better, faster, and smarter. Just mix a packet with water, and suddenly you’re powered through your 8 a.m. lecture or shaking off that regrettable weekend like a pro,” says Keli. “No weird aftertaste, no sugar crash, just a quick, easy way to feel human again. If surviving college is your goal, this is the no-brainer hack everyone’s secretly using.”

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“I didn’t think I’d use it that much, but my handheld steamer ended up being a total lifesaver. Between job fairs, presentations, and wrinkled laundry from tiny dorm dryers, it’s one of those things you don’t realize you need until you really, really do.” — Devin Agnello, Junior at University of Georgia, Video Production Intern

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“You’ve heard of dryer sheets and Tide Pods, but what about detergent sheets? These things are a total game-changer, no more hauling heavy detergent jugs up and down stairs, plus they save a ton of space. One pack lasts for up to 60 loads, and bonus: they’re better for the environment. Honestly, more people need to know about this, so we’re doing our part by not gatekeeping.” — Agnello

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