Whether you are an incoming freshman or a rising senior, getting ready to head back to campus requires a good amount of preparation and shopping. Luckily, Amazon has a whole section dedicated to highlighting best-selling and top-rated products customers love. There is a page specifically for college essentials, stocked with useful and innovative products that will help you take on the school year — like storage ottomans, multi-outlet power strips, and even a popular air fryer.
You can shop all your dorm-room must haves, including cute furniture for small spaces. We uncovered a bedside shelf that's the perfect solution for dorms that aren't large enough for nightstands. We have organizational and storage items, like a storage ottoman that can double as a reversible table when you need it. For your caffeine needs, we included a compact coffee maker and cold brew maker you'll come to rely on. If you're in need of a stylish backpack, we've honed in on a purse-backpack hybrid that's sleek and functional — it even comes with a built-in USB port for convenient charging.
For the best college essentials that Amazon customers can't stop raving about in their reviews, check out our shopping list ahead. You'll be campus-ready in no time.
— Additional reporting by Angela Elias
Low Profile Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer ($38, originally $50)
Make use of that under-the-bed space with these slim storage containers. It has adjustable dividers so you can fit shoes of all sizes and shapes. In fact, you can even use this to store extra bedding or clothes that aren't in season by removing the dividers.
LapGear Home Office Pro Lap Desk ($40, originally $45)
Sometimes, you really don't want to sit at a desk. This comfy lap desk will let you finish your work while lounging in bed. It has a wrist rest, a built-in mouse pad, and a phone holder.
Youdenova 30-Inches Folding Storage Ottoman ($40, originally $49)
Keep your extra necessities like snacks, bedding and linens, shoes, and more in this beautiful storage ottoman. It's a great way to add extra seating to your room as well.
Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, Medium Point, Assorted ($10)
Color-code your notes with these fun gel pens. With their opaque color and smooth writing, you'll want to buy an extra pack of these.
Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker ($38)
If you love to drink cold brew and want to cut down on those Starbucks runs, you'll love using this coffee maker. It's easy to use and will fit in your dorm-room fridge.
Pyrex Simply Store Meal Prep Glass Food Storage Containers ($38)
Whether you're meal prepping or saving your takeout leftovers, this 18-piece food storage container set is so useful. It includes varying sizes of both round and rectangular glass storage containers with matching lids.
Addtam Power Strip Surge Protector ($16)
This power strip is perfect for your desk, bedside table, or both. It has six outlets and three high-speed USB charging ports. The extension cord is five feet long, so you'll have plenty of length to connect everything you need.
DTK 3-Tier Utility Rolling Storage Cart ($42)
This storage cart comes with a cover board, two small baskets, four hooks, a handle and locking wheels. It's perfect for storing your coffee essentials, snacks, makeup and accessories, school supplies, and so much more.
Jerry & Maggie Desktop Organizer ($26, originally $30)
Keep your desk organized the way you want it with this top-selling desktop organizer. You can configure the wood shelving to fit your organizing needs. Keep textbooks, notebooks, supplies, and more.
Comfee' 5.8 Qt. Digital Air Fryer ($68)
This air fryer will be put to good use, especially when you want a hot, late-night snack with just the right amount of crispiness. This one has over 5,000 reviews and a 4.6 rating, holds 5.8 quarts, and includes eight built-in presets to take the guesswork out of cooking.
Milliard Cozy Chair/Faux Fur Saucer Chair ($100)
Make your dorm room look so chic with this plush saucer chair. Not only is it great for entertaining but it will instantly elevate your room. It comes in a variety of colors as well!
Newcosplay Super Soft Faux Fur Throw Blanket ($30, originally $50)
You can't go wrong with a quality throw blanket, and this faux fur option is so cozy you won't be able to part from it. It comes in (45!) different color options, so you can find the perfect match for your aesthetic.
Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer ($120, originally $130)
No need to wait on Starbucks to open to have a nice cup of coffee. With this compact Keurig, you'll be able to brew your own at any time. Plus, with its slim design, it's great for small spaces like dorms.
Ornavo Home Modern Round Velvet Storage Ottoman ($40, originally $70)
This midcentury-inspired velvet ottoman is a triple threat, functioning as chic decor, extra seating, and hidden storage. You can even turn the top to the other side to reveal a wooden surface for serving.
Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz. Countertop Blender ($75, originally $100)
If you love to drink smoothies and make protein shakes, invest in this blender. Its powerful blades can easily crush through ice, whole fruits and vegetables in seconds, so you can whip up a quick liquid breakfast on the go.
BedShelfie Circle The Original Bedside Shelf ($25, originally $50)
Give yourself a bedside table without taking up floor space with this bedside shelf. The cool part about the BedShelfie is that it even works on bunkbeds — it's like it was made for college students.
Royexe Storage Cubes ($28)
These storage cubes are great for storing all your college necessities anywhere in your room, whether it's in your closet, under your desk or bed, or on shelves. They come as a set of eight with a variety of colors and can be folded up when not in use.
DCA Clear Plastic Drawer Organizers ($9, originally $12)
These drawer organizers will keep your drawers looking put together. You can store your school supplies, makeup and skin care, accessories, loose change and keys, and more!
LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack Purse ($30, originally $42)
Treat yourself to a stylish, sleek backpack for the new school year with this backpack purse hybrid. It fits a 15.6 inch laptop, includes a built-in USB port design and tons of compartments.
Iris USA OWR-200N 3-Shelf Slim Open Wood Shelving Unit ($35)
Make use of awkward corners and dead space with this slim shelf. You'll be able to store your necessities while wedging it between existing furniture.