Top College Essentials for Frugal Students: Updated for 2024

Heading back to college can be an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming when it comes to figuring out what gear you need for dorm life. Whether you’re a freshman just starting out or a returning student looking to upgrade your essentials, finding the right balance between quality and affordability is key.

In this guide, we’ve curated a list of must-have items for college students, including an affordable yet capable laptop, a versatile backpack, coffee gear for those late-night study sessions, audio gadgets for entertainment, and fun tech to make dorm life more enjoyable. The best part is, you don’t need to break the bank to get everything you need – just prioritize what’s most important to you.

And to make things even better, we’ve updated our list with new products for the upcoming school year, so you can stay ahead of the curve with the latest gear.

If you’re looking for in-depth reporting and exclusive content that’s too important to ignore, consider subscribing to WIRED for just $1 per month for 1 year. With unlimited digital access, you’ll have everything you need to stay informed and entertained throughout the school year.

So whether you’re a tech-savvy student or just looking to make dorm life a little more comfortable, this guide has got you covered. And remember, every purchase you make through our links helps support our journalism, so you can feel good about investing in your college essentials. Happy shopping!