It’s no secret that college life is extremely challenging. That’s why when you’re picking a gift for a college student, the best thing to do is choose one that can actually enhance their college experience.
That tip makes choosing a gift a lot harder, doesn’t it? But don’t worry; we got you covered!
We talked to actual college students and compiled a list of the things they want to receive. Check out these gift ideas and give them something that can be used in the dorm, help with their studies, and improve their overall well-being!
Gift Ideas for College Friends That Can Improve Their Dorm Life
Bedside Caddy
Every inch and pocket matters for college students because of how small dorms tend to be. Most of the time, you can only fit a single or twin-sized bed and a small cabinet for your clothes.
A bedside caddy that hangs neatly over the side of the bed gives your college friends more space and storage for their belongings. It utilizes an area that would otherwise go unused, as you can’t store anything in it.
In it, they can place their pens, chargers, glasses, tablets, and other personal items, freeing up bed and floor space. It helps them maintain a tidy living area and reduces clutter around them.
Additionally, since college students spend a lot of their time in their beds studying or relaxing, a bedside caddy allows them to access the things that they frequently use conveniently.
Recipe Book
One common stereotype among college students is that they’re broke kids living off unhealthy food. As bad as it may sound, that’s not completely far from the truth.
They mostly rely on their allowance and a part-time job to fund their daily expenses, so they can’t afford to eat out all the time and mostly rely on unhealthy instant food.
By gifting them a recipe book filled with budget-friendly and easy-to-make dishes, you can help them make delicious meals without breaking the bank. It also encourages them to adopt healthier eating habits, which they’ll greatly need in college.
Moreover, it’s the first time for many students to take care of themselves when they move out for college, so doing house chores may be foreign to them. Having a recipe book allows them to gain a sense of self-sufficiency in managing their daily meals.
Some great recipe books you can look for are 5 Ingredients: Quick & Easy Food by Jamie Oliver and How To Feed Yourself: 100 Fast, Cheap, and Reliable Recipes For Cooking When You Don’t Know What You’re Doing by Spoon University.
Microwave-Friendly Plates
College students have hectic schedules, and there are days when they don’t have time to cook. They just reheat their leftovers from their meals before and live off of that.
Microwave-friendly plates allow them to safely heat up leftovers. They can also use them to cook meals quickly and easily, saving time and effort in the kitchen.
Additionally, most college students only have access to microwaves, so their actions in the kitchen are very limited. That’s why microwave-friendly plates can help them a lot.
These plates are also affordable, making them not just thoughtful but also economical gifts. If you’re a college student yourself looking to gift a friend, these plates are among your best options.
Instant Coffee
College comes with overlapping deadlines, lots of assignments, quizzes that never stop, and a million other things that we don’t have enough time to do. Hence, we can’t blame some students for turning to coffee and sacrificing some sleep time.
In fact, according to research by Clinical Nutrition, 92% of college students consume caffeine on a daily basis. If that’s not surprising enough, Villanova University also found that students consume over 400 to 500 mg of caffeine daily.
That’s why your friend will surely appreciate a bag of delicious instant coffee. While coffee beans would taste better, most college students who live in dorms don’t have access to coffee makers, so brewing them can be hard.
Instant coffee is also quick and easy to make, so they can save the time they would’ve used to drive to a coffee shop or brew freshly ground beans for their school work. Just make sure to remind them to watch their intake, as too much caffeine is never good.
Personal Safe
Most, if not all, college students stay in a dorm with a roommate, so they don’t get as much privacy as they want. Sharing a room with a stranger also comes with the risk of losing their valuables.
That’s why it’s important that their important things are kept in secured storage. Among the possible gifts you can give, a personal safe is something that can give them peace of mind.
Many personal safes are compact and portable, so they won’t take up a lot of space in their dorm. They also come with advanced security features like a password or biometric action, so they won’t be opened without the owner.
They can keep their important documents, electronics, and other confidential and valuable items they don’t want their roommates to touch inside the safe, allowing them to leave the dorm without worrying about their stuff.
Gift Ideas for College Friends That Are Excellent Study Aids
Lap Desk
As we’ve said, college dorms are very small, and you’re lucky if you still have space for a full desk.
Going to the library or coffee shop is also not always an option, so a good lap desk can provide them with a more comfortable study space while in bed or on the floor.
Lap desks are also compact and can be easily stored when not in use. Your friend won’t have to sacrifice the little space they have for a desk if you gift them a lap desk.
Additionally, if your friend has a lot of virtual classes to attend, lap desks can help them have a more comfortable learning space. They can stay in bed or on a sofa while in class without having to bend too much to use their laptops.
A lap desk is a thoughtful gift that shows you consider their day-to-day needs and are willing to do something to help them with their struggles.
Reading Light
There are times when we want to do some late-night studying at the dorm, but we can’t turn on the light because our roommate’s already sleeping. During these times, a reading light can be a big help.
A reading light provides adequate light without disturbing roommates, allowing your friend to study efficiently without relying solely on room lighting. It also gives them the opportunity to study in whatever position they’re comfortable in.
Moreover, this helps reduce eye strain caused by low light. Reading lights provide focused lighting, so they can comfortably read for a long time.
Most reading lights also use LED technology, so they consume minimal power. This is an excellent feature for college students who want to save up energy or have limited power outlets in the dorm.
Highlighter Pens
College comes with a ton of textbooks, study materials, and notes that you need to study. The amount of information can be overwhelming when students need to go back to some topics when they review for exams.
Highlighter pens can help them emphasize essential points, making it easier for your friend to review later on. They can also help them organize their notes based on what works best for them.
Visual learners can also associate different colors with certain concepts, making it easier for them to retain information. They can use red for important terms, green for descriptions, or however they see fit.
Portable Printer
If you’re not tight on budget and really want to give your college friend the most practical and useful gift, then portable printers are the gift you are looking for.
College students tend to use printers a lot, whether it’s for their assignments or study materials. A portable printer can help them print any document anywhere at any time without having to line up at the university’s printing facilities.
Portable printers are compact, so they won’t take up a lot of space in their dorm. Most of them are also battery-powered and support wireless printing, so they won’t have to carry long cables anywhere they go.
They can also be cost-effective in the long run. With the amount of documents they need to print, they’ll be able to save a lot in a year if they have their own printer.
Journal
With the amount of deadlines and exams that college students have, it’s easy to get lost and miss some of them. That’s why it’s essential for college students to always keep a journal with them.
A journal helps them stay on top of their commitments and responsibilities. They can make to-do lists, jot down notes, and record their progress and college journey.
Writing in their journal can also help them express emotions that they’re bottling up. Hence, gifting a journal doesn’t only help them with their studies but also with managing their emotions.
Gift Ideas for College Friends That Can Elevate Their Well-Being
Weighted Blanket
As we’ve said before, college students don’t get enough good sleep because of all the things they have to do and the academic pressure they’re experiencing. They also often experience anxiety because of all the things happening around them.
Weighted blankets can help improve their sleep quality and make them feel more secure, leading to better rest. The deep touch pressure provided by the blanket also has a calming effect that can help manage anxiety.
They can also help with managing homesickness, which many first-year students suffer from. Because it’s their first time living away from their parents, the first year can be challenging as they adjust to an unfamiliar environment.
They are also especially helpful during colder months since some dorms don’t have central heating. Just make sure to choose a breathable one that doesn’t get too hot during summer.
Essential Oils and Diffuser
Academic expectations and other duties can make life as a college student extremely taxing. Gifting essential oils and a diffuser can help your friend reduce stress during hectic times.
Some essential oils, like rosemary and peppermint, are believed to enhance concentration and focus, which can be very helpful during exam season.
A lot of college students also have irregular sleep schedules and aren’t getting enough sleep. Gifting them oils like lavender and chamomile helps them get better sleep, as these have soothing qualities.
Aside from the aromatherapy benefits, they can also add fragrance to their room. Some college dorms tend to have unpleasant smells due to the number of people sharing them, so your friend will greatly appreciate some essential oils.
Self-Defense Kit
There are a lot of weird people out there, let’s be honest. With college students often out at night, whether it’s from a late-night study at the library or a party hosted by a friend, they may be in danger of an attack.
Hence, a self-defense kit is one of the best gifts you can give to a college friend, especially for a woman. These kits equip them with tools to protect themselves and feel more secure when they’re alone.
They’re also compact and easy to carry, so they can be conveniently taken anywhere at any time. Having them can help your friend feel more in control and prepared in case they encounter a dangerous situation.
Most self-defense kits have pepper spray, personal alarms, and tactical pens. A stun gun can also be helpful if it’s allowed in your state.
Insulated Tumbler
College students are often on the move, attending classes, studying in libraries, socializing with friends, and participating in extracurricular activities. With an insulated tumbler, they can enjoy cold water or hot coffee the entire day.
Insulated tumblers are also spill-resistant, making them ideal for carrying beverages without worrying about leaks or spills. They can put in any drink they want, may it be water, tea, coffee, or juice, and not worry about ruining the other items in their bag.
They’re also great reminders for your friend to stay hydrated while they go through their day.
There are budget-friendly tumblers available, so you don’t have to worry about spending so much for a gift. They also come in a variety of designs, colors, and sizes, allowing you to choose one that will align with your friend’s style.
