You got the acceptance letter, now get all the dorm gear you require to make your first year a success!
Here you'll find a curated list of college-ready items to pack for campus moving day based on your college's official recommendations . We've also included items from other schools' suggestions and expert advice we've compiled from around the web. All of our recommendations are based on a balance between quality and value.
The checkmark next to an item indicates that it is included as an official recommendation from your school.
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Powerful laptops aren't just for gaming. If you're a computer science, engineering, or math major, then you'll need the extra power these machine provides. This laptop packs ridiculous power into a thin frame. For maximum performance select an option with six cores, at least 16GB RAM, and a dedicated graphics card - your simulations, CAD, and machine learning algorithms will be humming along. Keep an eye on the weight - it's hard to get a high performance laptop less than 4 pounds because each extra option you add will also add weight. You're going to be lugging that thing around campus so try to keep it as low as possible - while still getting the performance you want!
Virginia Tech says.
Meets recommended specs for most majors. See VT Computing Requirements for more info.
Macs are known for their performance when working with graphics and video. If you're an art, visual graphics, or design student, you're likely going to need the extra power that the MacBook Pro provides. These are great for keeping you connected to all your Apple devices and won't leave you short when it comes to working with the large photo and video files.
Virginia Tech says.
Meets recommended specs for most majors. See VT Computing Requirements for more info.
Note that some majors require Windows platform.
If you're like most students, you need a computer that lets you write papers, submit assignments, browse, stream and work on group projects. If that sounds like you, then a Lenova Yoga series laptop is probably what you're looking for. These consistently get high ratings for college students. The touch-screen is nice for group projects when people are reaching over your shoulder to show you something. Make sure you keep the weight down because you'll be taking it everywhere. Probably the most important thing that many people forget is the importance of a Solid State Drive (SSD) - this is what lets your computer boot up so fast. This series will fit your basic laptop needs. There are some different buying options, so here's a list to a few solutions.
Virginia Tech says.
Meets recommended specs for some majors. See VT Computing Requirements for more info.
Standard User (Mac)If you have an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and you love all things Apple but only need a laptop for basic browsing, submitting assignments, email, and watching videos, then a MacBook Air is probably what you're looking for. Keep in mind that universities sometimes require software that may not be compatible with Macs. Most of the time, they'll have work-arounds but it's best to check with the school if you're thinking about an Apple.
Virginia Tech says.
Meets recommended specs for some majors. See VT Computing Requirements for more info.
Note that some majors require Windows platform.
This Electronics Connections Starter Pack gets all your devices connected. WiFi is great, but during midterms and finals everyone on campus is using the same WiFi making it slow to a crawl. Having ethernet connections makes sure you can get your work done - make sure to buy an ethernet cable for each item you need (laptop, gaming system, smart TV).
With limited space in a dorm, you need a printer with a small foot print. There are smaller printers than this one, but this also has the ability to scan and copy. Having a scanner can be a life saver when your parents ask you to sign some paperwork and send it back to them. This printer is both wireless and includes a USB cable if your dorm doesn't allow wireless printing.
You'll want a laptop so you can carry your machine with you to class, labs, the library or study groups. So you may not need a monitor, but extending your laptop display to a second monitor is nice when working between multiple programs.
College is a noisy place! There's no way around that - people screaming through the halls, shouting outside your window, there's always something loud going on. Noise canceling can help you keep the craziness out while you go to your quiet place. Noise canceling headphone reviews can be contentious. people are really passionate about these things. There are very expensive brands, and if you can afford $350-$400 for headphones, then check those brands. But the Cowin E7 and E7 Pro have over 10,000 reviews on Amazon with a score over 4 stars. That's really good! They won't be perfect, but at one-quarter the cost of the designer brands, these are a great option for a college student.
There are lots of options for storing files on the cloud - your school might even have dedicated storage. But there is something to be said for having your files physically in your hand. Professors don't like to hear that you didn't finish your paper because the WiFi was down. This 128 GB drive should be adequate for most students' needs but if you're a graphic / image / video major, you may want to consider upgrading to more memory or even consider an external hard drive.
Portable chargers are one of those things that you don't think about until you need one. This one has enough juice to power multiple times and has lots of excellent reviews.
You're printer won't do any good without some printer paper - and this is a lot cheaper than printing in the media center.
A laptop mouse gives you more control over your interface with your laptop. This mouse works with Mac and Windows through Bluetooth and the battery lasts 24 months - you'll be half-way through college by the time you need a new battery!
Network SwitchYour room might only have one or two ethernet connections. If you want to connect your laptop, your gaming system and your smart TV, then you'll need a network switch. This switch allows you to connect four devices to the hardline network. Most campuses don't allow Wireless routers so this might be your only option for sharing network.
An external hard drive isn't for everyone, but if you plan on taking a lot of programming, graphic design, video editing, or computer aided design(CAD) courses, then you might want to think about getting one. It's easier to have an external hard drive and smaller laptop. If you try to get a huge drive on your laptop, it'll end up being really heavy.
Video games are a fun way to spend some down time. But Time Management is the most important skill you need at college - so don't get sucked into playing too much.
If you need to participate in online classes, then having a headset with a mic boom is a great option. It reduces background noise so your professor doesn't hear all the other things going on in your room. These Astro versions get great review and are reasonably priced.
Over the ear headphones are great for the range of sound they can produce, but sometimes you just need a good set of earbuds. This is especially true when you're on the move. These are a great option for jogging, going to the gym, or just sitting around the quad. With such a small profile, they're easy to take anywhere. They're also waterproof, so you can listen to your favorite stream while in the shower or even swimming.
Virginia Tech says. Binders
o Composition books
o Paper
o Folders
o Pens, pencils, markers
o Index cards
o Stapler
o Scissors
o Post-it notes
Backpacks are essential. There are a lot of styles and purposes out there. Make sure you select on that is water proof - you'll find yourself on the way to class when the skies open up. Also, you'll be carrying your laptop most places you go, so make sure the backpack is designed for your size laptop. Here is one with over 5,000 reviews and a score over 4 stars. It's a good option - waterproof, has a lock and fits a laptop under 17" - but your backpack will be with your wherever you go so spend some time thinking about what you want!
Yeah we know you're there to get an education. but it's important to kick-back and laugh in between study sessions. This Game Night Starter Pack has some ideas for ways to bond over pizza and soda (pop).
Dorm floors can get cold! An area rug will help keep your feet warm. They also prevent that echo sound in an empty room. Find a rug that reflects your style! Check your particular room for the size that fits - it will most likely be 6x9 or 8x10.
Campuses can be very bright at night and you'll need a dark room to get some rest for that early exam. These curtains black-out the light and give you the darkness you need to get your beauty rest!
With limited desk space, your lamp needs to take as little space as possible. It's also important to have a dimmable light so your late night study sessions don't keep up your roommate.
