Summer 2023 is almost done. That means it's time to head back to school. As some of you are gearing up to travel back to campus for the fall semester, we're sure there's plenty of things you're buying to make sure you are full prepared.
But let's face it, sometimes those things you think you need collect dust all semester and don't even end up being used. These items below are the true necessities. From the perfect tote to the right scents to keep you and your dorm room smelling fresh, check out our picks for 10 essential items below.
All products are independently selected by our editors. Complex may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to shop them.
Summer 2023 is almost done. That means it's time to head back to school. As some of you are gearing up to travel back to campus for the fall semester, we're sure there's plenty of things you're buying to make sure you are full prepared.
But let's face it, sometimes those things you think you need collect dust all semester and don't even end up being used. These items below are the true necessities. From the perfect tote to the right scents to keep you and your dorm room smelling fresh, check out our picks for 10 essential items below.
All products are independently selected by our editors. Complex may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to shop them.
Carhartt WIP Kickflip Backpack
Price: $120
Where to Buy It: SSENSE
This may go without saying, but you need a reliable backpack to navigate around campus. This one is water-repellant to keep all your goodies dry if you get stuck in the rain. It also comes loaded with plenty of pockets, cords, and storage compartments to make sure anything you need to take with you is secure.
Engineered Garments Carry All Tote
Price: $72
Where to Buy It: Bodega
Sometimes you don't want to lug around a backpack. It's more stylish cousin, the tote bag, is great for tossing some books in and running out the door. This one from Engineered Garments is big as hell, so is guaranteed to hold anything you may need. It also doubles are a good looking accent piece to your fits.
Native Union AirPods Pro Case
Price: $40
Where to Buy It: Neiman Marcus
Want to guarantee that you don't mix up your AirPods with the person next to you in the library or the dining hall? Grab this fancy leather case so you'll always know which ones are yours. It's much more mature scrubbling your initials on your case with a Sharpie.
Fossil Westover Laptop Sleeve
Price: $150
Where to Buy It: Fossil
Don't underestimate the importance of a laptop sleeve. You'll regret not having one when you spill that drink on your laptop and lose half a semester's worth of papers. There are certainly cheaper options on the market, but this one should last you beyond college. It's a worthy investment.
Casio Watch
Price: $80
Where to Buy It: Bodega
Plenty of people just rely on their cell phone to keep track of the time these days. Us too. But that doesn't mean that we still don't keep a gold watch around our wrist everyday. Watches aren't just for telling time. This timeless digital watch from Casio is a stylish and affordable accessory that will likely get you at least a few compliments around campus.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Price: $299
Where to Buy It: Bose
Bose makes some of the best headphones that money can buy. Whether you need to block out the noise in your dorm while you're cram studying or just need to listen to that new album that dropping at midnight without disturbing your roommate, you're going to need a pair.
Hinkoki Fantome Candle
Price: $38
Where to Buy It: Bodega
You don't want to invite someone back to your dorm room and have it smelling extra musty. Keep a candle on deck. Find a scent that suits you best. We recommend this one from Hinoki Fantome that smells like smoking Japanese cypress and jasmine petals with notes of earth spice and fresh moss. Sounds relaxing, huh?
D.S. Durga Burning Barbershop Eau de Parfum
Price: $180
Where to Buy It: SSENSE
You need to smell good too. Choose a scent that not everyone else is going to be wearing and make it your signature.
Jason Markk Quick Wipes
Price: $30
Where to Buy It: Bodega
Keep some of these in your bag. You never know when an untimely sneaker stain may occur. Rather than have to spend the rest of the day stewing on it until you get back to your dorm, you can clean it immediately.
Hydro Flask 24-OunceWater Bottle
Price: $45
Where to Buy It: Nordstrom
Whether you need to your coffee in the morning to wake you up for that 8 a.m. class or just some water to stay hydrated throughout the day, you'll get plenty of use out of this.