There are many helpful tools for college students. Whether a student is living in a dorm or an off-campus option, there are bound to be many purchases involved. In order to help spread out the cost of these purchases, high school seniors who plan to go to college might think about asking for practical gifts this holiday season. This article has five suggestions for items to ask for. However, the list of new objects is almost endless, so please do research, and factor in post high school plans when purchasing these types of items.
Rice Cooker
Dorm food galore: Rice cookers offer the ability to have a nice break from dining halls. They allow for the creation of food in someone’s own room and do not require a hot plate, which many schools forbid. Because of this, rice cookers can be helpful for students to have and they expand the standard of cooking in a dorm. Avani Stevens-Rose, a freshman at Oregon State University, is appreciative of her rice cooker because it has allowed her “to make lots of meals in the dorms.” Mini rice cookers can be found at many different retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Amazon, just to name a few. There is also a strong chance that you could find a rice cooker in perfect condition at a thrift store. Check out Goodwill and other such stores to help reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Mini Fridge
Another helpful addition to dorm food is a mini fridge. Miriam Reznick, a freshman at the University of Oregon, suggests that the addition of a mini fridge into a dorm room is incredibly helpful. “It is so necessary if you want to be able to eat not at the [dining] halls every day. Being able to have fresh vegetables and little beverages improves quality of life.” While mini fridges can range dramatically in price, there is definitely a good option at every price point. They can be found at many locations, including Home Depot, Amazon, and Best Buy.
Diffuser
While candles are often not allowed in a college dorm due to the fire risk, someone might want to freshen up the scent of their room. An essential oil diffuser is a good compromise for that sticky situation. Sizes can vary, alongside price, but there are many good options for every need you might have. A simple diffuser and a small collection of essential oils could be the ideal gift for your soon to be graduate.
Laptop
While this gift might be on the basic end, it is essential to a modern college education. Regardless of the brand, being able to easily access and do assignments is a must. “If I didn’t have my laptop, I wouldn’t have a convenient way to do my assignments,” explains Holly Davidson, a junior at the University of Oregon. Buy it new, or check out a company’s refurbished section. If local is more your pace, try looking into Free Geek, an organization that works to salvage older technology.
Mesh Shower Caddy
There are lots of options when it comes to choosing a shower caddy. However, review after review has stated that mesh holds less water. Therefore, there is a lower chance of mold growth and water accumulation. The size someone might need is completely individual, and many options can be found at Amazon, Target, or Walmart. Most of these caddies can be found with a handle for hanging, but be sure to confirm it has one; this will help it dry out, decreasing mold.
Spreading out expensive purchases can make them more manageable. Whether it’s a gift card from a kitchenware store, or one from Best Buy, it can be helpful to start accumulating these items before college.
