Shopping for school supplies in college is way more complicated than picking up a fresh set of crayons and glue sticks. You’re still in school (so don’t forget to add these academic essentials to your pencil pouch!), but now you’re responsible for taking care of yourself outside the classroom too. From designing your dorm room into your personal oasis to crafting your dream college capsule wardrobe, the words “Add to Cart” have never looked more tempting or been more necessary.
As an ‘80s pop prophet says, we’re living in a material world, and I am a material girl — on a budget. Amazon’s annual Prime Day sale is back on July 11 and 12, so you have two days to splurge on major deals that will help you ring in the new semester in style. Add these Prime Day deals under $30 to your college-girl shopping list to make Madonna (and your wallet) proud.
- vanity organizer
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Getting ready should feel glamorous no matter how small your space is. This multi-tier rotating vanity organizer ($20) lets you show off your cutest skincare products and perfume bottles while saving counter space. I’m obsessed with the color combos.
- electric hot pot
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When dining hall food isn’t cutting it, you’ll save major $$ by cooking in your dorm room. Dezin’s electric cooker ($30) doesn’t require a stove, so you can whip up breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the comfort of your nearest outlet.
- sunrise alarm clock
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A sunrise alarm clock ($29) makes waking up for your 8 a.m. class so much easier, especially when Daylight Saving Time makes the mornings extra dark. You can customize its settings so that the light gradually gets brighter while you’re still asleep. By the time the clock’s ocean waves or bird chirping sounds wake you up, you’ll feel more refreshed than ever.
- stylus
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As an iPad girlie, I can confidently say that using a stylus ($25) has significantly improved my iPad experience. I use my iPad to download my textbooks and assigned readings. Writing with a stylus makes my highlighting and annotations look so clean, precise, and aesthetically pleasing that I almost don’t mind the next 30 pages of homework.
iPad Pencil 2nd Generation, Vistaike, $25
- olaplex Shampoo
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If you haven’t tried Olaplex’s hair care products for yourself, now’s the time to check out the TikTok hype. The viral brand has deals on a bunch of their famous hair-reviving products like their No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo ($24). The confidence that comes with soft, healthy hair is definitely a college must-have.
- laptop backpack
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Your computer holds the key to your entire academic life, so it needs to be held in a protective yet enviably chic backpack. This one from Ytonet ($22) (that’s currently 45% off!) has dedicated laptop pockets with plenty of extra room for your planner and pencils, plus a USB charger so you can charge your phone while you’re on the go without needing to remember to bring a portable charger with you (a lifesaver, TBH). The best part? It’s waterproof, so your GPA is safe from a rainy day on campus.
- bikini shaver
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Let’s get real for a second: Shaving your bikini line sucks, especially when you don’t have time for a full-blown everything shower. This dry-use electric razor ($16) is perfect for unexpected poolside darties and last-minute late-night sleepovers.
- extra long charging Cords
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Long chargers are necessary for making the most of awkwardly placed outlets and extra-tall beds. This pack of six lightning cables ($10) includes short, medium, and long chargers. A 10-foot cord sounds excessive, but just wait until your mattress topper makes your bed feel like Mount Everest.
- shower caddy
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There’s something about a metal shower caddy ($22) that feels put together. If you have the luxury of your own shower space, keep all your products neat and easily accessible on an organizer that hangs right on your shower head.
- satin pillowcases
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If you want your bed to truly feel like an oasis, invest in a set of satin pillowcases ($17). Not only do they look luxurious, but they also help keep your hair from getting tangled overnight. Blair Waldorf would approve.
- coffee maker
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If a standard coffee maker ($28) has one fan, it’s me. Your morning cup of dopamine can easily be made without a fancy machine or disposable cups that are often non-compostable. Do the planet a favor and spend your money on high-quality beans rather than overpriced machines. Your taste buds will thank you.
- Travel coffee mug
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Even if I have enough time to brew my own coffee before class, my mornings are usually so rushed that I have to take it with me on the go. I swear by my Takeya travel mug ($22); it’s never once leaked in my bag, keeps my coffee as warm (or iced!) as I want it, and makes my library study sessions look equal parts cute and caffeinated.
