Amazon's Best Back-to-School Deals for College Students

School supplies

The school supplies your college student needs will largely depend on their program requirements and study preferences. Some students rely heavily on laptops and require fewer school supplies.

For traditional note-taking, pens, pencils, erasers, permanent markers, correction tape and a pencil case are basics. Highlighters, sticky notes and index cards are helpful study aids. An academic planner is a useful tool for keeping students on track.

Students may need notebooks, loose-leaf paper, folders, or binders to organize their course notes. Those who submit paper assignments should have paper clips or a stapler.

Storage & gear

Any college student must have a reliable backpack or laptop bag to tote around campus. A gym bag and workout gear are also musts for active students.

Drinkware is another important consideration. A reusable water bottle will keep students hydrated throughout the day, and a travel mug is useful for coffee or tea.

Shower slides are a good idea for students staying in communal dorm spaces to keep their feet protected from germs that linger on the bathroom floor.

Tech

Laptops are a go-to for college students when it comes to note-taking, online research and assignment submissions. While some decide to splurge on a premium model, there are affordable, basic laptops designed for student use that can handle the average workload. Other students, such as those enrolled in computer programming or graphic design, require a more advanced laptop with higher processing capabilities.

Tablets are another great option for college students—they're more portable and affordable than laptops and can perform many of the same tasks when paired with the right tech accessories. Noise-cancelling headphones can help limit distractions during study sessions. A trusty desk lamp should be on the list if the college doesn't provide one.

Other non-essential yet useful tech for college include printers, smartwatches, fitness trackers, charging stations and extension cords.

Dorm room appliances

Having a mini kitchen in your dorm room is a convenient alternative to running to and from the cafeteria all the time — which may not be an option when you're studying late into the night. Compact appliances work well for dorms, such as mini-fridges, countertop microwaves, air fryers, toaster ovens, coffee makers, electric skillets, rice cookers and personal blenders.

Other appliances can make dorm living a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. A portable air conditioner would be much appreciated in a dorm that lacks central AC. Air purifiers and fans help clear out the musty smell typical of crowded dorm rooms. Gifting your college students a TV can help them relax after a long day at school or take a much-needed study break.

Some dorm residences have a cleaning staff; others do not. If your college student will be responsible for keeping their dorm clean, a lightweight and portable stick vacuum is a worthwhile buy.

Dorm room supplies

There are a variety of essential and non-essential dorm room supplies to consider. A laundry hamper, a set of bath towels, a toiletry bag, bed sheets, pillows, and laundry detergent are standard. A mattress topper can make a lumpy dorm mattress feel more comfortable. Storage bins, hangers, and hanging closet shelves will organize personal items and clothing.

Keeping living spaces clean is a priority, especially since the flu and other infections can quickly spread through dorms. Disinfecting wipes and a multi-purpose cleaner are go-tos. Depending on the dorm, students may also need toilet paper and other cleaning supplies such as sponges, a mop, a broom and dustpan, a plunger and a toilet brush.

Best back-to-school deals for college students

School supplies

Paper Mate Profile Retractable Ball Point Pen 4-Pack (54% OFF)

These ballpoint pens write smoothly and have a soft grip, so your college student won't get hand fatigue during long writing sessions. These black ink pens come in packs of four.

BIC Brite Liner Highlighter 5 Count (57% OFF)

When it comes to school supplies for college, highlighters are great for color-coding course content and emphasizing important information for memory retention. These highlighters come in five bright hues. The chisel tips allow for broad highlighting or fine underlining.

Mead Loose Leaf Paper College Ruled 200 Sheets (52% OFF)

This loose-leaf paper is a practical option for traditional note-taking, in-class assignments, and the like. Available in packs of 200, it's double-sided with a college ruling and three-hole punched for storage in a binder.

Rileys & Co 2024-2025 18-Month Academic Weekly & Monthly Agenda Planner (42% OFF)

This academic planner will keep your college students on top of their assignments and to-do lists. Spanning from July 2024 to December 2025, it offers daily, weekly, and monthly planning. The months and weeks have a two-page spread for a big-picture view of whatever tasks are at hand. It's got a flexible cover and a spiral binding, available in two sizes and five colours.

Oxford 4" x 6" Ruled White Index Cards 100-Pack (46% OFF)

Another useful study aid is index cards, which are great for memorizing definitions, facts, and other information for tests. These lined cards are thick and durable, available in packs of 100.

More back-to-school deals on school supplies

• Ticonderoga Woodcase Pencils No. 2 Box of 18 (44% OFF)
• BIC Mechanical Pencil Medium Point (0.7 mm) 10 Count (61% OFF)
• Bostitch Compact Desktop Electric Pencil Sharpener (45% OFF)
• Sharpie Twin-Tip Permanent Markers Black 4-Pack (47% OFF)
• Staedtler Mars Plastic Vinyl Eraser 4-Pack (49% OFF)
• Scotch 8" Precision Scissors (24% OFF)
• Post-it Super Sticky Notes 3 x 3" 6 Pads (47% OFF)
• Smead Poly Two-Pocket Folder Three-Hole Punch 3-Pack (48% OFF)
• Bostitch Office Heavy-Duty Stapler (23% OFF)
• Avery Heavy-Duty View 1-Inch 3-Ring Binder (47% OFF)
• WEMATE Large Pencil Case (21% OFF)
• Mr. Pen Binder Dividers with Pockets and Tabs 8-Pack (18% OFF)
• Mead Composition Notebooks College Ruled Paper 3-Pack (48% OFF)
• Five Star Loose Leaf Graph Paper 80 Sheets (28% OFF)
• BIC Wite-Out Brand EZ Correct Correction Tape 2 Count (50% OFF)
• Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS Scientific Calculator (57% OFF)
• Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer 1 fl. oz Box of 12 (10% OFF)
• Kleenex 3-Ply Pocket Packs Facial Tissues 8 Count (40% OFF)

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack (45% OFF)

This sleek laptop backpack is packed with modern features, including an external USB charging port and a strap that slides over luggage for easier travel — that'll be handy when your kid comes home for a visit. Three compartments and numerous pockets keep school items organized. There's a spacious main compartment for daily necessities and tech accessories, a laptop compartment and a front compartment for quick access.

This backpack is made of durable, water-resistant polyester and can withstand the rigours of daily use. It has comfortable padded straps that are adjustable to suit the wearer. There are five sizes and 30 colors to choose from.

Lenovo Messenger Laptop Bag T210 (25% OFF)

This laptop messenger bag is perfect for the minimalist college student. It comes in three sizes to accommodate a 12-, 15.6- or 17-inch laptop. There are various interior pockets for organizing tech accessories, a front zippered pocket for smaller items and an integrated luggage strap. It's slim, lightweight and made of water-repellent polyester fabric.

Puma Evercat Contender Duffel Bag (21% OFF)

College students can use this Puma duffel as a gym or weekender bag for quick home trips. It's got zip pockets on the front and side, a spacious main compartment and a ventilated pocket for storing stinky gym shoes. The shoulder strap is removable and adjustable. This bag is made from 100% polyester fabric and has six neutral colour schemes.

Adidas Unisex Adult Adilette Shower Slides (17% OFF)

Shower slides protect feet from bacteria and fungus commonly found in communal bathrooms. These Adidas slides are sleek and stylish, with a comfortable Cloudfoam footbed. They're conveniently quick-drying, too. They're available in an array of sizes, styles, and colours.

CamelBak Eddy+ Water Bottle 25oz (32% OFF)

A reliable water bottle is essential for healthy hydration, and a reusable one is good for the environment. This water bottle is leakproof and spill-proof with a built-in straw and carry handle. It's made of durable, BPA-free plastic and can be tossed in the dishwasher. It comes in 20-, 25- and 32-ounce sizes in 10 colours.

Contigo SNAPSEAL Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug 16oz (28% OFF)

This 16-ounce stainless steel travel mug allows your college student to take beverages to class or the library. Double-wall insulation keeps drinks hot for up to 6 hours and cold for up to 12 hours. The lid is leakproof, spill-proof, and dishwasher-safe, but the body must be washed by hand.

More back-to-school deals on storage & gear

• JanSport Main Campus FX Backpack (25% OFF)
• ESTARER Messenger Bag for Men (31% OFF)
• IRON °FLASK Sports Water Bottle 22oz (17% OFF)
• Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug (20% OFF)
• Adidas Unisex Adult Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag (32% OFF)

Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop (20% OFF)

If you're looking to splurge on a laptop for your college student, the Macbook Air is a solid choice. This model is super slim and weighs less than 3 pounds, so it's easy to tote around campus. A powerful M2 chip offers fast processing and the 8GB of RAM is sufficient for typical school use.

The Macbook Air has a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, an HD camera, four speakers with spatial audio, and 18 hours of battery life. It can be purchased with 256GB or 516GB SSD storage. The durable aluminum body comes in four finishes.

Apple iPad (9th Gen) (40% OFF)

Tablets are great for note-taking, accessing online resources, browsing the internet, and researching topics. The iPad has a powerful A13 bionic chip, a 10.2-inch Retina display, front and back cameras, and fast Wi-Fi connectivity. It's available in 64GB or 256GB of storage with or without cellular data in two finishes.

With the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), which is currently 9% off, students can write notes, highlight text, create digital artwork and more on the iPad's display. The Logitech Slim Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, offered at 20% off, adds even more functionality. To protect the tablet and prop it up like a computer screen, get this ProCase iPad Cover designed for the iPad (9th Gen), available at 47% off.

Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones (43% OFF)

These headphones have superior noise-cancelling technology to help students stay focused. The popular Beats Studio Pro headphones deliver rich sound paired with spatial audio for an immersive listening experience. They're wireless with Bluetooth connectivity, on-ear controls and up to 40 hours of battery life. There are four neutral colours to choose from.

Apple Watch Series 9 Smartwatch (25% OFF)

The Apple Watch Series 9 offers a host of benefits for college students. This smartwatch can provide study reminders, schedule study breaks, and disable smartphone notifications to limit distractions. Students can also ask Siri homework questions, check the weather before heading to class, track their sleeping habits, monitor fitness using Apple's Workout app, and meditate with the Mindfulness app.

With Apple Watch, users can answer or dismiss calls, pause or play music on their iPhone, reply to text messages using voice dictation, and access GPS. Other notable features include a Retina display, water resistance, a customizable watch band, and an 18-hour battery life. It's available in a 41mm or 45mm case in nine styles and six band sizes.

HP ENVY 6055e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer (38% OFF)

While colleges typically offer printing services on campus, having a printer in your dorm room is much more convenient. This HP printer lets you print, scan and copy documents. It has color, mobile and wireless printing capabilities. It's compact and fits easily on a desk. This model is ideal for printing 100 to 400 pages per month. Three months worth of ink is included with purchase.

White Crown Dimmable LED Desk Lamp (31% OFF)

This sleek-looking desk lamp is packed with modern features. It's dimmable with touch control and adjustable angles. The lighting is highly customizable, including five colour modes and 10 brightness modes. There are also two USB ports for charging devices. The LED light has a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. It comes in two sizes and four colours.

More back-to-school tech deals

• Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook (21% OFF)
• Acer Aspire 3 Laptop (20% OFF)
• Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop (25% OFF)
• Canon PIXMA TR150 Wireless Portable Printer (20% OFF)
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64 GB (11% OFF)
• Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (29% OFF)
• Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones (17% OFF)
• Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) (31% OFF)
• Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch (32% OFF)
• Anlmz 3-in-1 Charging Station for Apple Devices (54% OFF)
• SMALLRT 6.5-Foot Extension Cord (31% OFF)
• LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk (12% OFF)
• SanDisk 128GB Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive (40% OFF)

Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven (22% OFF)

Your college student will appreciate having such a versatile appliance — it features air fry, toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill and keep warm functions. This air fryer toaster oven can accommodate a 12-inch pizza, yet it doesn't take up too much space in a dorm room.

It has a wide temperature range up to 450 degrees Fahrenheight, a 60-minute timer and a toast shade selector. This Cuisinart oven comes with a reversible grill/griddle plate, an air fryer basket, a baking/drip pan and an oven rack.

Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft. (13% OFF)

This compact countertop microwave allows college students to reheat meals from the cafeteria, cook frozen dinners, and prepare snacks. This Toshiba microwave has a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity, six cooking presets, 10 power settings, and two defrost settings. It also has a clock, kitchen timer, and a removable turntable that accommodates a 10-inch pizza.

Frigidaire Retro Compact Fridge with Chiller 3.2 Cu. Ft. (12% OFF)

This retro mini fridge has a 3.2 cubic-foot capacity, perfect for dorm rooms. It has two removable shelves, beverage storage, a chiller box, and a built-in bottle opener. The reversible door design offers flexible placement options. Seven colours are available.

Keurig K-Slim Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker (27% OFF)

College students can stay caffeinated with this pod coffee maker. Less than 5 inches wide, its compact footprint is just right for a dorm room. The Keurig K-Slim brews coffee in just a few minutes. It has 8-, 10-, and 12-ounce cup size options. The removable drip tray accommodates travel mugs up to 7 inches tall. This single-serve coffee maker comes in three colours.

Amazon Fire TV 32-Inch 2-Series HD Smart TV (40% OFF)

Hardworking college students deserve to unwind. With this affordable Amazon Fire smart TV, they can stream movies and TV shows, listen to music, play video games and more. It has an HD display and supports HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio. An Alexa voice remote is included with the purchase. It comes in 32- and 40-inch sizes.

BLUEAIR Blue Pure 511i Max Air Purifier (14% OFF)

Crowded dorm spaces often have a not-so-fresh smell, and an air purifier can help. Air purifiers also filter out dust, pollen and smoke, which is especially helpful for allergy sufferers. This HEPA filtration model traps 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns. It's controllable via an app for convenient operation. This air purifier is compact and suitable for spaces up to 526 square feet, which is plenty for a dorm room.

Honeywell 11-Inch Turboforce Fan (20% OFF)

A fan is another good option for freshening the air in a stuffy dorm room. This 11-inch Honeywell fan can be wall-mounted or placed on a desk or bedside table. It has three speeds and a 90-degree pivoting head.

More back-to-school deals on dorm room appliances

• Cosori Small 4-in-1 Air Fryer (17% OFF)
• Cuisinart TOB-1010 Toaster Oven Broiler (22% OFF)
• Bella Electric Skillet and Frying Pan (23% OFF)
• Ovente Glass Electric Kettle Hot Water Boiler 1.5 Liter (39% OFF)
• Magic Bullet Blender 11-Piece Set (20% OFF)
• Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker (11% OFF)
• Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker, Steamer, Multi Cooker (35% OFF)
• Insignia 24-Inch Class F20 Series Smart HD Fire TV (19% OFF)
• Vizio 24-inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV (29% OFF)
• SereneLife 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner with Built-in Dehumidifier (16% OFF)
• Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum (23% OFF)

Zero Jet Lag Collapsible Slim Laundry Hamper With Handles (17% OFF)

This collapsible clothes hamper has a slim design that won't take up much space in a dorm. Its set of carrying handles makes it easy to bring to and from the laundry room or nearby laundromat. It's made of durable, waterproof Oxford cloth. It's available in a variety of colors, with or without wheels.

American Soft Linen 100% Cotton 6-Piece Towel Set (53% OFF)

These Turkish bath towels are made of soft, absorbent 100% cotton. The set includes two face towels, two hand towels, and two large bath towels. There are 20 colors to choose from, and a three-piece set is also available.

CGK Unlimited Twin XL 3-Piece Sheet Set (42% OFF)

These microfiber bedsheets are super soft and breathable with a wrinkleproof design. The three-piece set includes a pillowcase and a flat and fitted sheet. The sheets are twin XL, the standard size for dorm beds. There are over 40 colours and patterns to choose from.

LINENSPA Memory Foam Mattress Topper 2-Inch (26% OFF)

This mattress topper is made of memory foam, an adaptive material that conforms to the shape of your body to reduce pressure on your spine. It'll give college students the support they need for a comfortable night's sleep.

The memory foam is infused with a cooling gel, making it a great choice for hot sleepers. The twin XL size is compatible with most dorm beds. It's available with a 2- or 3-inch thickness, with or without a protective cover.

ZOBER Hanging Closet Organizer 5-Shelf (33% OFF)

This slim hanging shelving unit allows College students to get the most out of their closet space. It's made of cloth reinforced by a sturdy metal frame and thick cardboard, capable of supporting up to 15 pounds. The wide shelf openings offer easy access to what's stored inside. Exterior mesh pockets provide additional storage. This closet organizer has five, nine, or ten shelves in four colors.

More back-to-school deals on dorm room supplies

• Brita Metro Water Filter Pitcher (27% OFF)
• InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser (33% OFF)
• Conair Handheld Travel Garment Steamer (20% OFF)
• AvaJex Waterproof Travel Toiletry Bag (19% OFF)
• Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows Queen Size Set of 2 (15% OFF)
• NEATERIZE Plastic Clothes Hangers 20-Pack (20% OFF)
• GRANNY SAYS Storage Bins with Handles 3-Pack (26% OFF)
• Command Damage-Free Hanging Variety Pack (18% OFF)
• Bounty Paper Towels Two Triple Rolls (24% OFF)
• Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper 6 Mega Rolls (27% OFF)
• Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner Sanitizing and Disinfecting Spray (21% OFF)
• Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent Soap 84 Fl. Oz. (13% OFF)
• Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Value Pack of 2 (16% OFF)
• Windex Glass and Window Cleaner Spray (12% OFF)
• HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth 12-Pack (31% OFF)
• Scotch-Brite Zero Scratch Scrub Sponges 6-Pack (33% OFF)
• MEXERRIS Microfiber Floor Mop with Three Washable Pads (21% OFF)
• Jade Active Broom and Dustpan Set (43% OFF)
• Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner Pack of 2 (23% OFF)
• MR.SIGA Toilet Plunger and Bowl Brush Cleaning Set (19% OFF)