Trending College Essentials Every Student Needs in 2024
College life is always evolving, and in 2024, students are prioritizing efficiency, wellness, and aesthetics in their dorm setups. Whether you're a freshman setting up your dorm for the first time or a returning student looking to upgrade your space, staying on top of current trends can make your college experience more enjoyable and productive.
Here’s a breakdown of the hottest college essentials in 2024, including the latest gadgets, decor trends, and must-have accessories!
1. Digital Organization Tools 📅💻
Why It’s Trending:
With online classes, digital textbooks, and busy schedules, students are prioritizing digital organization to stay productive and stress-free. Apps that help streamline note-taking, scheduling, and task management are a must-have.
Trending Tools:
- Notion – The ultimate aesthetic planner for class schedules, to-do lists, and study notes. (Bonus: Tons of free Notion templates are available on TikTok!)
- Google Calendar – Syncs everything in one place, from classes to club meetings.
- GoodNotes (for iPad users) – Aesthetic handwritten note-taking is huge, and this app makes digital studying more fun and efficient.
Pro Tip: Pair your digital planner with a smart stylus for the perfect tech setup!
2. Dorm Aesthetic: Cozy, Minimalist, & Personalized 🌿✨
Why It’s Trending:
Students are leaning into aesthetic dorm setups that blend comfort and style. Think neutral color palettes, LED lighting, and functional yet chic decor.
Must-Have Items:
- LED Strip Lights or Sunset Lamps – These create a moody, cozy ambiance for late-night study sessions.
- Hanging Wall Grids & Photo Collages – Perfect for personalizing dorm walls with Polaroids, postcards, and aesthetic inspo.
- Mini Projector – Turns your dorm into a movie theater for Netflix marathons or study sessions.
- Neutral or Pastel Bedding Sets – Think soft beige, sage green, or lavender tones to match the modern dorm aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Follow #DormAesthetic on TikTok for endless decor inspiration!
3. Wellness & Self-Care Gadgets 🧘♀️💆♂️
Why It’s Trending:
Students are prioritizing mental and physical well-being like never before. College life can be stressful, so having the right self-care tools can make all the difference.
Student Favorites:
- Weighted Blanket – Helps with stress relief and improves sleep quality.
- Essential Oil Diffuser – Aromatherapy is big for relaxation and focus during study sessions.
- Smart Water Bottles – Hydration reminders keep students from forgetting to drink water during busy days.
- Portable Sunrise Alarm Clock – A trendy alternative to phone alarms that wakes you up naturally.
Pro Tip: Many students are also getting into meditation apps like Headspace and Calm to stay grounded during exams!
4. Side Hustle & Productivity Must-Haves 💰📖
Why It’s Trending:
With the rise of remote work and side hustles, students are building online businesses, freelancing, and content creating while balancing school. Whether it’s reselling on Depop, tutoring online, or launching a YouTube channel, side hustles are a huge part of college life in 2024.
Must-Have Gear for Productivity:
- Wireless Keyboard & Mouse – Helps with long study sessions and online work.
- Ring Light & Phone Stand – For students into content creation (TikTok, YouTube, IG Reels, etc.).
- Blue Light Glasses – Reduces eye strain from long hours on screens.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones – Game-changer for studying in loud dorms!
Pro Tip: Students are making money through platforms like Etsy, Fiverr, and TikTok Shop—if you're looking to start a side hustle, now’s the time!
5. Sleep Essentials for Dorm Living 😴🛏️
Why It’s Trending:
With early classes, noisy dorm neighbors, and stressful schedules, getting good sleep is more important than ever. Students are investing in better sleep setups to stay energized and focused.
Top Dorm Sleep Essentials:
- Foam Mattress Topper – Dorm mattresses are notoriously uncomfortable—a topper makes a HUGE difference.
- Silk Pillowcases – Helps with skin and hair health while adding a luxe touch to your dorm.
- Blackout Curtains – If your dorm faces the sunrise, these are a lifesaver for uninterrupted sleep.
- White Noise Machine or Sleep App – Blocks out hallway noise so you can sleep peacefully.
Bedly Straps: The Dorm Must-Have You Didn’t Know You Needed
Tired of your mattress topper or sheets slipping off in the middle of the night? 😩 College beds can be annoying to keep in place, but Bedly Straps make sure your bedding stays put—no more loose sheets or bunched-up toppers!
🚀 Exclusive Student Discount: Use the code SLEEPWELL at checkout for a special discount on Bedly Straps. Better sleep = better focus, better grades, and a better college experience!
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of the Trends in 2024!
From digital organization and dorm aesthetics to side hustles and wellness gadgets, these trends define college life in 2024. Investing in the right essentials can help students stay productive, comfortable, and stress-free while enjoying dorm life to the fullest.
And remember—a good night’s sleep is key to crushing your goals in college. Grab Bedly Straps using the code SLEEPWELL to make sure your dorm bed is set up for success!