Everything You Need To Have an Iconic First Semester of College

Hello there, future trailblazer! College is an exciting rite of passage: a time of exploration, independence, and, yes, the occasional challenge. You’ve got this! College is when young adults learn to shine, grow, and have an experience that’s uniquely theirs.

Guess what? We’re here to make sure you have all you need to make your first semester unforgettable. From managing finances to turning your dorm into a personal sanctuary, we’ve got the lowdown on all the essentials that will ensure you nail this new chapter of your life.

A Crash Course in Adulting: MPOWER Student Loan Support

The thrill of freedom comes with some unavoidable adulting responsibilities. One of the biggest? Managing your student loans. It’s okay, take a deep breath — we promise it’s not as scary as it sounds, especially with MPOWER.

We understand that grappling with numbers and loan terms might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Thankfully, MPOWER is here to help you navigate taking out a student loan without cosigner support.

Navigating student loans without a cosigner can be quite a challenge. Lenders usually ask for a cosigner with a high credit score to make sure that their loan gets paid back in the future. Without a cosigner, students can get higher interest rates, tougher approval criteria, or be rejected for the loan altogether, making higher education a financial burden.

With MPOWER, navigating these types of student loans can be less intimidating and more empowering. You’ll be able to focus more on your studies and less on worrying about your financial obligations. Welcome to stress-free adulting!

Rock Your Style: Marleylilly Tote Bags

Picture this: you’re walking across campus, coffee in hand, heading to your morning lecture. What’s that you and your friends are carrying? Oh, just the coolest personalized tote bags from Marleylilly, sparking conversations and turning heads.

It’s your trusty sidekick, ready to hold your books, laptop, and countless other college essentials. Plus, it’s more than just a bag — it’s a statement. It tells a story about who you are and what you stand for. With these Marleylilly personalized tote bags, you can express yourself, stay organized, and start conversations while making a fashion statement that’s all your own. Talk about a win-win situation!

Marleylilly has it all, from beach and crossbody bags to coolers, backpacks, and much more. With a personalized monogram, these bags combine convenience, comfort, and customization for an amazing college semester.

Fizz Up Your Life: Olipop Healthy Soda

We get it: College is a time of late-night study sessions, early-morning lectures, and the occasional need for a bubbly pick-me-up. Still, who said that a pick-me-up couldn’t be healthy? That’s where Olipop comes in with its revolutionary healthy soda options.

We’re all about making healthy choices fun and tasty. Say goodbye to regular, sugary sodas and hello to Olipop’s healthy soda alternatives. With flavors like vintage cola, banana cream, and much more, you get all the taste you love with less sugar and real botanicals. It’s a refreshing, fun drink that doesn’t compromise on taste or your health.

Olipop is also loaded with fiber and healthy prebiotics to support your gut and keep you on track with your fitness goals. So go ahead, sip on some Olipop, and fuel those long study nights and social get-togethers with a burst of flavor and energy that’s better for you.

A Nomad’s Best Friend: July Carry-On Luggage

Say hello to the hustle and bustle of the college scene! You’re going to be on the move a lot. But as an agile college student, you need luggage that keeps up with your pace.

That’s where July changes the game with the best carry on luggage we’ve seen. Imagine this: a compact yet roomy solution that effortlessly carries your world wherever you go. With July, you can enjoy the spontaneity of college life, confident that you’ve got a reliable partner ready for any adventure that comes your way.

Carry-on luggage becomes crucial for college students on various occasions. Whether heading home for the holidays, going on weekend trips with friends, attending off-campus events, or studying abroad, July has you covered. Compact yet spacious, this carry-on piece simplifies travel while ensuring their essentials are always at hand.

Their bags are tough, easy to roll, and feature bumpers for extra protection inside and out. So, here’s to endless journeys, memorable experiences, and a carry-on companion that never lets you down!

Dazzle on a Budget: Daniel’s Jewelers Bling

College is a time for self-expression and to let your true self shine. One of the most fun ways to do this? By adorning yourself with some beautiful bling! Jewelry, after all, is the exclamation point of anyone’s outfit.

Still, we understand that budget is key when you’re a college student. That’s why Daniel’s Jewelers brings you an exquisite range of affordable jewelry that’s high on style and low on cost.

Plus, they’re known for making jewelry financing options available to all. These include store credit, personal loans, or layaway plans. You can even explore interest-free financing for a certain period or installment plans that allow you to pay off your purchase over time.

It’s about letting you experiment with different styles, push your fashion boundaries, and truly express yourself without worrying about your budget. So, go ahead, and add that extra sparkle to your day with the collection from Daniel’s Jewelers. Shine on, beautiful!

Keep It Clean: Tumble Washable Rugs

Your dorm room: It’s your home away from home, your personal space in the heart of your college adventure. And you want it to reflect your personality, right? Still, keeping it clean can be challenging with all the foot traffic, accidental spills, and general college mayhem.

Don’t fret! Tumble has the perfect solution: washable rugs. These rugs add a perfect touch of coziness and personality to your dorm while being super easy to maintain.

As a college student, time and effort are precious. Tumble’s rugs are a godsend, offering an easy, hassle-free cleaning solution. Spilled your coffee or walked in with muddy shoes? No worries. Just toss it in the washer, and it comes out fresh, saving you from laborious hand-cleaning or expensive professional services.

Even after a wild party or a late-night study session, you can rest assured that your rug (and room) can return to its original glory. Enjoy a stylish, cozy, clean college living experience with Tumble’s washable rugs.

Daring Fashion 101: Guizio Lace Black Corset

Say you’ve got a party to attend, or it’s an average day on campus, and you feel like adding a dash of daring to your ensemble. The elegant lace black corset from Guizio is here to slay. This stand-out piece is here to help embrace your inner fierceness, setting trends, and turning heads.

This isn’t just about fashion; it’s about the freedom to express who you are boldly and beautifully. With Guizio’s black corset, you can transform even the most mundane outfit into a bold statement of your individuality. It’s a versatile piece that is your ticket to becoming a campus style icon!

This crafted corset can be versatile and stylish, no matter what look you’re trying to achieve. It’s effortlessly chic for casual outings, paired with high-waisted jeans and a blazer. For a more daring look, layer it over a white button-down. Alternatively, wear it with a maxi skirt for a touch of gothic romance at formal events.

Embrace the drama, exude confidence, and remember, you’re not just wearing a corset — you’re wearing your attitude.

Dorm Cooking Made Easy: Mueller Hand Blender

We’ve all been there: the late-night cravings, the budget-friendly meals, the sudden urge to try your hand at cooking. Yes, college life is full of culinary adventures! With this Mueller hand blender, you’re ready for it all.

It’s not just a kitchen gadget; it’s your partner in creating quick and delicious meals right in the comfort of your dorm room. This hand blender is a college student’s best friend for quick, easy meals. It’s perfect for whipping up smoothies for a healthy breakfast on the go, pureeing soups for a comforting dinner, or even making sauces for pasta. It’s compact, easy to clean, and simplifies cooking in a dorm room.

The best part? It’s as user-friendly as possible, making it perfect for both kitchen novices and cooking enthusiasts. So why wait? Unleash your inner chef, satiate your cravings, and make memorable meals with this amazing kitchen tool.

A Solution to Bathroom Woes: The Squatty Potty Toilet Stool

Let’s be real: college dorm bathrooms aren’t always the epitome of comfort. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the Squatty Potty foldable toilet stool. Think of it as your personal touch in a shared bathroom.

It’s all about making your bathroom experience more comfortable and efficient. After all, who said practical things couldn’t be innovative and fun? With a Squatty Potty, you’ll look at your bathroom breaks in a new light. And when you’re done, you can simply fold it away, keeping your bathroom neat and spacious.

So, say goodbye to awkward bathroom discomfort and hello to a much smoother experience with this must-have foldable toilet stool. Your personal comfort should never be compromised, not even in the bathroom!

Small Space, Big Ideas: One Kings Lane Storage Ottomans

Here’s a common college conundrum: how do you fit your entire life into a tiny dorm room? The answer lies in smart, multi-functional solutions like storage ottomans from One Kings Lane. They’re not just a place to rest your feet after a long day; they’re also a home for all those knick-knacks that need a hiding place.

Think of it as your secret storage solution, stylishly wrapped in a comfy ottoman. Whether you need a spot for your books, clothes, or late-night snack stash, these pieces do it all.

You’ll soon discover that convenient storage is essential in college spaces to manage the limited area effectively. A well-organized storage system helps maintain cleanliness, reduces clutter, and enhances productivity by ensuring everything has its place. It allows you to make the most of your dorm, creating a comfortable and functional living environment.

Say goodbye to clutter and hello to a tidy, organized, and stylish space that feels like home. With One Kings Lane, living small doesn’t mean you can’t live big!

Threaded With Love: Johnny Was Embroidered Clothing

College life is all about expressing who you are. It’s about finding your style, your voice, your identity. And what better way to do that than through your fashion choices? Introducing Johnny Was embroidered clothing, where every thread tells a story. It’s a chance for you to wear your heart on your sleeve.

This bohemian clothing showcases an artistic blend of vintage, ethnic, and free-spirited aesthetics. Intricate embroidery adds depth and richness, creating a distinctive style statement. Featuring floral patterns, geometric designs, or symbolic motifs, these pieces exude an effortless charm, making them a quintessential part of a boho-chic wardrobe.

Whether you’re hitting the library, going to a party, or just chilling in your dorm, do it in style with Johnny Was. Stand out from the crowd, make a statement, and wear your story with pride.

Ace Your Assignments: Coursology AI Homework Help

Juggling assignments, study groups, classes, and a social life can be quite a challenge in college. If we told you that you could have a personal assistant to help you out? Say hello to AI homework tools from Coursology.

This isn’t your ordinary study aid. It’s like having a super-smart friend always ready to help you conquer even the most complex assignments. The app works right in your browser, letting you work online throughout various academic challenges. Whether you need help understanding a tough concept, proofreading an essay, or tackling a problem, Coursology has your back.

So, breathe easy, take control of your academic life, and make homework less about stress and more about success. Achieving academic excellence has never been this simple and fun!

Make Your Room Your Canvas: Dormify College Dorm Room Art

Your dorm room is more than just a place to sleep. It’s your personal sanctuary, your creative space, your home away from home. And it deserves to be as unique and vibrant as you are! This is where college dorm room art from Dormify comes in.

From beautiful prints that reflect your style to inspiring quotes that keep you motivated, they offer an array of art pieces that speak to your soul. Dormify transforms a dull, generic space into a cozy, inspiring sanctuary that feels like home. Plus, it can foster creativity, stimulate positive emotions, and even motivate academic success!

You’ll find everything from old-school pop art to modern memes and plenty of fine art classics. They also carry string lights, frames, and other accessories to bring your vision to life.

Let your creativity run wild, personalize your space, and make your dorm room your own personal canvas with Dormify. After all, living in a dorm doesn’t mean you can’t live in style!

Finances Made Fun: Mint Budgeting App

Stepping into college life often means taking charge of your finances for the first time. It can seem daunting, but what if we told you it doesn’t have to be? Say hello to the Mint budgeting app, your fun and friendly guide to managing your money.

If you haven’t heard, effective budgeting is crucial for college students to manage their finances successfully. It helps track income and expenses, avoids unnecessary debt, and encourages saving for future goals. Smart budgeting allows students to focus on academics and enjoy their college experience without the constant worry of financial strain or unexpected costs.

With Mint, you can track your spending, save for that concert you’re dying to attend, and even split the pizza bill with your friends. It’s about giving you control over your money, but in a simple, intuitive, and enjoyable way.

Take the stress out of budgeting and embrace financial independence with Mint. Welcome to smart money management for the savvy college student!

Make Your First Semester Iconic and Memorable

There you have it! A comprehensive list of must-haves to turn your first semester at college into an unforgettable adventure. With these products, you’re not just surviving your college journey but thriving through it. From acing your assignments to keeping your dorm room stylish, we’ve got your back.

Each of our offerings is designed with you, the college student, in mind, blending practicality with style, functionality with fun. So, prepare to embark on this exciting journey, knowing you’ve got everything you need to make it iconic. Let the adventure begin!

McClatchy newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.

Hilary Tetenbaum is a professional writer located in Santa Monica, CA. Her experience includes ghost writing, marketing writing, business plan writing and conducting research. In her spare time she volunteers at a city run animal shelter doing what she can to enrich the lives of dogs in need. She can be reached at htetenbaum@roadrunner.com.