The Verge’s 2025 back-to-school shopping guide

Back-to-school season is closer than you might realize, especially for college students, many of whom are set to return to campus in a matter of a few short weeks. And while school can be a challenging time on many fronts, regardless of the grade, there are tools that can help you better prepare for life both inside and outside the classroom.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a selection of dorm-friendly recs from the larger Verge staff, as well as a few essentials suitable for high school and beyond. Apple’s AirPods 4 and Roku’s latest smart TV, for instance, are two entry-level upgrades designed to help students make the most of their downtime, while board games like Codenames can help break the ice with new roommates. There are also practical pieces of everyday carry to consider — including tumblers, chargers, and backpacks — as well as a variety of sleep accessories that are designed to help you or someone you know get some much-needed rest.

Brandon Widder also contributed to this post.