Back-to-School Tech Essentials: Must-Haves for Dorm Life & Peace of Mind
- by Joe Weber - updated on 7/11/2025
Whether you're heading off to college or sending your student away for the first time, the right gear can make all the difference. From keeping devices charged to staying safe and connected, Batteries Plus has everything you need to start the school year strong.
What You'll Learn:
- Why reliable tech gear is essential for dorm life
- Dorm must-haves that help students stay productive and comfortable
- Safety and convenience products that give parents peace of mind
- How Batteries Plus can help you power through the school year
Dorm Room Tech Essentials Every College Student Needs
Setting up a dorm room that feels like home starts with the right tech. From study sessions to late-night streaming, today's students need gear that's powerful, portable, and dependable.
Top dorm essentials include:
Power Banks for Charging On the Go
5,000mAh Power Bank – Small but mighty, this compact charger is perfect for slipping into your backpack so you're never caught with a dead phone during class or while out on campus.
10,000mAh Power Bank – Offers enough juice to fully charge most phones twice — ideal for long days when you're bouncing between lectures, study sessions, and dorm hangouts.
20,000mAh Power Bank – For students who stream, scroll, and study hard, this high-capacity option keeps your devices powered for days — no outlet needed.
5,000mAh MagSafe Power Bank – Perfect for iPhone users, this wireless charger snaps into place and keeps your phone going through late-night study marathons.
Cables for Everyday Charging
6ft USB-C to Lightning Cable - This extra-long cable makes it easy to charge your Apple devices from your lofted dorm bed or across the room.
6ft USB-C to USB-C Cable - A must-have for charging newer laptops, tablets, and Android phones, this cable is both durable and long enough to reach tricky outlets.
Laptop & Device Charging
65W Universal Laptop Charger (9 tips) - Don't stress if you misplace your original charger — this one works with most popular laptop brands, making it a lifesaver for mid-semester replacements.
90W Universal Laptop Charger (6 tips) - A great backup or primary charger for high-powered laptops — keep one in your dorm and one in your backpack for on-the-go study sessions.
65W USB-C Laptop Charger - Designed for modern USB-C laptops, this compact charger helps you power up fast between classes.
100W USB-C Laptop Charger - The high-output design gives you fast, reliable charging, essential for late-night project sprints and streaming downtime.
Lighting & Dorm Comfort
LuxPro Retro Filament Lantern – Adds a cozy vibe to any dorm room or study nook — and doubles as a backup light when the power goes out.
Rechargeable Reading Light – Perfect for nighttime readers or study crammers, this rechargeable clip-on light keeps things bright without disturbing your roommate.
Flipit 400 Stick-On Light – Easily adds light to closets, shelves, or dark corners — no wiring or tools required.
Batteries Plus Retro Lamp with String Lights – Adjustable retro lantern with 49-ft string lights (Warm White, RGB, combo modes) and a USB power bank — perfect for cozy dorm nights.
Batteries Plus 150 Lumen Penlight with Laser Pointer – Handy pocket penlight with a bright beam and laser pointer for notes or presentations.
Whether it's staying organized or ensuring every device is fully charged, these tools help students thrive in their new environment.
Peace of Mind for Parents
College isn't just a big adjustment for students — it's a major change for parents, too. Help ease the transition with smart tech solutions that keep your child safe, connected, and prepared for whatever comes next.
Parent-approved peace-of-mind products include:
Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Replacement Car Key Fobs – Misplacing a car key happens more than you think! A backup key fob makes sure your student isn't stranded and saves them the stress (and cost) of an emergency locksmith.
Auto Emergency Kit – Packed with roadside essentials, this kit gives you peace of mind every time you hit the highway — and reassures your parents, too.
Air Compressor –Whether you're topping off a low tire or dealing with a slow leak, this portable air compressor helps you avoid calling for help or being late to class.
X2 300W Power Station – Stay connected during power outages with this portable station that can charge laptops, phones, and more — a dorm room lifesaver during storm season.
1000A Jumpstarter - Compact and easy to use, this jumpstarter gets you back on the road fast without needing to flag someone down.
1500A Jumpstarter –With serious cranking power, this model is perfect for students driving larger vehicles or traveling long distances between home and campus.
Jump starters also make a thoughtful and practical gift — one that shows you care about your student's safety and independence while they're away from home. Whether it's their first car or just their first time living on their own, this is the kind of gift they'll thank you for later.
Battery Backup & Lighting
B+ 600 Lumen Key Light – This powerful pocket light is perfect for late walks across campus, checking your car at night, or navigating a dark dorm room without waking your roommate.
NEBO Transport 400 Flashlight – Rugged and reliable, this car charger/flashlight combo is built for emergencies, night walks, or checking under the seat for that lost French fry.
24pk AA Batteries - Keep your dorm stocked with reliable batteries for remotes, game controllers, clocks, and more — no last-minute store runs required.
24pk AAA Batteries - Ideal for smaller electronics like flashlights and wireless mice, because no one wants their tech dying during a test.
B+ Battery Organizer – Stop digging through drawers — this organizer keeps all your backup batteries neat, safe, and ready to use.
Sending your student off with the right tech helps you both feel more secure, and that's worth every penny.
Why Shop Back-to-School Tech at Batteries Plus?
At Batteries Plus, we're more than just batteries — we're The Experts in Charge. Our selection includes reliable, high-performance products from trusted brands, whether you're shopping for dorm gear, portable power, or smart lighting solutions. Plus, our in-store experts are always here to help you find the right fit for your needs.
Perks of Shopping with Us:
- Knowledgeable in-store staff are ready to assist
- Wide selection of dorm-friendly products
- Power solutions for every device
- Convenient locations nationwide
Cracked Screen? Dead Battery? We Can Help.
College students depend on their phones, tablets, and laptops every day, and accidents happen. Whether it's a cracked screen, slow-charging battery, or glitchy software, Batteries Plus stores offer professional device repair services to get your device back up and running fast.
We repair popular devices like:
- iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13 & newer
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra & more
- iPads, tablets, and laptops
Walk-ins are welcome at most locations, and many repairs can be completed in under an hour. Visit your nearest store for the expert help you've come to expect from Batteries Plus.
FAQs
Q: What are the best tech essentials for college students?
A: Look for products that help with productivity, comfort, and staying connected. Power strips, portable chargers, LED lighting, and backup power are top picks.
Q: Do college students really need surge protectors?
A: Yes! Dorms often have limited outlets and older wiring. A good surge protector helps keep laptops, phones, and other tech safe from power spikes.
Q: Can I buy tech accessories in-store at Batteries Plus?
A: Absolutely. Many of our stores carry essential back-to-school tech, and our staff can help you pick the right gear.
Q: Can I get my phone repaired at Batteries Plus?
A: Yes! Many Batteries Plus locations offer expert phone and tablet repair services. From cracked screens and worn-out batteries to charging port issues, our technicians can fix a wide range of problems, often in less than an hour.
Q: Do you use high-quality parts for phone repairs?
A: We sure do. At Batteries Plus, we use premium parts, and many of our stores are Samsung Independent Service Providers, meaning repairs are completed using genuine Samsung parts. Your device is in expert hands.
Stop by Your Local Batteries Plus Today
Don't wait until move-in day to get everything you need. Shop early and be ready with all the tech essentials and dorm gear your student needs for a successful school year. Visit your local Batteries Plus or shop online for expert support and top-quality products.