Ace your back-to-college setup with these 6 picks

College is the time to start figuring out your future self — but it can be a huge money suck in the now. In addition to tuition, which is no joke these days, you’ll need books, tech gear, and dorm essentials to settle in and take your academic life by the reins.

All the more reason to hit up Walmart for sweet deals on everything you need to level up your college sitch. Whether you’re a first-time freshman or moving back into the dorm, you know all too well that this smart gear will help you nail it on a student budget.

A pink laptop that’s too cool for school

A fast laptop is a BTC essential, and this lightweight yet capable 14-inch model checks all the boxes and is a steal at this price. The powerful Intel processor and UHD graphics deliver speed whether you’re taking class notes, researching, or streaming in your (rare) downtime. With 11 hours of battery life, you can dart from your dorm to class to the library without juicing up, a nice perk.

Go ahead, take that 8 a.m. class

Caffeine is another college must, and a machine that cranks it out should be on every student’s list. This space-saver is an ace pick because it’s only 6.5 inches wide and makes a fresh-brewed cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa at the touch of a button. Just pop in your favorite K-Cup pod, and you’re done. The 36-ounce water reservoir lets you brew back-to-back cups for those all-nighters.

A mini-fridge that packs it all in

If energy drinks get you through the day, keep them frosty with this slick and organized mini-fridge. The stainless finish gives your dorm room an instant bump, and its demure size still offers plenty of interior space to keep all your bevs and snacks chilled. There’s even a crisper drawer and a separate freezer for ice cream and frozen pizza.

‘Shroom up your dorm

Dorms are notorious for their unflattering lighting, but this amber-colored mushroom-shaped light will grace your space with a soft, ambient glow. Use it as a low-light desk lamp when you’re cramming while your roommate sleeps, or pair it with a WiFi plug that enables you to tell it to turn itself off when your head hits the pillow.

Feather your most stylish nest

Give your room a homey touch with this super affordable bed-in-a-bag set. You get a comforter, matching sheet set, pillowcase, and sham, and you can pick from tons of patterns and colors to dial in your own dorm vibe. The brushed microfiber feels like a dream, and the machine-washable comforter is reversible, in case you spill on it. Mainstays offers multiple designs, some more gender-neutral than others, so take your pick. 

Your go-to campus kicks

A cushy new pair of Crocs is a college must, and these sliders will get you around campus in top laid-back style. The signature nubs give your feet a mini-massage, the Croslite material feels like a marshmallow, and you can customize your pair with up to 12 Jibbitz charms in the shape of rainbows, paw prints, or strawberries. Add socks and walk on.