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When college students first start attending school, they are often nervous and unsure of the future. Receiving a gift could make them feel more welcomed and excited about their new adventure. Check out some of these awesome welcome gifts for college students below.
Top Welcome Gifts for College Students to Make Them Feel at Home
It’s hard going off to college, especially if you’re living away from home for the first time. While these gifts won’t fix their homesickness, they can at least help a college student in your life (or your class) start the semester off right by feeling more organized and at home.
Portable Power Bank
Portable power banks are so handy for college students not that everything is digital. You never know when you’ll need to charge your phone or laptop when in class!
Study Definition Printable Poster
This funny “study” definition poster tells the truth about what studying is these days, texting, eating, and watching TV while pretending to study or procrastinating.
College Necklace
These can be customized when their school for a fun “welcome to college” gift idea.
Super Soft Throw Blanket
College dorm rooms can be cool, especially when you don’t have control over the temperature. A throw blanket is a nice addition to their dorm room (and one you know they’ll actually use).
Custom Dorm Welcome Mat
This is so fun if the college student you’re welcoming knows who their dorm roommate is (or you want to welcome your new roommate). You could also get it without personalization if you don’t know their name too.
Call Your Mom Pillow
Sometimes college students need a reminder to stay in touch with their family. This pillow is both practical as a throw pillow, and practical for them to think of home too.
Custom Neon Sign
These fun neon signs can be customized with any message. Choose their name, school name, or an uplifting message. Then they’ll have a cool decoration for their dorm that also doubles as an extra light.
Ramen Cooker
The college student staple! You can give this to a college student on its own, or package it with a variety of ramen noodle packets for a unique (and practical) gift basket idea.
College Care Package Magnets
These magnets are great additions to college care packages or to give as inexpensive welcome gifts for college students. Hopefully this will help them remember to stay connected with their family while they’re busy and away!
Dorm Room Cupholder
Did you know these existed? Well you do now! Great if the dorm room has bunk beds or no room for a bedside table.
Best College Student Printable Planner
Help them stay organized and on top of things with this Best College Student printable planner at hand.
Monogrammed Earrings
Letters of the college could be put on these earrings to represent the school!
Trivial Pursuit Game
This game is based on the podcast “Stuff You Should Know” that’s really popular with young people right now. Not only will they learn some new things, but they’ll have a great icebreaker activity to play with their new friends.
Funny Mug
Most college students enjoy coffee or tea so a mug is a great welcome gift idea. Go with something they like, or find a funny one like this study-themed mug.
Inspirational Pencils
They sure can, as long as they think good thoughts along the way. Plus, these pencils will be great to write with too, which they will be doing a lot of this year.
“Hey mom, I’m home” Funny Laundry Bag
They will be doing a majority of their laundry at home, even if they have access to washers and dryers, since it costs so much. This “Hey, mom, I’m home” funny laundry bag is a great way of announcing their presence.
Engraved Yeti Tumbler
This yeti tumbler can be engraved with their name or the name of the school, and will help them stay hydrated as they run around.
“Never stop believing that fighting for what is right is worth it. -Hillary Clinton” Wall Art
Remind them to never stop believing that fighting for what is right is worth it. There will be a lot of challenges and new things they face, but they should never sacrifice what is right for anything.
Personal Safe
If a kid is staying in dorms a safe can help protect their valuables when they’re not home. Add it to a welcome gift for a practical gift idea.
Dorm Shower Mesh Basket
Most dorms have communal showers and it can be a pain to carry all your shower products back and forth. This mesh caddy is a great solution – the best part is it dries easily too. Give it alone, or fill it with shower supplies for a nice gift basket.
Open When… Envelopes for College Students
Fill each of these envelopes up with something special (get creative!) for a super thoughtful college welcome gift idea. The best part is it doesn’t take up much space too!
College Style Notebook
Practical gifts like school supplies are a great way to welcome college students to their new semester and help set them up for success. Love this tabbed notebook to keep things organized.
Flashcards for Studying
We had to say it, but most college students need some tricks to study effectively. These flashcards are handy to keep on hand and way easier than making your own.
College is a fun adventure, but it brings a lot of challenges along for the ride, and a welcome gift will go a long way in making them feel more comfortable and welcome.