Finding shopping items for your first college apartment is often overwhelming, and it can be difficult to separate wants from needs. To make that discernment a little easier, here are five items I think are absolutely essential for your first apartment.
Air fryer
If you ask any college student about first apartment essentials, I think many would mention an air fryer. Whether you’re a cooking beginner or a seasoned pro, the air fryer is a kitchen must-have for convenience.
You can cook a variety of things in an air fryer, from vegetables to frozen chicken nuggets. An air fryer meal can be as simple or complex as you want. Aside from versatility, using an air fryer is relatively mess-free, as well. You can get a small one at Walmart or Kroger for under $50.
Candle warmer
As someone who received a candle warmer for Christmas and has been using it every day since, I can assure you it has been an essential addition to my first apartment. I truly think anyone can benefit from the cozy ambience and impressive scent projection of a candle warmer.
If you tend to burn through candles quickly, a warmer will prolong the lives of your candles and improve their scent projection. Using a candle warmer is also less of a fire hazard than the open flame of a burning candle.
Candle warmers not only make your space smell amazing but make a great piece of decor. Their soft, warm light creates the perfect atmosphere to settle down and relax after a long day of classes. Amazon sells a variety of candle warmers for under $40.
Vacuum
Although a handheld dust buster might suffice for a dorm room, an apartment requires the aid of a heavy-duty vacuum. No matter how many rooms your apartment has, a vacuum will allow you to cover optimal ground.
A good vacuum will take care of inevitable messes and get the job done faster than a broom or dust buster. If you have roommates, a vacuum is the ideal item to pitch in on because you’ll all use it at some point. From upright to cordless, Walmart sells a variety of vacuums for under $100.
Tool kit
A tool kit is one of those items that will always be beneficial to have, especially in your first apartment. If you live somewhere where the maintenance service isn’t great, it always helps to have basic tools to make small repairs yourself.
Even if you think you wouldn’t use one, you’ll never regret having a tool kit in your apartment. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and a basic tool kit is a good way to stay prepared for a variety of apartment inconveniences. The Home Depot sells basic tool kits ranging from $16 to $63.
Fan
Although a fan might be the last thing you’re thinking about during these cold winter months, it is an absolute staple for any first apartment. During the warmer seasons, a good quality fan will save you from overheating or discomfort.
My personal savior in the fan category has been the Woozoo Fan, which is great for its oscillation, timer and five speed settings and sold at Costco for about $50. If you’d prefer something more affordable, you can also get a reasonably priced box fan from most local grocery stores.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student’s spring 2026 Housing and Living Guide.
