student life

8 Great Books Every College Freshman Should Read

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 20, 2026

While the first year of college can be exciting and filled with possibilities, it can also be overwhelming. Students navigate a whole new world on their own for the very first time!  Check out these must-read books to help college students prepare for everything they may encounter in the upcoming years! 8 Must-Read Books for …

student life

4 Handy Lap Desks for College Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 20, 2026

  Something that can make studying around campus more comfortable is a lap desk. Portable, comfortable, and perfectly flat for writing in notebooks or typing on a laptop, it is a great piece of equipment that you can take with you anywhere. We scoured Amazon to find you the best best (and most affordable) options!  …

student life

4 Fantastic College Coffee Makers for a Dorm Room

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 20, 2026

As a college student you’ll find yourself gulping down mugs of this hot drink. Whether you need to stay awake during finals or all-night cram sessions. Because coffee is the fuel that keeps people going, we’ve found four perfect college coffee makers to help you get up and go. AdirChef Grab n’ Go Personal Coffee …

student life

10 of the Best Backpacks for Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 20, 2026

Key Takeaway As you prepare for college, you’ll want to make sure you have a good backpack to get you through the years ahead. Below, we’ve found the 10 best backpacks on Amazon: Best Travel Approved Best for Long-Term Durability Best for Everyday Use Best Organization Best Comfort On the Go Best Storage Best Wheeled …

student life

6 Tools And Kits For College Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 15, 2026

The last thing you may expect to be doing in college is fix things. But, things come loose at the hinges or break off completely and if it’s something you need immediately, you have no option but to you have to fix it yourself. On such days, the only person who can save your day …

student life

The 5 Best Planner Accessories for College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 20, 2026

Many college students benefit from organization and planning while in school, which makes a planner a great idea to keep track of all your homework, studying, tests, and other responsibilities. But a planner can be a bit more exciting than writing down your “to-do lists.” Instead, try these planner accessories to keep it interesting while …

student life

5 Great Laptop Cases for College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 20, 2026

Whether you’re taking your laptop to class or need it at the library for a bit of quiet time away from the roommates, it’s a good idea to get a laptop case for some protection. To keep it from bumping into desks or falling to the floor while you’re carrying it around, try one of …

student life

17 Holiday Gifts Perfect for College Students

By Allison WignallLast updated on January 20, 2026

‘Tis the gift-giving season! Looking for fun gifts for college students in your life? We’ve combed through Amazon and found these great presents—whether practical, fun, or both! Books The Naked Roommate This #1 best seller by Harlan Cohen offers practical (and comedic) advice about a host of challenges students will face. From the titular roommate, …

student life

Colleges Used as Filming Locations for Horror Movies

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Nothing says Halloween quite like a scary movie. Real college campuses have been used as filming locations for decades, and are featured in some of the most famous (and terrifying) horror films of all time! So pop some popcorn, grab that Halloween candy, and turn off the lights. Here’s a list of colleges used as …

student life

Clever (and Cheap) Halloween Costumes for College Students

By Allison WignallLast updated on June 27, 2024

When it comes to Halloween, college students are often just as excited as little kids. On campuses around the country students will dress up and head out to parties or school-sponsored events. In honor of the fun holiday, here are some clever, and most importantly affordable, last-minute DIY Halloween costumes! Smart Cookie High school grad …