While some things that college students want like more time and energy are intangible, James Chung offers a list of things that might make for better Christmas gifts.
Christmas is approaching, and many of us are already creating a wishlist of gifts we would like to receive! However, it’s essential to remember that our parents have a limited budget, as they also pay for our college tuition. Here are some Christmas gift ideas you may want to consider for the upcoming holiday season.
Car
The first gift that caught my attention was a vehicle. In my first experience living in the US and studying abroad, I noticed the importance of a car. I needed it to be able to do the activities that I could do as a college student. I am from a Latin background where the country is much smaller than the US, and the metro is well developed compared to the US. I could travel anywhere in the country’s capital through the metro in less than an hour.
However, owning a car means traveling extensively, but occasionally, the metro and bus are used more for transportation. Not owning a car in the US means you’re unable to go to get groceries, travel to your favorite restaurant and travel to other states. Most college students would agree that they might consider a car as a major Christmas gift.
A hydroflask water bottle would come in handy for college students. I have seen many college students walking on campus owning a hydro flask water bottle. Holding a water bottle is very useful because it keeps the coldness of the water, and when you visit the dining hall, you can refill your water bottle and stay with it for a day without worrying about hydration or spending money multiple times a day on plastic water bottles.
For the upcoming Christmas, it depends on your area. The cold and wintery environment brings the nostalgia of a young child who’s always looked forward to the winter season and the particular vibe it brings on Christmas. To intensify your mood during Christmas, I recommend buying a couple of candles to make your room lively. Buy your favorite scented candle to make your experience during Christmas the best! I like the aroma of lavender-scented candles. But make sure to check your current living area rules, especially if you live on campus!
On my first day at APU as a student, on the lawn between Trinity Hall and Engstram Hall, I saw a couple of students playing an activity similar to volleyball, but the net was circular. Later, scrolling down social media, I found a specific activity I thought was ground volleyball: Spikeball. I have seen different students playing Spikeball over the weeks, but the activity seemed very entertaining. That helped students do physical activity by moving around, a great way to connect with new students and make friends.
If you’re in your room alone and want to get hyped with music, but your laptop is your only sound source, I recommend buying a portable Bluetooth speaker! A mobile speaker will amplify your music experience, and you’ll be able to have a lively experience from your dorm. In addition, you can carry your speaker anywhere you would like; by bringing your speaker to a friend’s meeting, you’ll become the DJ who’s in charge of making the meeting a much more enjoyable experience.
Laptop/iPad
Caleb Hwang, a freshman majoring in physics, stated, “A gift that most college students would desire to get is either a laptop or an iPad. For college students, carrying those electronics around to take notes during class is essential because taking extensive notes is more manageable and lightweight than taking a notebook.”
As a college student, I own an iPad and share Hwang’s opinion that it offers a unique experience. It allows me to work on my homework more efficiently and provides ample opportunities for elaboration. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s worth watching for the upcoming sales to score great deals!