2026 College Survival Guide on TipsOnTV
Lifestyle Correspondent and Emmy Award-winning Journalist Michelle Park Breaks Down the Biggest Gen Z Trends for College Move-In Season.
The traditional college packing list is getting a makeover. Today’s students are heading to campus with different priorities than previous generations, placing a greater emphasis on technology, organization, wellness and creating spaces that reflect both their academic and personal lives. As colleges welcome students back this fall, these evolving preferences are shaping some of the biggest trends of the back-to-college season. Lifestyle correspondent and digital creator Michelle Park, who covers consumer trends and emerging lifestyle innovations, discusses what is trending with Gen Z this back-to-college season and how today’s students are redefining campus life.
WHERE TO START
Start with beauty routines. IPSY is the leading curated beauty membership. They deliver the most viral, coveted beauty and skincare products to right to the door every month to help find a unique sense of beauty. Each assortment is customized to personal beauty preferences, whether a seasoned makeup artist or simply looking to discover new favorites. This is the perfect gift for any kid heading to college. Choose from 3, 6 or 12 month giftable subscriptions starting at just $52. Head over to IPSY.com/gift to learn more.
THE LATEST TECH
Tech is such a huge part of student life, so for the latest tech I recommend Dell XPS 13. It delivers a premium experience without the expensive price tag. It is the thinnest, lightest XPS ever made at just 2.2 pounds. With up to 17 hours of battery life, thanks to the latest Intel Core Series 3 processors, students can go from morning lectures to late-night studying without hunting for an outlet. The touchscreen display and backlit keyboard make it easy to work anywhere – even in a dimly lit dorm room. Students 16 & up can get one for $599 for a limited time. Find the new Dell XPS 13 at Dell.com
- X: @Dell
- Instagram: @Dell
- LinkedIn: @DellTechnologies
SOMETHING TO MAKE DORM LIVING BETTER
Students want a space that feels comfortable, clean and worry-free. That is why the Zevo Compact Flying Insect Trap is a must-have essential for any college dorm. Designed specifically for smaller spaces, it uses blue and UV-light to lure, trap, and kill 99.9% of trapped bugs, providing 24/7 continuous protection so students can focus on studying, relaxing, and making memories instead of dealing with unwanted flying insects. Find the Zevo Compact Trap at major retailers nationwide. For more information, visit zevoinsect.com
DEALING WITH STRESS
College life brings packed schedules, campus activities, and plenty of stressful moments, so having an antiperspirant you can count on is a must. Secret Clinical Antiperspirant provides 100-hour protection against three types of sweat: stress, heat, and activity – so that you feel confident no matter what your day brings. Whether it is the big game or preparing for oral exams, Secret can help you stay fresher under pressure. Find it at retailers nationwide starting at just under $14. For more information, visit secret.com
