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Noise blocker
Replace the din of a noisy dorm with Audio-Technica’s ATH-ANC25 QuietPoint Noise-Cancelling On-Ear Headphones, designed to block up to 80 percent of environmental noise. Cushioned and comfy on the ears, they are compatible with most portable music players, laptops and other electronic devices and fold up for easy backpack storage. $80. (800) 421-1223; Audio-Technica
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Low-key listening
Prefer an in-ear listening option? Bose offers unobtrusive QuietComfort 20i Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones. In the dorm, walking to class or studying in the library, you can choose full noise reduction or select “aware mode” to hear both your music and the world around you. $300. (800) 999-2673; Bose
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Peaceful coexistence
For dorm suites where turf wars can break out over shared refrigerators, resolve the conflict with your own compact Sunpentown double-door model. The RF-322SS has separate freezer and fridge compartments and 3.2 feet of cubic space for frozen pizzas and cold root beers. $325. (626) 336-2299; Sunpentown
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Focus fuel
Brew up a quick cup of energy using K-Cup packs, ground coffee or pods in a Bunn My Cafe MCU. Each drink brews in less than a minute, or you can fix a quick meal by heating water for oatmeal, mac & cheese or Ramen. $160. (800) 352-2866; Bunn at Home
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Smoothies on the go
Nutritious smoothies fit simply into a campus lifestyle with a Hamilton Beach Single-Serve Blender with Travel Lid. Whip up fruits, veggies, juices and more, snap on the lid and head to class with breakfast in hand. $20. (800) 851-8900; Hamilton Beach
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Feeding fans
Whether they’re simmering supper after a long day of classes or cooking up treats for a tailgate party, Crock-Pot’s new sports-themed slow cookers keep fans happy. Your favorite college or NFL team’s colors and logo can be emblazoned on the outside while low, high and warm settings prep your foods for serving time. $30 for 2.5 quart; $60 for 6 quart. (800) 323-9519; Crock-Pot
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Small wonder
Charge the tiny PowerShot II in any USB port, slip it in your backpack, and even a year later this pocket-sized power source is ready to deliver an emergency charge to smartphones, MP3 players, cameras and more. $29. (877) 326-7651; Powerstick
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Four sure
Too many chargers competing for too few wall outlets? The RND Power Solutions 4-port USB wall charger turns one outlet into four USB ports, so tablets, phones and other electronic devices can power up at the same time. $16. (888) 237-8289; Best Buy
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Pocket power
No need to worry about your smartphone or tablet dying while on campus if New Trent’s iCarrier is in your pocket. The sturdy IMP120D model has enough power to efficiently charge two devices at once. $38. (510) 226-6268; New Trent
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Digital notes
Scrap the spiral notebooks and step beyond laptop typing. The Boogie Board Sync 9.7-inch LCD eWriter lets you create page after digital page of notes and drawings with a stylus. After class, transfer your work to a phone, tablet or computer via Bluetooth. Handy for in-class presentations, too. $83. (888) 438-2594; Improve Electronics
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Cloud cover
Forget about monthly fees for safekeeping data, because Western Digital’s My Cloud is its own personal storage locker, where all your media and files are stored and organized in one spot. Access and upload to your personal cloud from desktops, tablets, digital cameras or smartphones. $150 for 2TB. (877) 934-6972; Western Digital.
College students headed back to campus will appreciate the perks provided by these cool tools.