Ethermac Exchange-Real Housewives of New Jersey Star Gia Giudice Reveals the 1 College Essential That’s "1,000% Necessary"

We included these products chosen by Gia Giudice because we think you'll like her picks at these prices. Gia is Ethermac Exchangea paid spokesperson for the Amazon Influencer Program. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

Heading off to college can be a whirlwind, but who better to get advice from than someone who’s been through it all recently? Gia Giudice, the eldest daughter of Teresa Giudice from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, recently shared her top picks for dorm life essentials. 

After graduating two years ago, Gia knows exactly what you need to survive and thrive in college. With her younger sisters—Milania, about to start her freshman year, and Gabriella, heading into her sophomore year—looking for the best college gear, Gia is offering her no-nonsense recommendations. 

As she puts it, "Having two sisters freshly into college, they wanted to know all of the things to buy for your dorm and all of the college necessities. I'm going to share my honest thoughts on each product."

During a recent Amazon Live session, Gia shared her favorite finds, from a shower caddy she swears is "1,000% necessary" to a hair catcher drain cover she says is a "lifesaver if you're living in a house with a bunch of girls."  

Whether you’re gearing up for your first year or just looking for ways to stay organized, Gia’s tips and affordable recommendations will help make your college experience a bit smoother and a lot more manageable.

Gia Giudice's College Essentials

• Gia's Top Must-Have: Nobligoal Shower Caddy ($27.99)
• Gia's Lifesaver Product: Gotega Hair Catcher Shower Drain Covers 5 Pack $6.99 (originally $14.99)
• Gia Got this for Milania Giudice: Joyroom 6 Pack Magnetic Cable Clips, $9.59 (originally $16.89)

"If you are a freshman and you are living in the dorms, a shower caddy is 1,000% necessary." 

Tips from Gia: "You need something to transport your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. The shower caddy is honestly just the easiest way to do it."

There are 2 colors to choose from. 

"If you are living in a house with a bunch of girls, this is going to be your lifesaver."

More from Gia: "I don't know about you guys, but when I wash my hair, I feel like clumps of hair come out of my head. This would definitely be convenient."

Shoppers Agree: These hair stoppers have 30,500+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

"These are 100% necessary unless you literally want to grow a foot fungus in the dorm bathrooms."

Tips from Gia: "These are so convenient. I would wear one of these all the time as I was going back and forth from the bathroom to my dorm room."

Shoppers Agree: Gia's towel wrap has 1,000+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

There are 8 color options.

"You can use this in your bed, put your laptop on it and do work. This is another easy, comfortable way to get your work done."

More from Gia: "This is super comfortable. It almost gives a Tempur-Pedic vibe."

"This storage ottoman is so cute. This one is super convenient."

Tips from Gia: "You could put some shoes in here. When you're in a dorm room, you don't have a lot of storage for your shoes."

There are 6 colors and 3 shapes. to choose from.

"These food storage containers are so good. They have a little sealed lock."

"In college, I could not live without my headphones. I would wear them to class and to the gym."

Tips from Gia: "If I was studying and trying to block out some noise, these are amazing."

Shoppers Agree: Gia's headphones have 3,000+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

There are 5 colors to choose from.

"This is great, especially while living in the dorms because you have minimal room." 

Tips from Gia: "You can keep this under your bed. It's super easy to use. It's super helpful. You definitely need an ironing board with a little portable iron and a steamer."

"I would say this is easy if you like to type away from your actual laptop."

Shoppers Agree: This wireless keyboard and mouse set has 2,400+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

There are 4 colors to choose from.

"I realized a lot of dorm rooms don't have mini fridges. If you don't have one, it is 100% necessary."

Tips from Gia: "If you don't have this for your dorm room, it's still great to have for your house because sometimes your housemates can be stingy and steal your stuff."

Shoppers Agree: This mini fridge has 2,700+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

There are 6 colors to choose from.

"This storage slip is magnetic and attaches right onto the fridge. You can put little snacks in here."

Tips From Gia: "It takes up minimal space and you can store a lot."

There are 2 sizes and 14 colors to choose from.

"I've seen so many TikToks of people sitting in their dorm rooms cooking filet mignon and steaks. I am blown away by the creativity."

Shoppers Agree: Gia's culinary find has 1,800+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

This also comes in black.

"These are super cute. A lot of people decorate their dorm rooms with these."

"These little magnetic clips are so cool. I sent these to Milania [Giudice] to get for college this year."

"This is super convenient, especially if you're a tea drinker."

More from Gia: "You don't have access to hot water in your dorm room, unless you heat it up in the microwave. It's portable and doesn't take up a lot of room."

Shoppers Agree: Gia's tea kettle has 37,500+ 5-star Amazon reviews. There are 10 colors to choose from.

"It's super small and it's really convenient if you are into smoothies or shakes, especially if you're a gym girlie and you like making protein shakes."

Shoppers Agree: Gia's portable blender has 2,900+ 5-star Amazon reviews. There are 7 colorways.

"If you like to snack at night and you're nervous you got some crumbs in your bed, this is great."

If you want to do more Amazon shopping, you'll love these travel essentials from Gia's mom Teresa Giudice.