2025 is right around the corner, and for you polytechnic and university students out there, school is due to start soon! But wait! You can’t go into the new year unprepared, whether you’re gearing up for a whirlwind of lectures, late-night cramming, or that one group project with slacking teammates! Having the right essentials can mean the difference between thriving or barely surviving the school year!
We’ll take you through the ultimate kit for academic success this year, because, let’s be real, if you’re going to crush deadlines and keep your sanity intact, you’re going to need more than just a pen and a prayer. Here’s your guide to the top lifestyle essentials that’ll help you make your return to campus smooth, stylish, and prepared.
Fragrances
Montblanc Explorer
Starting simple but strong, Montblanc Explorer is the perfect fragrance for a professional setting, whether in the classroom or at your internship office! Blending intense citrus and woody scent notes seamlessly with an aromatic, slightly musky base, it’s an ever-reliable option well-suited to Singapore’s hot, humid weather!
Based on the famous Creed Aventus, Montblanc Explorer is priced far more reasonably, making it less of a squeeze for those on a tight student budget. What’s more, you get a full 100ml bottle for that price, which would be unlikely with other designer fragrance brands!
💲 Original Price: S$145
💲 Promotional Price: S$68.90
🔗 Link for Purchase: Lazada
Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia
Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia is a floral classic, suitable for any occasion! It opens with the crisp, juicy freshness of ripe fruit – think biting into a perfectly chilled pear on a breezy September morning.
Then, it blooms into the soft, elegant sweetness of freesia, a floral note that’s light enough not to overwhelm but still sophisticated enough that it won’t be out of place even at company functions and high-powered corporate events. Finally, subtle woody undertones of patchouli and amber linger to ground the scent, giving it a warm, cosy finish that lingers on you throughout the day.
Why is this perfect for school? It’s fresh, clean, and a well-rounded fragrance – light enough for a classroom setting, but posh enough that you wouldn’t be out of place in a more formal setting!
💲 Original Price: S$118
💲 Promotional Price: S$68.70
🔗 Link for Purchase: Shopee
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense
Heading back to school after a long break can feel dreary. Enter Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense, the ultimate pick-me-up in a bottle! Imagine a crisp Mediterranean breeze cutting through the chaos of campus life – that’s Light Blue! With sparkling notes of citrus, crisp green apple, and cedarwood, this fragrance won’t overwhelm any prospective project partners!
Why should it make your back-to-school list despite being a touch pricier? First, the versatility. Light Blue Intense works just as well for a packed lecture hall as it does for after-class hangouts. It’s not overpowering, so no one’s going to accuse you of fumigating the room, but it’s also distinctive enough to make people wonder if you spent the summer relaxing on a yacht off the coast of Monaco. Second, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly for a designer fragrance, which is a huge plus!
💲 Original Price: S$142
💲 Promotional Price: S$82.90
🔗 Link for Purchase: Lazada
Watches
G-SHOCK G-SQUAD DW-H5600
Here’s one for both student-athletes and everyone trying to work off their midnight snacks! The G-SHOCK G-SQUAD is the perfect companion to keep you on top of your game. The standout DW-H5600 model doesn’t just tell the time – it’s a fitness coach strapped to your wrist!
Packed with features like heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, and compatibility with Strava, this watch is your ticket to tracking every run, ride, and workout during the school year with precision. Plus, it’s all housed in G-SHOCK’s signature tough-as-nails design, so whether you’re hitting the gym or braving the school field, it can handle the heat.
And let’s not forget about looking stylish, because the DW-H5600 isn’t just functional, it looks great too! With its sleek, minimalist design and futuristic display, this watch adds a subtle touch of cool to any outfit. It’s reliable, fashionable, and built to last, making it a no-brainer for students who want to stay active and look great, all without breaking the bank.
💲 Original Price: S$419
💲 Promotional Price: S$299
🔗 Link for Purchase: Lazada
G-SHOCK LADIES GM-S2110

Here’s one for the girls – elevate your back-to-school style with the G-SHOCK LADIES series! Designed to keep you looking fierce while juggling your busy schedule, these models blend functionality with fashion, featuring softer, versatile shades that make a statement without overpowering your outfit. Take for example the GM-S2110, a watch that perfectly balances boldness and elegance. With its polished silver bezel and iridescent dial available in gold or purple, it’s the ultimate accessory to add a touch of sophistication to your everyday look.
But don’t let the chic design fool you – this is still a G-SHOCK, which means it’s as tough as nails! Sexy, durable, and budget-friendly, it’s the perfect wrist adornment to keep you on time and on-trend. If you’re interested in finding out more about the watches CASIO has on offer, you can check out our article on their new Q4 releases here!
💲Price: S$279
🔗 Link for Purchase:
Aries Gold BELFAST MOON G 7013 RG-W
Let’s face it – owning a high-end Swiss-style watch with a moon-phase design sounds like nothing but a pipe dream for most of us, since it’s way out of most budgets, especially for students. Enter the Belfast Moon G 7013 RG-W by Aries Gold, a watch that brings luxury within reach. Designed with watch enthusiasts in mind, this masterpiece features a stunning skeletal moon design paired with a reliable Japanese Seiko chronograph movement. It’s not just another pretty face either – the sun and moon function, polished indexes and skeletal dial design add a touch of standout sophistication!
Built for both style and durability, the Belfast Moon 7013 features a solid stainless steel case, domed mineral glass, and a thick, high-quality leather strap that’s tough enough for daily wear. At 45mm with a sleek brushed casing, it’s bold without being overwhelming – perfect if you want to make an understated splash when you head back to school!
Whether you’re in lectures, out with friends, or handling a packed schedule, this watch balances elegance and functionality, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a timepiece that looks and feels premium.
💲 Original Price: S$285
💲 Promotional Price: S$199.50
🔗 Link for Purchase: H2HUB
Bags
MUJI Less Tiring Backpack
Looking for a bag to complete your minimalist aesthetic that’s also super functional? Well, the MUJI Less Tiring Backpack has you covered! Designed with comfortable fit straps to reduce weight on your shoulders, this backpack is perfect for long school days when you’re lugging around textbooks, a laptop, and all your daily essentials. Its lightweight, sleek design means you can focus on getting through your day without feeling like you’ve been carrying the whole library on your back, and with confidence that you look positively dapper.
But what makes this backpack stand out is its commitment to sustainability. The outer shell and lining are both made from 100% recycled polyester, making it an eco-friendly choice for students who care about the planet. Plus, its water-repellent finish keeps your belongings safe from unexpected spills or rainy commutes.
Durable, practical, and budget-friendly, the MUJI Less Tiring Backpack is the perfect blend of functionality and flair – an essential investment for the school year ahead.
💲 Price: S$39
🔗 Link for Purchase: Shopee
Doughnut Gleam Sky Series Crossbody Bag

For anyone looking to embody a cutesy, coquette aesthetic, the Doughnut Gleam Sky Series Crossbody Bag is the perfect addition to your school essentials! Inspired by the mesmerising hues of the sky, this bag is designed with themes of dawn and dusk in mind, incorporating mesmerising soft purple and orange tones.
Beyond its looks, this bag is built for everyday practicality. With a water-repellent finish, it keeps your belongings safe and dry, while the external zippered compartment and internal slots help you organise cards, notes, and your phone. Its lightweight design and detachable, adjustable strap give you the flexibility to wear it as a crossbody, wallet, or pouch, making it a versatile choice for school and beyond. Made with durable nylon and polyester, this bag is as tough as it is stylish – ideal for students who want both functionality and flair without breaking the bank.
💲 Price: S$38
🔗 Link for Purchase: Shopee
OZUKO Men Large Capacity Waterproof Laptop Backpack Business Travel Bag USB Charging

For students seeking a reliable yet affordable backpack that can handle the demands of a busy school year, the OZUKO Waterproof Laptop Backpack is a perfect choice. Made from durable and waterproof material, this bag is built to withstand daily wear and tear while protecting your belongings from the unexpected. Its large capacity and smart organisation features – such as compartments for laptops, phones, and other essentials – make it ideal for carrying everything you need for anything school can throw at you!
One of its standout features is the quick USB charging port, allowing you to stay connected on the go by easily charging your devices. The breathable decompression system ensures comfort even when carrying heavy loads, making your commute less of a drag.
Available in chic colours like black, grey, and blue, as well as a bold camouflage option, this unisex backpack is as fashionable in addition to being practical. With its thoughtful design and wallet-friendly price, this OZUKO backpack is a must-have for students looking to stay organised and prepared for their school year.
💲 Original Price: S$107.25
💲 Promotional Price: S$35.63
🔗 Link for Purchase: Shopee
Tech
Anvers CPro Power Bank Mini 5000mAh Fast Charging Power Bank

Finally, jumping into the tech world we have the Anvers CPro Power Bank 5000mAh – a must-have for students looking to stay powered throughout their busy school days. This pint-sized but powerful device is designed to simplify your life with its all-in-one charging solution, featuring a built-in Type-C connector and Lightning cable.
Whether you’re charging your iPhone, Type-C devices, or Apple Watch, this power bank ensures you’re always connected without the hassle of carrying extra cables. Its wireless charging capability for Apple Watches is especially convenient, letting you power up your watch on the go without dealing with tangled wires!
What truly sets it apart though, is its fast charging capabilities, delivering up to 22.5W max output to keep your devices running throughout the day! Despite providing robust performance, it’s incredibly lightweight at just 115g and compact enough to fit in your pocket or bag.
Perfect for commuting, travelling, or simply navigating a packed school schedule, this power bank combines efficiency, portability, and versatility. For students heading back to school, the Anvers CPro Power Bank is the perfect companion to ensure your devices are always ready when you need them.
💲 Original Price: S$69.99
💲 Promotional Price: S$19.99
🔗 Link for Purchase: Shopee
Baseus WM01 TWS Bluetooth Earphones
For anyone looking for more budget-friendly alternatives to the big boys in the earphone market, the Baseus WM01 TWS Bluetooth Earphones are the perfect blend of affordability and functionality!
These lightweight earbuds, weighing just 4 grams, are designed for all-day comfort and deliver impressive sound quality with their PU composite vibration membrane, offering clear audio and deep bass for music, podcasts, or online lectures.
The Baseus WM01 TWS Bluetooth Earphones boast a 25-hour extended battery life when used with the charging case, and a single charge provides up to 5 hours of playtime at 70% volume – more than enough to get through a day of classes. The fast Type-C charging ensures the earphones are ready to go after just 1.5 hours of charging, ensuring you don’t need to waste too much time charging them!
Compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices, these earphones seamlessly connect to any system, offering a hassle-free listening experience. Combine that with intuitive touch controls for play/pause, song switching, and call management, the Baseus WM01 is essential for anyone looking to lock in this school year!
💲 Original Price: S$43.81
💲 Promotional Price: S$16.03
🔗 Link for Purchase: Shopee
Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker
The Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker is a compact yet powerful audio solution perfect for students looking to enhance their music experience on a budget! With an impressive 20-hour playback time on a single charge, this mini speaker can seamlessly last you through long study sessions, extracurriculars, or all-day hangouts!
Built to endure tough conditions, its IP67 rating offers protection against dust and water, making it perfect for enduring anything the outdoors can put it through! Its lightweight design and included strap make it incredibly portable, whether you’re on a hike, at the beach with friends, or simply heading to the library. Durable, versatile, and affordable, the Soundcore Select 4 Go is an essential gadget for staying entertained and connected throughout the school year.
💲 Price: S$49.40
🔗 Link for Purchase: Shopee
Lifestyle Shopping on a Budget!
And there we have it! Heading back to school doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet for new stuff. From a fragrance to keep you smelling fresh, to minimalistic bags to reliable speakers, these budget-friendly lifestyle essentials are designed to make your academic year smoother, more productive, and a lot more enjoyable.
Whether it’s about staying connected during long lectures, unwinding with music between classes, or powering through group projects, the right essentials can elevate your school experience.
Investing in practical, affordable lifestyle products ensures you’re always prepared for whatever the school year has in store. So, before you hit the books, take a moment to gear up with these must-haves, and set yourself up for success, both inside and outside the classroom! If you end up picking up any of the items on our list here, be sure to post about it and tag us on our Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok!
Photos by Kristen Ong of the DANAMIC Team. Additional visuals courtesy of Anvers, Doughnut, and OZUKO.