CNET reviews: Best gadgets and appliances for dorms

Whether you like it or not, a new school year is ready to begin, which means it's time to go shopping for back-to-school essentials for the college student in your life. Freshmen may need to limit their list to fit into a dorm room whereas seniors may be buying pots and pans for their first-ever off-campus apartment. But whether you're living in a tiny dorm room or a nice apartment, there are some essential appliances and devices every college student should bring.

From kitchen appliances to personal care items, we've narrowed down a list of the best back-to-school appliances and devices every college student should own. Here we're detailing three items we think every college student needs regardless of whether you're on a budget or you're a high roller.

WHAT Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speakers

THE COST $119

AVAILABLE FROM bose.com

Share your favorite tracks with your friends and get the party started with one of the best Bluetooth speakers around. The Bose SoundLink Flex offers impressive sound for its compact size and budget-friendly price tag. The speaker is also fully dustproof, waterproof, and it floats — which makes it ideal for pool parties and beach trips.

WHAT TCL 4 Series TV

THE COST $399.99 and up

AVAILABLE FROM tcl.com

Over the years, TCL has often topped CNET's list of best TVs and for good reason. Our experts tested and reviewed several TVs and picked the TCL 4-Series as the best option for those on a budget. You'll get a decent 4K UHD picture with all your streaming services built-in, thanks to Roku. If you're looking for something more premium, the TCL QM8 is our pick for best overall TV.

WHAT Farberware Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor

THE COST $139.99

AVAILABLE FROM amazon.com

This appliance from Farberware takes the top spot on our list of best microwaves. It's spacious, affordable and has quick settings that actually work. If you're in a hurry, you can have boiling water for your tea in less than three minutes. You can also get yummy popcorn for movie night at the touch of a button. If you're not the best cook, you'll love the sensor cook feature, which can detect when something is done cooking so you don't have to worry about burning anything.