Not sure what to get your student this holiday season? Let us take the guesswork out for you!
1. A GIFT CARD TO THE KENT STATE UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE
From hoodies to headphones and textbooks to t-shirts, the Kent State University Bookstore provides your student with everything they will need during their time at Kent State. Located inside the student center on the Kent Campus with several regional campus locations, the bookstore provides essentials: notebooks, calculators, textbooks, laptops, backpacks and even plush black squirrels! The bookstore accepts Barnes and Noble gift cards.
*Items carried vary per location
2. THE KENT CARD
The Kent Card is an eGift card of any value and can be used at over 30 participating businesses in Kent. From favorites like Popped!, Tree City Coffee and Pastry, and Kent Sportswear to unique shops like Off the Wagon, the Kent Card makes a perfect gift. Give your Future Flash the gift of exploring all Kent has to offer, including live performances at the Kent Stage, handmade burritos at Taco Tontos and artisan stationery at Red Letter Days.

3. A YEAR'S SUBSCRIPTION TO SPOTIFY OR ANY MUSIC STREAMING SERVICE
KSU students are always on the move on campus from one class to the next, typically seen with a pair of headphones in. Spotify and music streaming services offer more than just a soundtrack for their busy day – they provide a way to unwind between classes and power through late-night study sessions. From guided meditations and soothing background sounds for better sleep to popular podcasts that inspire and inform, streaming platforms are a go-to resource for students.
4. A FIRST-YEAR SURVIVAL KIT

Whether your student is living on campus or commuting from home, they’ll need essential items to create a comfortable and supportive home environment that helps them thrive outside the classroom.
- String or LED lights to provide a calm, comfortable mood.
- Large, fluffy pillows for when their bed becomes their study room.
- A lapdesk to provide a sturdy surface for their laptop – wherever they may be.
- Reusable containers for planned, healthy meals on the go.
- An umbrella, because a short walk across campus can feel like an expedition in the rain!

5. PAY THEIR ENROLLMENT FEE!
Now that your student is accepted, the next step in their Next Steps Checklist is to pay the $150 enrollment fee. This fee is a key part of committing to Kent State University, which unlocks your students' ability to apply for housing and register for Destination Kent State (DKS), New Student Orientation starting Feb. 1. Gift your student the enrollment fee and kick off 2025 knowing your student is officially a Golden Flash!