The 4 Best (and Cutest) Tumblers for Running Around Campus, According to Students

Whether I’m settling in for a study session with a tall mug of coffee or shuffling across campus with a cup of kombucha, a good tumbler is as essential to my life at college as a laptop. And not just any tumbler or travel mug — I require one that keeps beverages at the right temp, won’t leak in my bag, and maybe even earns me a compliment in the library.

But with so many options on the market, spending your money on the right one can feel so overwhelming. That’s why I asked five current college students to share their holy grail bottles. Below, you’ll find a curated list of tried-and-true favorites. Whether you’re an iced coffee enthusiast, a water-chugging athlete, or someone who just wants a cute cup for their matcha, you can find your new emotional support tumbler below.

There’s a reason Yeti tumblers have become the gold standard. Known for being nearly indestructible and seriously temperature-retaining thanks to the double-wall construction, Yeti mugs reliably keep your drinks just how you like them for hours. I’ve used my Yeti Rambler religiously for both hot and cold drinks, and it’s kept my morning tea still steaming after class, and my ice water still clinking with cubes on a long walk.

Yeti also shines in its variety of vessels. Whether you’re looking for a mug for hot tea, a small tumbler for iced coffee, or a huge bottle, so you can become a boss-level water drinker, Yeti has all of the above. Plus, the color options are just as solid as the build, from classic neutrals to bold brights.

Let’s just say the VSCO girls were ahead of their time. Hydro Flasks have been a campus staple for years, and their popularity has not waned. Built to withstand just about anything, these tumblers are famously tough. Sophia, a student at the University of Rhode Island, says, “My Hydro Flask is indestructible. It has survived countless drops and bangs, and still keeps my water cold.”

Hydro Flasks come in a huge variety of sizes, lid styles, and shapes, from classic wide-mouth water bottles to sleek tumblers and micro bottles. And the color selection? Elite. I would even argue they beat Yeti in the aesthetic department (although Yeti remains my personal favorite!). The adorable little Hydro Flask logo is just an added bonus that makes the whole bottle feel more fun.

The Stanley Cup is absolutely worth the hype — and no, I don’t mean the hockey trophy. This viral tumbler features a sturdy handle, easy-to-sip straw, and slim base that fits in your cup holder; it is beloved for a reason. They are not the best for tossing in your backpack, because the straw lid can’t stop all leaks, but they are good for other things. Emma, a student at Villanova, says, “I use my Stanley for my long drive to school because it fits in my cup holder, and it keeps my ice frozen!”

Stanleys come in a variety of sizes and colorways, some of which are limited-edition (I have my eye on the “Awh Dawn On High” design). Whether you are running late to class or cruising on a weekend adventure, a Stanley Quencher is your hydration ride-or-die.

If you’ve spotted a brightly colored water bottle on campus lately, chances are it was an Owala FreeSip. These bottles have recently exploded in popularity, and for good reason. Their mix-and-match colorways make hydration a fashion statement, letting you customize your bottle to match your personal vibe.

But Owala isn’t just about looks. The innovative FreeSip lid lets you choose between sipping through the built-in straw or chugging from the wider mouth opening. They claim to be “completely leakproof,” and easy to clean, and they come with a built-in carrying loop! Melina, a student at the University of Vermont, says, “I use my Owala every day! It is the perfect size for me and keeps my water cold.” Equal parts cute and convenient, Owala bottles are ideal for busy students who value hydration and style.

Want to show up to class with a tumbler straight out of a Pinterest board? The patterned glass cups from Anthropologie are as cute as it gets — think tiny pink bows, lemons, and ladybugs —  and they are made even sweeter when filled up with your matcha or iced coffee. And here’s the game-changer: Yeti lids fit them perfectly. Aria, a student at Providence College, told me about this hack. She says, “I use my Anthropologie glass with a Yeti lid for my morning matcha. It has the cutest evil eye design and is totally leakproof.”

This dreamy combo gives you the charm of Anthropologie’s signature designs with the anti-leak practicality of Yeti. (Just remember you can only use cold beverages for this hack!) Your study setup just got way more Instagrammable.

Let’s face it, college life means you’re more than likely taking your water, coffee, or favorite drink on the go with you. And that means you need a reliable container to keep your beverage just the way you like it. The good news? There’s a perfect tumbler out there for everyone. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, you might want a travel cup that keeps beverages hot and cold, but if you are only in it for the ice-cold hydration, then a classic water bottle could be your best bet. 

As you decide which on-the-go cup is the right one for you, here’s the final rundown of how these four student-loved tumblers stack up:

• Stanley is the road trip MVP: cup holder-friendly, high-capacity, and always ice-cold.
• Yeti is the most dependable all around: no spills, top-tier insulation, and shapes for every need. (Plus, you can use the lid on your fave Anthropologie glass for a cute sipper.)
• Owala is the cutest and most customizable: mix-and-match colors and the best straw game in the biz.
• Hydro Flask is the most indestructible: perfect for tossing in your bag and sprinting to class.

Check out *all* of our tips and easy recipes in Dorm Therapy’s complete Start Here Guide to Cooking at College. You’d be surprised how much you can do with a microwave and a mini fridge!