The Ultimate College Packing List
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It’s almost that time of year when you need to start making that list and checking it twice. Nope, not Christmas—college shopping season!
We’ve got the ultimate college shopping list for you, breaking it down by the “sections” of your dorm room. When it comes to packing for college, you only want the essentials at first, as you will accumulate a ton over the course of your academic year. Rather than overpacking, we’ve narrowed it down to the “Bare Necessities.”
Bathing Beauties
1. Shower caddy (this will become another appendage)
2. Washcloths and towels
3. Flip-flops
4. Shampoo and conditioner
5. Body wash/soap
6. Facial cleanser
7. Toothbrush and toothpaste
8. Deodorant
Communal showers aren’t so bad, especially when your shower caddy can carry all of the essentials you need (i.e. you won’t be juggling shampoo and conditioner like an inept clown).
Dirty Laundry
1. Laundry detergent
2. Laundry basket
3. Laundry hamper/bag
Yep, the free ride’s over. Mom and Dad are no longer around to wash your clothes for you. If you like dryer sheets, by all means add them to the list, but they aren’t necessary.
Storage Wars
1. Storage bins
2. Hangers
3. Underbed storage
As college students, you will gain the ability to pack a lot of stuff into a small space, so all of those years of playing Tetris will finally pay off. Storage bins are great for storing shoes, outerwear, and other things that don’t always need to be out and about.
The Science of Sleep
1. Pillows
2. Pillow cases
3. Twin-long comforter
4. Twin-long sheets
5. Blanket
6. Waterproof mattress protector (if you’re a germaphobe and don’t like the idea of who’s been in your bed before you)
Typically, most college dorms provide twin-long beds to students, so you want to make sure you have twin-long bedding supplies. Also, a few comfy pillows can sometimes take the place of chairs when friends come over to hang out.
That’s Entertainment
1. TV
2. DVD player
3. iPod
4. iHome stereo
These might not be necessary, per se, but when it’s a Saturday afternoon and you don’t feel like studying, they will seem like godsends. If TV isn’t on your list of essentials, often lounges supply this form of entertainment. Also, talk with your roommate to see if he or she has a TV to bring (you don’t want to have duplicates!).
Fast Food
1. Microwave
2. Mini-fridge
3. Dishes
4. Glasses
5. Flatware
6. Dish detergent
7. Tupperware (for snacks or leftovers)
Chances are if you’re in the dorms you may not have your own kitchen. However, communal lounges tend to have sinks to do dishes and maybe a few ovens to do some light cooking. You want to make sure you have something to eat on if you have an unexpected movie night with your hallmates.
Techno Logic
1. Laptop
2. Surge protector
3. External hard drive
When it comes to on-campus computer labs, you can often utilize the printers they have. So while you may want to add a printer to this list, find out whether there’s free printing on campus. You could save some money (and some space when you pack up your car!).
Miscellaneous
1. Trash can
2. Dry erase board
3. Mattress pad or egg crate
4. Coffeemaker (if dining hall Joe just doesn’t do it for you)
5. Swiffer
6. Paper towels
7. Disinfecting wipes
8. Sponges
9. Broom and dustpan
10. Batteries
11. Duct tape
12. Backpack
13. Tool kit
14. Umbrella/rain gear
15. Ear plugs (if you have a roommate)
16. Febreze
This list also depends on what is supplied by the college. For example, if your dorm room has carpeting, then you won’t need a carpet (or probably a Swiffer!), but you may need a mini-vac (unless you can borrow one from your residence hall).
Before you even twist the knob to your room, you want to find out from the school what will already be there so you can pack accordingly. It will make the move much easier so that once you arrive to campus, you won’t look at your pile of stuff and think, “Where is all of THIS gonna go?”
What are you including in your college packing list? What would you suggest an incoming freshman bring? Tell us in a comment below.
Great List! Will print off and use while shopping for needed items!!
Thanks so much for this list! This will make my life much easier!
Earplugs. Definitely earplugs. A sleep mask is also helpful.
This list was very helpful, thanks.
I guess clothes aren’t important…is this a nudist colony college? Not as comprehensive as you make it seem…
@CJ: LOL CJ! The College Checklist apps by Craes, LLC have complete lists of what clothes to bring – separate lists for girls and guys
Nice list. But I wouldn’t recommend taking things like the vaccum at first or other big items, unless you’re bringing them from home (long distance). Just takes up too much room sometimes.
Awesome list. Definitely helps.
Always bring a first aid kit. The likelihood of needing it is probably small, but at least various sizes of bandages, alcohol wipes, antibacterial goop, and mild painkillers/anti-inflammatory stuff (ibuprofen etc.). It’ll clear up any small-ish injuries, and let you patch up until you can get to someone to take care of any big ones. You never know when the plastic cutlery is going to turn on you.
wall stuff!!!!!!!!!! (paintings, posters, pics…)
Awesome list and very helpful!!
Other things to include are a pendrive/gigstick/memorystick for transport of your files to a computer where you can print. The online site Dropbox.com provides free online storage as well. Depending on the college, a bike might also be a good idea if you do not have or want to deal with a car. Other random items are: favorite microwavable mug, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, at least one set of semi-formal clothing (for job interview, etc), extra set of headphones (if you lose them as often as I do), graphing calculator, alarm clock, emergency ramen stash, Advil, thumbtacks/Scotch tape, reusable waterbottle, tiny sewing kit, and sunglasses. Not everything you find will be necessary, but most is hope is helpful.
yes you need lotion especially since im black i dont need to get ashy
This is a great list! If you want a complete packing checklist as an app there are two great college packing checklist apps for mobile phones and tablets one for girls called “The College Checklist” and another called “The College Checklist for Guys”. Do a search for “college checklist app”
@David Sweet app! Thanks!
@Cassie: You’re cool for checking it out! The developers tweet packing tips as @PackForCollege
This is fine if your college is within driving distance. I go to college across the country so I am extremely limited on what I reasonably bring on a plane. I’ve yet to see a list that doesn’t assume we all go to college close to home. I learned the hard way that the post office will become your best friend and that you will learn how to live without a lot of the above items.
@Stephanie:
I’m going to college across the country next year! I would very much like some tips and I’m curious as to what you brought for your first year?
@Megan: @Megan: @Stephanie:
I would definitely suggest doing your shopping when you get to your college. Anything you can buy at home can be bought when you arrive! I know that Bed Bath and Beyond will let you put together a list of all the items you want and they will have it ready to pick up at the store near your school.
@Megan: bed bath and beyond have stores in a lot of diff. states. you can purchase your things online and pick them up at the closest bbb store near your campus……
@Stephanie:
Stephanie: I ordered online from Bed Bath & Beyond and Wal-Mart and had items shipped to the store nearest my school (which is across country from my home). You may even be able to ship your online order directly to your dorm address.
Plunger! Even though you may want to believe you will never need one, when you do, it might be a little embarrassing to have to ask someone else.
A shoe rack is good too! These can go in a closet or on the back of a door and really store a lot of shoes in a small amount of space.
Don’t underestimate curtains! The dorm I will be staying in does not come with curtains and I’m not some kind of early bird either. Sun-cancelling or just light ones will do to sabotage any unwanted sunlight. Also invest in a few locks for a bike or storage box that you don’t want anyone getting in to! I actually received locks as a gift, not knowing what I needed them for at first.
thanks that helped alot and thanks to all the other people that commented extra stuff i might need it was very helpful !!!!
Thanks alot for the help! Will come to great use! It helped alot!
Target!! My daughter is going 8 hours away for college and will be in a small town. Fortunately, there is a target!! She will share a suite style dorm room with 3 or 4 other girls so I told her to hold off on buying things like a mini microwave or DVD player until she gets there- if all four girls bring a microwave – what a waste! So, she will be stocked with her personal essentials and target gift cards galore!! Great ideas, everyone!!
@Faith:
faith im just curious, as to where your daughter is attending. My daughter also will be attending an apartment style dorm rooming with 5 other girls, two per room, so your suggestion is a great one.
and yes to the publishers of this list, you have helped me in having a college shower for my daughter, this list is priceless…love it!
Thank You so much everyone for this WONDERFUL list. My mom and I have been on panic mode towards what to purchase for college. This list is a GREAT relief. Thanks again everyone and Zinch!
I was able to tour my dorm room while at orientation and noticed that my closet, while it had doors, they were mirrors on the outside facing to room so any light in the room was reflecting EVERYWHERE and am going to get a set of curtains to put up over my closet so that this does not happen at night when i am trying to sleep. Might be something to consider if anyone else has a similar situation.
An alarm clock of some kind, laptop case/sleeve for protection in the event of a clumsy accident, and if you live in the south a FAN, it gets way too hot for comfort.
Never underestimate the small things. Speaking from experience, don’t ever forget the nail clippers and scissors.
Very helpful list. Thanks everyone. How about some basic school supplies: printer paper, lined paper, notebooks, binders, index tabs, post-it flags, post-its, pens (blue/red/black), highlighters, pencils (#2 and mechanical), erasers, pencil sharpener, paper clips, stapler, tape. hole punch, index cards, ink cartridges, desk lamp, envelopes & stamps.