The Ultimate College Packing List

Moving into your first university dorm or apartment? Strategically packing for college may seem overwhelming, but knowing what items to bring can help simplify the process-especially if you coordinate with your roommate to avoid packing duplicates of shared items. Get prepared for starting college with this ultimate packing list for school!

Dorm Room Organization & Decor

Being on your own for the first time can be stressful and overwhelming, for both the student and the empty nester. Pack these dorm essentials to help keep your dorm organized and feeling like home-and don't forget to add some personalized decor!

• Bed sheets (Twin XL)
• Comforter or quilt
• Pillows & pillowcases
• Mattress cover or mattress pad
• Throw blankets
• Floor rug
• Doormat
• Storage bins & under-the-bed storage organizers
• Closet organizer
• Nightstand (if not already provided)
• Alarm clock
• Fan
• Dry-erase board or bulletin board
• Pictures & picture frames for wall & desk
• Posters
• Easy-to-remove mounts (e.g., removable adhesive strips, poster putty)
• Desk lamp or standing lamp
• Desk mirror or full-length mirror

Toiletries, Personal Care, & Bathroom Essentials

The type of living space you're moving into-whether it's a traditional dorm with communal bathrooms or a suite-style dorm or apartment with a private bathroom-can impact what you'll need to bring. Storage may be limited, especially in shared spaces, so personal organizers like shower caddies and toiletry holders can make a big difference. For specifics on your layout, check with your school or leasing office. Depending on your setup, here are some items you may want to include on your toiletries list.

• Shower tote or caddy
• Shower shoes (for communal showers)
• Bath towels
• Hand towels
• Hand soap & body wash
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Washcloths
• Toothbrush, toothbrush holder, & toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Dental floss
• Comb or brush
• Hairstyling products & supplies (e.g., hairspray, straightener, hair dryer, curling iron)
• Deodorant
• Razors & shaving cream
• Cosmetics (e.g., skincare products, sunscreen, makeup, etc.)
• Menstrual hygiene & care products
• Contact lenses & solution
• Nail clippers & tweezers
• Cotton swabs
• First aid kit (e.g., band-aids, antibiotic ointment, etc.)
• Prescription medicine & copies of prescriptions
• Over-the-counter medicine (e.g., pain relievers, allergy medicine, cold medicine, etc.)
• Air freshener
• Air purifier
• Shower curtain
• Toilet Paper
• Trash can
• Bath mat
• Bathroom cleaning supplies

Clothing & Accessories

Consider seasonal packing if you plan to go home frequently during the year, as dorm closet space can be limited. If space is limited at home, you could also consider renting a self storage unit. Here are some things to include on your college clothes checklist.

• Shirts
• Pants & shorts
• Underwear
• Socks
• Shoes (including sneakers, boots, sandals, & dress shoes)
• Pajamas & loungewear
• Bathrobe
• Coats & jackets
• Cold weather gear (e.g., hat, gloves, scarf)
• Swimsuit
• Professional clothing
• Accessories (e.g., jewelry, hats, sunglasses, watch, etc.)

Laundry & Cleaning Supplies

Knowing the right laundry and cleaning supplies to pack can make it easier to stay on top of chores-especially if you're living on your own for the first time. Whether you're living in a traditional dorm, suite-style dorm, or an apartment, this laundry and cleaning supplies checklist will help you come prepared.

• Laundry basket & hamper
• Laundry detergent
• Stain remover
• Bleach or fabric softener
• Dryer sheets
• Laundry drying rack
• Travel size iron & ironing board or steamer
• Lint brush or roller
• All-purpose cleaner
• Microfiber cloths
• Disinfecting wipes
• Broom & dustpan
• Stick vacuum
• Trash bags
• Mop with disposable pads

School Supplies

Consider your workflow, needs, and classes you plan to take as you think through school supplies to bring with you. For example, will you be taking notes on a notebook or your laptop? Here's a list of common college school supplies to get you started.

• Backpack
• Planner/calendar
• Textbooks
• Notebooks
• Printer paper
• Binders & folders
• Pens, pencils, & highlighters
• Pencil sharpener & erasers
• Index cards
• Sticky notes
• Scissors
• Tape
• Ruler
• Paper clips & rubber bands
• Stapler & staples
• Hole punch
• Whiteout

Electronics

When it comes to college tech, some items are essential while others simply make day-to-day life easier. For example, while most universities provide access to gadgets like computers and printers, having your own for your dorm, apartment, and even in classes can offer extra convenience. Here are some electronics to consider packing for college.

• Laptop or tablet
• USB storage drive
• Calculator
• Headphones or earbuds
• Portable speakers
• TV & streaming device
• Gaming systems
• Chargers for your laptop, tablet, & phone
• Extension cord & surge-protected power strip
• HDMI cables
• Printer & ink

Kitchen Essentials

The kitchen items you choose to pack will depend on your setup and personal preferences. If you're moving into a traditional dorm, check to see if it has a communal kitchen or personal fridge and microwave. Regardless of the dorm type, check for any rules restricting what appliances are allowed. To get you started, here are common kitchen items you may need.

• Microwave
• Mini-fridge (if not already provided)
• Coffee maker/electric kettle
• Pots & pans
• Basic cooking utensils (e.g., wooden spoon, spatula, etc.)
• Can opener
• Oven mitts
• Paper or microwave-safe plates & bowls
• Cups & mugs
• Silverware/plasticware
• Water bottle
• Dish soap & sponge
• Dish towels
• Paper towels
• Food storage containers
• Resealable plastic bags
• Non-perishable foods & drinks (e.g., instant ramen, macaroni & cheese, granola bars, cereal, coffee, tea, etc.)

Miscellaneous

Some items don't fall neatly into a specific category but are still important to have on hand-especially as you navigate living on your own for the first time. From essential documents to tools and travel gear, these miscellaneous items can help you stay prepared and organized throughout the school year.

• Driver's license
• Student ID & other forms of ID
• Credit & debit cards
• Health insurance card
• Car registration & insurance
• Financial aid forms
• Copies of birth certificate & social security card
• Suitcase or overnight bag for travel
• Bicycle, bicycle lock, & helmet
• Toolkit
• Mini sewing kit
• Umbrella
• Flashlight & batteries

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