Packing for college may seem like an impossible feat at a first glance. Just the idea of transporting boxes and bins from home, into a car, into a dorm room may seem like a pain. However, it does not need to be that way, thanks to many resources readily available online for the general college freshman’s use.
Many colleges have a “packing list for freshmen” on their school’s website. However, some items may have escaped that list, and many other lists. So, this list includes everything; from the required to the “very helpful and encouraged” items.
So be sure to check it out, make adjustments and above all, enjoy the packing process. After all, decorating can be a very fun experience if one can stay organized.
Organization and Storage
- Bedside lamp with outlet
- Alarm clock
- Mini trash can
- Storage bins
- Under-the-bed storage trays
- Desk lamp
- Fan
- Bulletin board and pushpins
- Dry-erase wall calendar/board
- Mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench)
- Picture hangers (double-sided tape for concrete walls)
- Command hooks and strips
- Shoe rack
- Storage ottoman
- Jewelry holder
- Food cart
College Linens and Laundry Supplies
- Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets. Check with college for size needed — some college twin beds are extra long.)
- Option for this is a phone pocket in the sheets for charging at night
- Towels (3 each of bath, hand and face)
- Pillows (2)
- Mattress pad (Check with college for size needed)
- Blankets (2)
- Comforter/bedspread
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry bag/basket or laundry backpack
- Laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain remover
- Lint brush
- Mini sewing kit
Desk Supplies
- Stapler and staples
- Pencil Case
- Pens and pencils
- Sticky notes
- Scissors
- Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
- Pencil holder and sharpener
- Notebooks
- Agenda/planner
- Folder with pockets
- Labels of various sizes
- 3 × 5 index cards
- Paper clips and binder clips
- Rubber bands
- Tape
- Small mirror for getting ready
- Ruler
- Stackable desk trays (at least 4)
- Stamps and envelopes
- Notecards or stationery
Electronics and Technology
- Laptop
- Portable speaker
- HDMI cord
- Extension cords
- 3-2 prong adapters
- MP3 player
- Headphones
- Charging cord for computer
- 10 ft phone charger
- Flat surge protector example
Shared-with-Roommate Items
- TV
- Coffee Maker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed
- Small refrigerator (if one isn’t provided)
- Area rug
- Posters/art (etsy)
- Brita
- Ice mold/machine
Toiletries, Beauty, and Hygiene
- Antacid
- Aspirin or other pain relievers
- Vitamins
- Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment
- Cough drops
- Plastic Shower caddy with holes
- Shower shoes
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairstyling products
- Bath and face soap
- Travel soap container(s)
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Comb/brush
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
- Razor and shaving cream
- Lotion and/or facial moisturizer
- Cotton swabs
- Feminine hygiene products
- Contact lens supplies
Clothing
- Bathrobe
- Eye mask for sleeping
Household and Kitchen Items
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Lightbulbs
- All-purpose cleaner
- Plastic storage bags
- Food-storage containers
- Dish soap
- Wet wipes
- Tissues
- Bowl, plate and cup
- Coffee mug
- A good water bottle
- Can/bottle opener
Miscellaneous
- Umbrella
- Backpack
- Sports equipment
- Backup pair of eyeglasses
- Door mirror
- Sunglasses
Printer Essentials (if applicable)
- Printer paper
- Extra print cartridges
