Packing for college can be really daunting. You essentially have to take your whole life with you without overflowing your car or having your suitcase go over the airport’s weight limit. Given that I’ve moved in and out of college several times now, I’ve been able to narrow down exactly what to bring!
Below, I’ve listed the things I brought with me by category. I’ve also included some tips and tricks for you to think about.
Also, here is a printable version of the list! The items that you can buy after you get to campus are in light brown. Since everyone’s packing list will look a bit different, I’ve left blanks in each section so that you can add your own additional items!
Bedding and Linen
When I move into a dorm, I always like to make the bed first. This adds a lot of character to the room right away, which helps the room not feel so empty.
Pro-tip: Duvets are actually really nice in college because they are much smaller and easier to dry than comforters.
Things to Bring
- Mattress topper
- Fitted sheet
- Pillowcases
- Pillows
- Comforter/Duvet
- Extra blankets
- Towels
- Washcloths
Laundry and Cleaning
Honestly, you can buy most cleaning products once you arrive on campus and get settled in, but I highly recommend bringing disinfectant wipes and bathroom cleaner (if your dorm has a private bathroom) so you can wipe down the room as soon as your arrive.
Things to Bring
- Hamper
- Delicates bag
- Clothes steamer
- Lint brush
- Disinfectant wipes
- Small vacuum
Things to Buy After Move-In
- Detergent
- Fabric softener
- Paper towels
- Dish soap
- Dish sponge
Toiletries and Grooming
Most schools have students move in around August, so it’s really hot. Especially, if your dorm doesn’t have air conditioning, you’ll want to be well prepared for a good shower. Plus you’ll be meeting so many new people, you definitely won’t want to go around smelling like a foot.
Things to Bring
- Soap/Body wash
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Razor
- Lotion
- Deodorant
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes
- Skincare products
- Contacts/contact solution/glasses
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Hairbrush and comb
- Hair ties
- Hair straightener
- Makeup
- Perfume/Cologne
Clothes
Make sure to take the climate into account when you pack your clothes! If your school gets cold in the fall/winter don’t wait until it actually gets cold to bring winter clothes. I’ve done that, my friends have done that, and we all regret it. The cold will come way faster than you expect. Also, don’t pack many t-shirts. You’ll get a lot of them during orientation so use your drawer space wisely.
Things to Bring
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Pants
- T-shirts
- Hanging clothes
- Exercise clothes
- Pajamas
- Hoodies
- Shoes
- Scarves (for cold weather)
- Winter jacket (for cold weather)
- Accessories (Belts, watches, jewelry etc.)
First-Aid Kit
Ok, real talk. I love my first-aid kit. It’s iconic, legendary, and — dare I say — heroic. Getting sick for the first time in college stinks, but it’s soooo nice when you’re already prepared. Also, orientation week can be really draining, so having some Advil on hand can be a life saver when that exhaustion headache starts to come on.
Things to Bring
- Advil
- Tylenol
- Allergy Medicine
- Band-Aids
- Rubbing alcohol
- Neosporin
- Vicks Vapor Rub
- Ice pack
- Heating pad
- DayQuil
- NyQuil
School Supplies
Ah, yes. The reason we go to college in the first place. Here is another category, where you can buy most of these things after you arrive on campus. Personally, I would bring pretty much anything you already have, and buy anything extra on campus.
Things to Bring
- Backpack
- Pens
- Pencils
- Highlighters
- Erasers
- Pencil case
- Sticky-notes
- Scissors
- Calculator
- Stapler
Things to Buy After Move-In
- Folders
- Notebooks
- Glue
- Staples
Food and Utensils
Don’t just rely on plastic utensils and paper plates. Bring some actual utensils from home! I brought 1 fork, 1 spoon, 1 butter knife, and 1 pair of chopsticks, and they all served me very well.
Paper plates/bowls/utensils, can come in handy if you have a bunch of friends over, but honestly, I barely used those. I low-key had one pack of paper plates, bowls, and silverware for all four years of college, and I never ran out.
Things to Bring
- Silverware
- Cups
- Bowls
- Plate
- Water bottle
Things to Buy After Move-In
- Paper plates
- Paper bowls
- Plastic utensils
Electronics
Charge your electronics the night before and pack them all in your backpack during the morning of move-in. This way you’ll know where all your electronics are, so you can be careful with them.
Don’t forget to bring chargers with you!
Also, I recommend bringing a flash drive. Every now and again, I would need to turn in a project on a flash drive, so they really come in handy.
Also, external hard drives are great for backing up your computer files! I didn’t have one until my senior year, so they aren’t essential, but they are super helpful. I used to sell computers at my university’s bookstore and external hard drives are waaaaaayyyyy more cost efficient than getting a laptop with a larger storage space.
Things to Bring
- Laptop
- Laptop charger
- Cell phone
- Cell phone charger
- Headphones
- Power strip with surge protector
- Flash drive
- External hard drive (optional)
Extras
Here are a few bonus things to consider bringing with you!
Tool kits really come in handy during move-in, especially since most people forget them! These are great for any shelves you decide to build or if your microwave is bolted to the mini-fridge!
Things to Bring
- Student ID
- Umbrella
- Sewing Kit
- Screwdrivers
- Dorm decorations (posters, mirrors, string lights, etc.)
- Hobby items (paint, instruments, video games, etc.)
Conclusion
Figuring out what to bring to college can seem overwhelming sometimes, but I hope that knowing what I brought can ease some of the stress.
Please feel free to check out the printable PDF version of this list that I’ve included at the top of this post!
Happy packing!
