The Ultimate College Packing List
What to take with you when moving to college
Starting college is one of the biggest transitions in life, so when you’re moving into a dorm room, it’s important to make it comfortable. But what do you need? While you can’t pack your whole bedroom — because, let’s face it, dorm rooms are small — you can bring sentimental things along with some essentials. We’ve prepared a packing list to help you stay on track while preparing for college move-in day.
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College packing checklist
A college move might be small, but it’s still a big deal. Depending on how far away from home you’re going to school, it may not be easy to go back for forgotten things. Following a solid checklist is the best way to prevent leaving anything behind. Â
It’s a good idea to communicate with your roommate first to avoid duplicate items (like microwaves, TVs and vacuums) and decide who is bringing what. Check with the housing office to avoid bringing prohibited items like candles or some small appliances.Â
You might not want or need everything on this list, and that’s okay! Here are some suggestions to get started:Â
Things for sleeping
You’ll want to be well-rested to absorb all the new knowledge. These things will help make the bed and sleeping space cozy.
- Alarm clock (consider a combo unit with a lamp or a dock for your phone)Â Â
- Bedding (confirm the bed size with the housing office)Â
- Mattress padÂ
- PillowcaseÂ
- PillowsÂ
- Throw BlanketÂ
- Under-mattress bedside caddy/storage pocket (handy if you’ll have a loft bed)Â
Bath and personal care items
Whether you’ve lucked into getting a private bath or you’ll have a suite-style or community bath, you’ll need some things to look and feel your best. It’s a good idea to pack all the personal care items from home, including any prescriptions or OTC medications you use regularly.
- Cosmetics (skincare, sunscreen)Â
- Eyeglasses/contact lenses and solutionÂ
- First aid kit (bandages, cotton swabs, ointments, etc.)
- Hairbrush/CombÂ
- HairdryerÂ
- Hand towelsÂ
- Hygiene products (deodorant, perfume, etc.)Â
- Manicure kitÂ
- Medicine kit (prescriptions, cold medicine, pain reliever, stomach relief, vitamins, etc.)Â
- RobeÂ
- Shower caddy (and a drying mat or tray for underneath it when not in use)Â
- Shower shoesÂ
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, razor, etc.)Â
- Toothbrush holderÂ
- Towels and washclothsÂ
For private or suite-style baths, you may also need:Â
- Bath rugÂ
- Shower curtainÂ
- Toilet paperÂ
- Trash canÂ
Laundry essentialsÂ
This might be your first time doing laundry, or maybe you’ve been handling it for years. Either way, here’s what’s needed to keep clothing clean.Â
- Clothing steamer or iron/ironing board (only if you regularly use them)Â
- Detergent (laundry pods or liquid work best)Â
- Dryer sheets or fabric softenerÂ
- Drying rack Â
- Fabric refresher or wrinkle-release sprayÂ
- Hamper or laundry bagÂ
- HangersÂ
- Lint brushÂ
- Quarters (if needed for your dorm’s laundry machines)Â
- Stain removerÂ
Dorm room cookingÂ
You’ll likely eat most meals in the cafeteria to take advantage of a meal plan, but it’s good to have some things available when you want a snack or need to eat a meal in the room. These are good to have on hand.Â
- Can openerÂ
- Chip clipsÂ
- Coffee maker or electric kettle and mugÂ
- Filtered water pitcherÂ
- Food storage containersÂ
- Plates, cups and bowls (make sure they’re microwave safe)Â
- Shelf-stable foods and snacks (breakfast cereal, canned soups, instant oatmeal, microwavable pasta, protein bars, etc.)Â
- Utensils (disposable or washable flatware)Â
- Water bottleÂ
- Zip-top bagsÂ
Depending on what your dorm offers, you might also need:Â
- MicrowaveÂ
- Mini fridgeÂ
Cleaning your roomÂ
It’s up to you to keep the dorm room clean and fresh! Make it easy with these handy tools.Â
- Air freshener or diffuserÂ
- All-purpose multi-surface cleanerÂ
- Broom and dustpanÂ
- Dust wipesÂ
- Paper towels and holderÂ
- Small trash can and trash bagsÂ
- Vacuum (a stick vacuum works great for dorm rooms)Â
Dorm storage and décor Â
Reflect your style with colored and patterned storage solutions, but don’t bring too many décor items since space is limited. Â
- Adhesive hooks/picture hangersÂ
- Corkboard/pushpinsÂ
- Desk organizersÂ
- Dry-erase board/markersÂ
- Full-length mirror (if your room doesn’t already have one)Â
- Hanging closet organizerÂ
- Pictures and frames for walls/deskÂ
- RugsÂ
- Shoe storage (shelves or over-the-door)Â
- Under-bed storage bins/drawersÂ
Entertainment and tech suppliesÂ
Whether for study or downtime, having access to the technology that makes life easier is essential for a good college experience. Â
- BatteriesÂ
- Bluetooth or phone dock speaker Â
- Extension cord/surge protectorÂ
- Extra-long phone charging cordÂ
- Gaming consoleÂ
- HeadphonesÂ
- Laptop and bag (don’t forget the charger!)Â
- Printer and ink (if you don’t have easy access to a lab)Â
- TV/ Streaming device and any cords neededÂ
- USB storage driveÂ
Clothing and shoes for college lifeÂ
Some people like to reinvent their looks when they start college, while others stick with their regular style. No matter which path you choose, keep in mind that closet and dresser space is often scarce in dorm rooms, so packing a huge wardrobe probably isn’t the best bet. Take clothing items that fit and are in season (consider switching out summer clothing for winter gear during holiday breaks). Have enough garments and underwear to get by until laundry day, and pack comfortable shoes for getting to and from class.Â
- Athletic clothing and shoesÂ
- Cold weather gear (coat, hat, gloves, scarf) depending on climateÂ
- Comfortable everyday shoes/sneakersÂ
- Dress/professional clothing and shoesÂ
- Everyday wearÂ
- House shoes or slippersÂ
- Lightweight sweater or jacketÂ
- One formal outfit
- Pajamas/loungewearÂ
- Rain gear (boots and jacket)Â
- SocksÂ
- SwimsuitÂ
- ​​​​​​​UnderwearÂ
School suppliesÂ
You may not know everything needed for each class until you get a syllabus, but here are some general things to get started. Other class-specific supplies will likely be available at the on-campus bookstore.Â
- Backpack or tote bagÂ
- CalculatorÂ
- Handy tools (pencil sharpener, ruler, scissors, stapler, staples, staple remover, tape)Â
- Paper products (folders, index cards, loose paper, notebooks, planner, sticky notes)Â
- Stamps, stationery and envelopes (for old-school keeping in touch)Â
- Writing instruments (highlighters, markers, pens, pencils)Â
MiscellaneousÂ
Here are a few more things that can be helpful in setting up your dorm room.Â
- Air purifierÂ
- Bicycle (bike lock, helmet)Â
- Copies of important documents like birth certificate and social security cardÂ
- FanÂ
- HammockÂ
- Overnight bag or a small suitcase for travelÂ
- Picnic blanketÂ
- Sewing kit (safety pins, extra buttons and supplies for mending)Â
- Super glueÂ
- Tool kitÂ
- ​​​​​​​UmbrellaÂ
Prefer a printable checklist? Here you go!Â
U-Pack can help with your student move
If you’re moving out of state for college, U-Pack can help! We have over 25 years of experience in long-distance moving, including many student moves. Get a free quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077. We’re happy to help!Â
Did we leave something off the list? Let us know in the comments!Â
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