A college packing list is nothing new; they’re all over the internet. I myself have spent countless hours looking through the ones on Pinterest and blogs. When it came time to go shopping, I couldn’t pick just one list to follow so, I made my own. It might be too thorough for some but I don’t want to risk forgetting anything. Of course, lists aren’t for everyone but they certainly are helpful, even if just looked over and not used. Last year, when one of my friends was moving in she didn’t make a list then forgot all of her makeup so, her parents had to drive over an hour home and over an hour back to get it for her. I hope to avoid any situations like that so, a list is a necessity for me. Here’s the list I used for college shopping and will use for packing! Happy shopping!
Green, italicized items should be discussed with your roommate to see who will bring it
For more information on the items listed, including why I chose them and where to get them, and for more items that I’ll be bringing to college see my blog post “Dorm Haul”: https://campusqueenbee.wordpress.com/2017/07/23/dorm-haul/
Bedding
- Bed Pillows
- Pillow Cases
- Accent Pillows
- Throw Blanket
- Sheet Set (One cotton, polyester or any other material, one flannel for colder months)
- Duvet
- Duvet Cover
- Blanket for Bed
- Backrest Pillow
- Mattress Topper
- Bedside Caddy
- Bed Clip Light
Kitchen/Dining
- Cups (4)
- Plates (4)
- Bowls (3)
- Forks
- Spoons
- Knives
- Brita Water Pitcher (the one pictured below)
- Can Opener
- Tupperware (for food)
- Plastic Water Bottles
- Travel Mug (I don’t drink coffee but I do enjoy warm apple cider and hot cocoa)
- Ziplock Bags
Cleaning
- Dish Detergent
- Dish Towels
- All Purpose Cleaner
- Paper Towels
- Febreze
- Fragrance/Air Freshener
- Small Trash Bags (my dorm room comes with a trash bin)
- Cleaning Sponge
- Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
- Vacuum (I suggest this one because it takes up very little space)
- Glass Cleaner
Laundry
- Laundry Bag (This one holds 3 loads and has a pocket for carrying detergent)
- Pop-Up Hamper
- Tide Pods/Detergent
- Downy Unstoppables (fresh scent booster)
- Dryer Sheets
- Stain Remover
- Lint Roller
- Tide Stain Stick
- Drying Rack
- Bra Bags (These one’s work great for protecting bras and other delicates in the laundry so that you don’t have to spend time hand washing)
- Iron
- Ironing Board
Bath
- Towels (6)
- Wash Cloths (2 packs of 6)
- Hair Towel
- Flip Flops for Shower
- Shower Caddy
- Robe
- Shower Puff
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Soap
- Face Soap
- Razor
Security
- Lockbox/Safe (I suggest this one. It comfortably fits a laptop and much more)
- Laptop Lock
- Gym Locker Lock
Storage
- Storage Ottoman (This one is nice because it has pockets)
- Shelving Unit
- Fabric Bins
- Drawer Organizer (I’m bringing this one to college)
- Shoe Under Bed Organizer (This one fits 12 pairs)
- Hanging Closet Organizer (This one is nice because it spins and has pockets)
- Jewelry Box
- Hair Tool Organizer
- Tupperware Bins
- Slim Hangers (24 count)
- Command Hang It Strips and Hooks
- Double Sided Tape
Emergency
- First Aid Kit
- Screw Driver
- Advil
- Flashlight
- Sewing Kit
- Thermometer
First aid kit I’ll be bringing with me
Room Decor
- Cork Board (and push pins to go with it)(Here’s this super cute floral print one I’m bringing to college)
- Weekly and/or Monthly Dry Erase Board (monthly pictured below)
- Dry Erase Markers
- Photo Displays (This one is really unique)
- String Lights(I like these ones because the lights are actually clips to hang photos from)
- Plants
- Door Stop
- Posters
- Washi Tape (for decorating the door, phone chargers and more. See my other blog post for more details: https://campusqueenbee.wordpress.com/2017/07/23/dorm-haul/)
- Over the Door Mirror
- Floor Lamp
- Rug
- Seating
Electronics/Technology
This section is extra detailed because I would hate to forget anything in this area
- Laptop
- Laptop Charger
- iPad
- iPad Charger and Accessories
- Fitbit
- Fitbit Charger
- Headphones
- Headphones Charger
- Earbuds
- Earbuds to Phone cable
- Phone Charger Cable
- Phone Charger Cube
- Portable Charger
- Portable Charger Charger
- Portable Speaker
- Portable Speaker Charger
- Printer
- Printer Ink & Paper
- Camera
- Batteries
- Flashdrive
- TV
- Alarm Clock (Here’s the one pictured below. It has 2 USB ports)
- Extension Cord
- Multi-Outlet Cord (This one is great because the outlets all rotate 360 degrees and it has 2 USB ports)
Desk
- Lap Desk (Love this one because of the attachable LED light!)
- Desk Supplies Organizer (This one has so many drawers and spaces)
- Desk Lamp (This one is great because it displays the weather, date and time and has 3 light settings)
- Scotch Tape
- Duct Tape
- Masking Tape
- Stapler & Staples
- Post It Notes
- Scissors
- Note Cards
- Binder Clips
- Paper Clips
- Post It Flags
- Pencil Sharpener
Class
- Black Pens
- Blue Pens
- Red Pens
- Mechanical Pencils
- Wooden Pencils
- Erasers
- White Out
- Highlighters
- Notebooks
- Folders
- Colorful Pens
- Pencil Bag
- Sharpies
- Calculator
- Calculator Charger
- Loose Leaf Paper
- Computer Paper
- Binder
- Binder Divider Tabs
- Planner
- Book Bag
Personal Care/Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush Case/Holder (These don’t just hold the toothbrush but keep it clean and smelling fresh. They can also be used on razors. For all the germs in residence hall bathrooms, this is a must)
- Mouthwash
- Floss
- Face Wash
- Acne Creams
- Face Lotion
- Clay Mint Face Mask
- Finishing Touch Hair Remover
- Tweezers
- Vaseline
- Baby Lips Chapstick
- Make Up Remover
- Cotton Rounds
- Q-Tips
- Nail Clippers
- Nail File
- Nail Polish
- Nail Polish Remover
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Body Soap
- Hand Soap
- Body Lotion
- Body Spray
- Hand Sanitizer
- Portable/Mini Hand Sanitizer
- Medicine
- Feminine Products
- Neosporin
- Tissues
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- thermometer
- Hair Styling Products
- Comb
- Hair Brush
- Hair Bands
- Mini Hair Bands
- Head Bands
- Glasses
- Contacts
- Hair Straightener
- Curling Wand
- Blow Dryer
- Biore Pore Strips
- Make Up
Move In Day
- Trash Bags
- Screw Driver
- Small Cooler (for snacks and water bottles)
Miscellaneous
- Fan (This one is super convenient because it’s so small and won’t take up much room)
- Make Up Mirror (I recommend this one because it has 4 light settings)
- Umbrella