Hey there college-bound students! Do you find the idea of moving out for the first time overwhelming? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Moving to college can be a big transition, but with a little planning and preparation, you can make the process smoother and less stressful. All you need is a college packing checklist!
From must-haves to nice-to-haves, this checklist has everything you need to pack smart and stress-free. 💯
Clothing
Skip the nightmare of finding yourself in front of a class wearing nothing but your birthday suit — be strategic in what pieces of clothing you’ll pack for college. 😱
But before you start manic-packing, keep in mind your timetable, workload, weather, and the types of activities you want to do in college.
Bring pieces that can be thrown in the washing machine and don’t need ironing. Dress for success with this college packing checklist for clothing. 👌
- Socks
- Underwear, bras, and sports bras
- Shirts (T-shirts, long sleeves)
- Shorts and skirts
- Jeans and pants
- Athletic wear
- Sneakers
- Sleepwear
- Bathrobe
- Headwear (hat, cap, beanie)
- Business or semi-formal wear (suit, shirt, slacks, dress)
- Dress shoes
- Swimwear
- Slippers, sandals, flip-flops
- Rain jacket
- Gloves and scarf
- Jewelry (or other accessories)
- Belts
- Rain boots and winter coat (for cold and rainy climates)
Pro-tip: Capsule wardrobes are an excellent option because they rely on a small number of multipurpose, mix-and-match items. This strategy could free up space in your luggage and dorm room.
Bedding
You wouldn’t be the first person to arrive at the dorm and realize you forgot a pillow, a blanket, or other items from your college packing checklist. 🙀
Avoid that hurried trip to IKEA (and extra spending) to choose bedding items that are both comfy and practical.
Spruce up your rest and relaxation area with these bedroom essentials and you’re sure to be well-rested to study (and party) hard. 😁
- Bedsheets
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- Blanket or comforter
- Mattress pad or foam topper
Pro-tip: Every corner counts! Maximize the under-bed storage and bring organizer bins to pack seasonal clothes and shoes to save on closet space. You can also bring extra bedding, pillowcases, sheets (handy for toga parties), and blankets for picnics.
Bath and Grooming
Let’s be real, nobody wants to be that person in college with dragon breath, body odor, or bad hair day.
By packing the bath and personal care essentials, you can avoid walking around smelling like a combo of last night’s takeout and beer. 🤢
Bathroom Basics
- Towels (for your body, face, and hands)
- Shower caddy
- Shampoo
- Hair oils
- Hair conditioner
- Body wash/bath soap
- Loofah or washcloth
- Shower mirror
- Shower curtain
- Bathmat
Personal Supplies
- Hairbrush or comb
- Perfume or cologne
- Earplugs
- Sleeping masks
- Hair gel, hairspray
- Body lotion
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss
- Toilet paper
- Skincare (facial wash, moisturizer, toner, aftershave)
- Condoms
- Sanitary napkins/tampons
- Razors, shaving gel, shaving cream
- Epilators, waxing supplies
- Makeup and styling (including makeup removers)
- Cotton swabs or cotton pads
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
Electronics
Having your trusty laptop, phone, and other gadgets by your side can make all the difference in your college life. Not only will they help you stay organized and connected, but the electronics will also provide endless entertainment and opportunities for capturing all the epic moments you’ll have. 🤳
So, don’t forget to toss in those chargers, headphones, and any other tech essentials you can’t live without. College is all about making memories, and your electronics are key players in that story! 👌
READ MORE: 15 Best Tech Gadgets for College Students on a Budget
- Cellphone (and charger)
- Laptop or desktop computer
- Laptop stand
- Wired or wireless mouse
- Smartwatch or fitness tracker
- Power bank
- Calculator
- Extra storage devices (USB, external hard drive, memory card)
- Alarm clock
- Bluetooth speaker or stereo system
- Headphones
- Tablet (and charger)
- Gaming console
- HDMI and other connector cables
- Extension cords and a surge protector (these will come ridiculously in handy!)
Desk
Packing up your desk essentials for college is a no-brainer. A killer setup will make your late-night study sessions that much more epic.
Your desk is your own personal HQ, and you want it to be as chill and productive as possible. So let’s get packing! 📚
Study Supplies
- Backpack, purse
- Notebooks, folders, binders
- Pen, pencils, markers, highlighter, pencil sharpener
- Post-its, index cards, sticky notes
- Correction tape
- Stapler or paper clips
- Corkboard/whiteboard
- Calendar
- Desk organizer
- Glue, tape, or other adhesives
- Wastebasket
- Lamp
Paperwork
- Personal insurance
- FAFSA application documents and student loan documents
- Credit card or debit cards
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- School ID and official school documents
- Car registration and insurance
- Copy of birth certificate
- Social security card
- Class schedule
- Meal plan card
Kitchen
Eating out or ordering in every day can burn a hole in your pocket, so why not add a few kitchen essentials to your college packing checklist so that you can cook delish, dorm-friendly spreads on your own? 😊 🍳
Bond with a roommate, share healthy, comfort meals, and have control over what you eat — especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Remember to check first if your dorm will supply some of the items on the below list!
- Crockery (plates, bowls, trays)
- Cutlery (knives, forks, spoons)
- Cutting board
- Pots, pans, utensils
- Dishwashing soap, sponge, gloves
- Dish drying rack
- Food storage containers
- Refillable water bottles
- Trash bags
- Paper towel, kitchen towel
- Electric kettle
- Coffeemaker
- Can opener
Laundry and Cleaning
With all the late-night studying and extracurriculars, doing laundry will probably be the last thing on your mind in college. 🧺
That said, unless you can travel back home every weekend or pay to get it done, it can be useful to tick off these laundry essentials from this college packing checklist and take charge of your college laundry routine!
- Clothes hangers
- Drying rack
- Laundry basket
- Hamper
- Dryer sheets
- Bleach
- Quarters for washer and dryer machines
- Laundry detergent and fabric softener
- Lingerie bag for washing delicate items
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Disinfectant sprays
- Cleaning rags
Storage
Having storage supplies is like the cherry on top of a well-packed college dorm room. After all, you don’t want to be that person with clothes all over the floor or searching through a pile of clutter for a textbook when you’re already late for class. 📦
Get yourself some sweet storage solutions to make life way easier and start your college journey off on the right foot.
- Reusable bags for grocery shopping
- Plastic tubs for storing seasonal clothes
- Foldable shoe rack
- Wall hooks or over-the-door hooks
Pet Supplies
Don’t want to give up seeing your cute, cuddly pet in college? You’ll need to have all the supplies ready for your furry friend’s comfort in their new home. 🐶
Bring these pet care items from your college packing checklist to ensure that your four-legged friends are healthy and safe.
- Pet food
- Food bowl and water bowls
- Medication and supplements
- Collar (and leash if required)
- Pet bed and blanket
- Treats and toys
- Basic grooming kit
- Plastic bags for poop disposal
- Kitty litter and tray
- Odor and stain remover
- Copies of vaccination reports
- Health certificate
- Spay or /neuter certificate
- Pet registration documents
- Liability insurance
READ MORE: 11 of the Best Pets for Busy College Students
Pro-tip: Inquire with your college about any additional permits or paperwork required for your beloved pets to move in with you.
Fun Stuff
Transform your college dorm and spice things up by bringing along colorful decor, tasty snacks, and interactive games from this college packing checklist.
Turn the usually tiring process of moving into an opportunity to bond with your roommates. Remember to bring some personal knick-knacks to remind you of home too. 🎲
Decor
- Framed photos
- Rug
- Posters
- LED lights
Snacks
- Microwaveable snacks
- Energy bars
- Candy bars
- Cereal and/or oatmeal
Activities
- Playing cards
- Board games (such as Chess/Scrabble)
- Party games (such as Jenga/Twister)
- Journal
- Musical instruments
- Art or craft supplies
- Non-academic books to read
Fitness
- Bicycle (with helmet and lock)
- Yoga mat
- Dumbbells or hand weights
- Jump rope/resistance bands
Shared Items
You know what they say, sharing is caring! Before move-in day, check with your roommate to see what they already have. Dorm rooms can be small, so make the most of every square inch.
Plus, you get to save money, reduce consumption, and kickstart a great relationship with your roommate. 😍
Electronics
- Printer (If there are no printing labs nearby)
- Small refrigerator (if the dorm doesn’t have one)
- Microwave (if the dorm doesn’t have one)
- TV
- Surge protectors
- Extension cords and adapters
- Gaming consoles
- Coffeemaker
Non-Electronics
- Drying rack
- Air fresheners
- Humidifiers
- Board games
- Weights/dumbbells
Miscellaneous
Better to be prepared than sorry! Remember to pack for any situation or emergency — think about items like a first-aid kit, a stain remover pen, a cushion for your desk chair, or seemingly random items such as candles or lint brushes that may be useful down the road.
These small touches will not only make your life simpler, but they’ll also make your dorm feel like a cozy home away from home. 🥰
In Case of Emergency
- Flashlight (and batteries)
- Candles (if allowed)
- List of emergency contacts and nearby medical providers
- Safety whistle
- Basic toolkit or keychain multi-tool (small screwdrivers/hammer/nails/adhesive tapes)
Medication
- Vitamins
- Prescription and allergy medications
- First aid kit
- Over-the-counter pain relief medicine
- Birth control and contraceptives
- Thermometer
Others
- Wallet
- Stain remover stick or pen
- Lint brush
- Mini sewing kit
- Umbrella
Moving into a college dorm can be exciting, and having the right essentials can make all the difference in creating a comfortable and fun living space.
Don’t stress if you forget anything from this college packing checklist, most likely you can find it on a quick trip to a nearby store in your college town. 🏪
Grab your trusty pen, mark items as you pack, and show up like a boss on your first day! 🧳
College Packing Lists: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I not bring to college?
Consider what belongings are absolutely necessary for your move and remember that less is more. Inquire about forbidden items on campus and inside your dorm rooms (such as toasters, hot plates, and candles).
How many clothes should I take to college?
Strike a balance between having clothing for every occasion and overpacking. Remember, you can always do laundry, so don’t feel pressured to bring your full wardrobe!
When should I start packing for college?
There’s no set timeframe but a month before moving in is a good rule of thumb. By spreading out the process of packing, you’ll prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed and reduce the chance of forgetting things.