What to Take to College. Your Ultimate College Packing List

What do I bring to college? Here’s the ultimate college packing list that will get you prepared for your first day.

Regardless of where you’ll be living, on-campus or off-campus, going to college for the first time requires the ultimate college packing list. It’s an exciting time to move away from home, for what may even be the first time, and when it comes to getting organized, there’s a lot you’ll want to bring!

If you’re on a budget, there are some must-have items that can’t be forgotten, but you’ll be able to save when it comes to leaving out the additional items. This list is broken down by category and depending on your preferences, you may want to add some things of your own.

By following this guide, you’ll be covered with the important basics and extra necessities.

Room

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to how to set up their rooms for college, but there are some must-have items that you should be sure to bring.

These include:

• Bedside/Desk lamp
• Storage bins
• Under-the-bed storage trays
• Fan
• Drying rack

Source: Unsplash

Of course, it’s always nice to buy some additional items to spruce up the place. It’s worth considering bringing the following:

• Bulletin board and pushpins
• Mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench)
• Picture hangers (double-sided tape for concrete walls)

Linen

A lot of college dorms and apartments have extra long twin beds, but before moving to college, it’s useful to check the size of the bed online or by contacting your university.

Be sure to pack:

• Sheets and pillowcases
• Pillows (2)
• Blankets (2)
• Comforter/bedspread
• Towels (Bath, hand and face)
• Hangers
• Laundry bag/basket
• Laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain remover

Useful additional items include:

• Lint brush
• Sewing kit
• Mattress pad (check with college for size needed)

Supplies/ Electronics

There’s no doubt that you’ll need a laptop or tablet for college in this day and age. But there are also a few more electronic and regular supplies that you’ll want to take along with you, which include:

• Electronic storage media such as memory cards, USB flash drives and external hard drives
• Stapler and staples
• Printer paper (if you decide to bring a printer)
• Pens and pencils
• Pencil holder and sharpener
• Notebooks
• Folder with pockets
• 3 × 5 index cards
• Sticky notes
• Paper clips and binder clips
• Rubber bands
• Tape
• Scissors
• Highlighters (multiple colors)
• Ruler
• Stackable desk trays
• Stamps and envelopes
• Portable speakers
• HDMI cord, ethernet cord for computer (check if your room has wireless)
• Surge protector
• Extension cords
• Headphones

Helpful Hint: Most campuses will have a school supplies store, but they tend to be pricier than your average store like Target, Walmart or Amazon. Consider buying before moving so that you can save on these items!

Shared Items

If you’re sharing an apartment or dorm, it may be a good idea to communicate with roommates to see what they are bringing so that you can share the load. Also, be sure to check if there’s space for a mini refrigerator before buying one.

• Audio equipment
• TV and DVD player
• Coffee maker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed
• Mini refrigerator
• Area rug
• Posters/art
• Toiletries
• Antacid
• Aspirin or other pain relievers
• Vitamins
• Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment
• Cough drops

Toiletries

Many dorms are set up where the entire hall or one suite shares bathrooms. That’s why these items are considered must-haves:

• Shower caddy
• Shower flip-flops (especially if you’re sharing a shower!)

Then, you can bring your usual favorites:

• 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
• Condoms

Clothing

Depending on where you’re going to school, the list will look a little different in terms of the amounts of each of the following, but everyone should consider packing the basics, like:

• Underwear
• Socks
• Pants/jeans
• Shirts/blouses
• Sweats
• Pajamas
• Slippers and/or flip-flops
• Sweaters
• Light/heavy jackets
• Gloves/scarf/hat (and other foul-weather gear as needed)
• Workout clothes
• 1 pair of boots
• 2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable/walking shoes
• 1 set of business-casual clothes
• 1 pair of dress shoes
• Swimsuits

Household and Kitchen Items

Depending on where you’re moving, you may or may not have a kitchen. It could be shared with others in the dorms or there may not be a kitchen at all in the dorms, and instead, meals will be available at the cafeterias and restaurants. But, if you will have a kitchen, here are some important items that you’ll want to have ready:

• 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
• Water bottle
• Silverware
• Can/bottle opener

Extras

Don’t forget these useful extras!

• Umbrella
• Backpack
• Sports equipment
• Bike/Skateboard/Scooter
• Bike Lock
• Helmet

Source: Unsplash

Online School – Packing List

Perhaps you are considering attending online university instead. Even if you’re not planning to attend a traditional university or live on-campus, you still need shelter and gear, so this packing list can still be useful!

Online college is becoming increasingly popular as it has many benefits, like being less costly when compared to traditional universities as well as offering high-quality education from anywhere in the world. The main packing list for an online school like University of the People is an internet connection!

In fact, over 18,500 students have attended University of the People from over 200 countries and territories because the online model breaks down geographical barriers.

University of the People is committed to providing online, quality and tuition-free education to anyone, anywhere who has the desire to earn their higher education degree.

A Few Things to Remember

This list is meant to be a guideline for what you should remember to pack for college.

The best way to organize and decide what you need is by following these steps:

1. Find out your room size/living situation — i.e., bed size, if there’s a kitchen, etc.
2. Establish your personal must-haves on this list
3. Set your budget and start shopping
4. If you have leftover budget, add in some of the extra items like decorations and such
5. Remember, if you forget something, you’ll be able to buy it when you get there! It’s ok to not come with everything, especially if you’re moving far or out of state.
6. Have fun with the process! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience.