What to Bring to College

You’ve said “Yes!” to your college acceptance, and the countdown to move-in day has begun. Packing for college is much different than tossing a few things in a suitcase for a beach trip or even a trip abroad. After all, you’re about to live away from home for about 10 months! Here’s a list of the essentials you need to take — and recommendations for add-ons to transform your dorm into your home away from home.

Initial considerations

To keep from overspending, determine your budget. Last year, families of college students spent just over $1,300 on back-to-school stuff, including accessories and clothing, dorm/apartment furnishings, electronics, food, school supplies, and shoes. 

Another factor to consider is your dorm assignment. Are you in a single? A double? A quad? Is your floor co-ed or single-gendered? Are you traveling out of state or internationally? These scenarios may also influence what you bring.

If you have a roommate, try connecting sooner rather than later. Perhaps you can split the expense of shared items like a carpet, dorm-sized fridge, coffee maker, or hot pot, for example, if your school doesn’t provide them. Some schools allow residents to rent a micro-fridge and a microwave. Other dorms may have small kitchens attached to each dorm (though you may need to bring cooking utensils). You can find out the details when you visit for freshman orientation — or check your college’s residential services web page.

Master Packing list for everyone

Dorms come equipped with the basics: an extra-long twin bed, desk, chair, and dresser. So you’ll need XL twin sheets, pillows, blankets, or a comforter. Don’t forget towels and washcloths, too. You may also want to pack:

• Alarm clock
• Mattress cover & mattress pad
• Bed risers & totes for under-bed storage
• First aid kit
• Medications & vitamins
• Shower shoes/flip-flops
• Toiletries/cosmetics, comb/brush
• Hair dryer
• Rubber gloves, cleaning supplies 
• Clothing hangers
• Laundry bag/basket, detergent, fabric softener, and stain remover
• Plastic totes for storage

You’ll also want to customize your study area, which may include bringing:

• Desk lamp
• Bulletin board or whiteboard
• Desk calendar
• Binders, folders, or notebooks
• Calculator
• College planner
• Desk accessories (pens, pencils, scissors, tape, paper clips, post-its, ruler, highlighters, stapler, note cards/stationery, stamps, envelopes, etc.) 

Packing list for girls

Some joke that girls’ packing lists are pages longer than the guys’ lists, but that’s not always the case! However, you don’t want to overlook necessities like feminine hygiene products and other personal care items. Depending on your hair type, you may need a straightener, curling iron, blow dryer, or diffuser. You may also want to bring your beauty supplies like nail polish (and remover) and makeup if you use them.

Packing list for guys

Your list won’t differ greatly from the girls’ lists, either. After all, everyone needs deodorant, moisturizer (yes, even the guys!), soap, and toothpaste. But you may also want to include hair gel, a nail trimmer, and a beard/facial hair trimmer or razor on your list.

Clothing

Think about the seasons when you begin packing. Are you attending school in a colder climate where temperatures will plummet before the end of the first semester? Consider whether it makes sense to pack cold-weather clothing now — or have it shipped later (or brought on a visit if you attend school within a reasonable distance from home). Your clothing list should include:

• Everyday clothes
• A few items of formal or dress clothing
• Shoes, sandals, boots, sneakers — whatever your preference 
• Flipflops (for shared bathrooms)
• Slippers (especially if your dorm room lacks carpeting)
• Underwear and socks
• PJs & a swimsuit
• Hats, scarves & gloves
• A coat

Electronics and technology

Before everyone had their own desktop or laptop, college campuses had computer labs — often open until the wee hours of the morning — for everyone’s use. These labs remain, but having your own tech is very convenient. Besides bringing a computer to college, you may want to add these accessories to your list:

• Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. Perfect for keeping distractions at bay and helping you focus on your studies (or listening to music or your favorite podcast when you want to chill).
• Smart speakers. Turn your dorm room into a rave (or use the speaker to set timers and reminders or record to-do lists).
• Portable charger. If you’re away from your dorm and constantly on the go, a portable charger becomes a lifesaver (and keeps you from having to scramble to find an outlet wherever you are).
• External hard drive. Have data you don’t want to lose? An external hard drive is the perfect component for the 3-2-1- backup strategy (your original data, a copy stored in the cloud, and a copy stored externally).
• E-reader. You may save money by purchasing (or renting) electronic versions of your textbooks. Plus, the e-versions are much lighter!
• Smart notebook. This cool tech transcribes the notes you write by hand into digitized notes that you store in the cloud and can access from other devices.
• Printer. While you may have access to a printer at a computer lab, or you expect to submit most of your assignments electronically, you never know when a printer will come in handy! If you bring one to campus, don’t forget toner or ink cartridges.

Other tech accessories to bring include:

• HDMI or ethernet cables
• Extension cords
• Surge protector
• 3-2 prong adapters
• Charging cords for your phone, laptop, earbuds, smart speaker, smartwatch, etc.

Decor

While decorating your dorm isn’t strictly required, it’s one of the best ways to infuse this room with your personality and make it your haven. Posters and fairy lights offer a quick way to personalize your space. If you’re stuck or looking for other ideas, check out Pinterest, The Spruce, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. 

Miscellaneous

If you’ve got hobbies, bring them along. And don’t forget entertainment, too, like board and card games or sports equipment. If your room has a carpet (or you plan to buy one once you get to campus), consider a vacuum cleaner — or at least a broom, dustpan and brush.

Many colleges don’t permit freshmen to bring cars to campus for the first semester or year. You might consider bringing your bicycle, especially if the campus is large. Remember to pack a tire pump and bike lock if you do.

Final thoughts!

It’s perfectly normal to arrive on campus, begin unpacking, and realize you forgot something. Don’t panic! You can purchase many replacements at the campus bookstore or a local store in the community. For items you only have at home, make a note to snag it during fall or winter break — or ask someone to mail it to you.

As you create your packing list, consider each item you include. If you’re wavering about whether to bring something, ask yourself:

• Is it permitted on campus?
• Can I purchase it at my college or in town if I leave it at home but decide I need it?
• Do I use this item regularly?
• Will this item help create a comfy, homey atmosphere in my dorm room?