This being the second list in as many years, you should be able to clarify exactly what you need to bring with you to college! This list is great as it gives you some basic ideas of what to pack, and even focuses on the things you may not think about.
Print this list out and take it with you to the store!
Bed Stuff…
- 2 sets of bed sheets (usually twin size beds)
- 2 or 3 pillows
- pillowcases
- light blanket
- heavy blanket
- mattress pad
- under-bed storage tub
Electronics/Computer Items…
- laptop or desktop (laptops are best)
- ethernet cable (long)
- USB flash drives
- keyboard
- mouse
- mouse pad
- printer
- printer ink
- printer paper
- surge protector
Basic school supplies and desk items…
- pens/pencils/highlighters/markers
- sharpies
- scissors
- calculator
- stapler & staples
- glue
- tape/masking tape
- erasers
- looseleaf paper
- notebooks
- binders
- folders
- 3-hole puncher
- post-it notes
- sticky tabs
- backpack/book bag
- assignment notebook/planner
- calendar
- desk lamp
- stamps
- envelopes
- stationary
- rubber bands
- paper clips
- ruler
- white out
- garbage can
Miscellaneous…
- posters
- Christmas lights
- extra phone and charger
- TV
- DVDs
- speakers
- extension cords
- air freshener
- batteries
Cooking items…
- microwave
- mini fridge
- a few plastic bowls/plates/cups
- knife
- a few forks/spoons
- reusable water bottle
- sponge
- small bottle of dish soap
- chip clips
- plastic food containers
Awesome dorm food…
- ramen
- easy mac
- peanut butter
- nutella
- tea
- instant coffee
- sugar/sweetener packets
- granola bars
- cereal
- oatmeal packets
- popcorn
- soup at hand
- soda
Bathroom stuff…
- bath towels (3 is good)
- robe
- washcloth
- shower caddy
- designated shower flip flops
- hair dryer
- hair brush/comb
- small mirror
- shampoo
- conditioner
- soap
- shaving cream/gel
- razor
- face wash
- lotion
- mouth wash
- toothbrush
- tooth paste
- tissue
- hair products
- deodorant
- floss
- q-tips
- cotton balls
Medical supplies…
- band aids
- antibacterial ointment
- vitamins
- tylenol/advil
- dayquil/nyquil
- cough drops
- contact solution
You can’t go to class naked…
- jeans
- dress pants
- dress shirts
- button-down shirts
- t-shirts (long and short sleeved)
- workout clothes
- pajamas
- sweatpants
- sweatshirts
- sweaters
- ENOUGH socks
- ENOUGH underwear
- bathing suit
- shorts
- blazers
- winter jacket
- light jacket
- sweaters
Accessory stuff…
- belts
- umbrella
- scarves
- jewelry
- watch
- hat
- gloves/mittens
- sunglasses/hater blockers
Shoe items…
- rain boots
- leather boots
- flip flops
- slippers
- sandals
- tennis shoes
Laundry items…
- laundry bag
- laundry hamper (plastic is best)
- laundry detergent/softener sheets
- quarters
- tide-to-go stick
Stuff you might not think about…
- social security card
- insurance card
- ID card/driver’s license
- student ID card
- bike/helmet/lock
- light bulbs
- flashlight
- earplugs
- pepper spray
- keychain
- bug spray
- closet organizers/drawers
- condoms/birth control
Your Success is My Success,
Keith Lipke
Keith Lipke is a careers and college recruiter, coach, mentor and blogger at TheCareerCloset. His passion is to educate, inspire, and give hope to young people who need it upon their search for the right career and college.
