Complete college packing guide

You did it—you’re officially college-bound! And for many students, heading off to college is their first big move. It’s the first time you’ll be living on your own, making your own rules, and creating your own space. You’ve received your college acceptance letter, submitted your deposit, and now the countdown is on until move-in day.

However, one aspect you’ll want to give thought to over the next few months is your dorm room. Packing up for college can be daunting, especially before your freshman year. After all, how does one small room need so much stuff? There’s a lot to check off before you’re officially settled into campus life. But don’t worry, we’ve already put together your college packing list to help you prep.

College move-in checklist

If you’re moving into a dorm room, you are probably aware of the limited space you have to work with. This means you need to be strategic about what you bring, ensuring each item is practical and essential. Of course, you can bring what you want, but here are a few must-haves you’ll definitely want to make sure are coming with you:

Clothing

Depending on where you are attending school, you’ll want to bring a variety of clothes for different occasions and weather conditions. Here’s a list of things to consider:

• Jeans/pants/leggings
• T-shirts/long sleeves/tank tops
• Sweaters
• Sweats
• Light jackets
• Winter coats (depending on where you are)
• Workout clothes
• Gloves/scarf/hat
• Formalwear for fancy occasions (a nice dress or sports jacket)
• Underwear
• Socks
• Running shoes
• Casual shoes
• At least one pair of dress shoes
• Bathrobe
• Bathing suit
• Pajamas
• Flip-flops or shower shoes

Toiletries and hygiene

The best way to make sure you do not forget anything is to visualize your day from the time you get out of bed until the time you go to sleep. Think of what you use throughout the day:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Comb/brush
• Soap
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Moisturizer
• Bath towel
• Hand towels
• Nail clippers
• Portable shower caddy
• Toilet paper
• Razor
• Tweezers
• Cotton balls
• Headband/hair clips
• Hair tools (blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron)
• Pain relievers
• Vitamins
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contact lenses/glasses

Dorm room bedding

Comfort is key! Your dorm room will come with a twin bed, but that’s it. It’s up to you to make it cozy, so don’t forget these things:

• Mattress pad
• Hygiene mattress protector
• Twin sheets x 2 (many dorm beds are extra long twin, find out ahead of time!)
• Pillow and pillow cases
• Duvet/comforter
• Blankets

Dorm room organization and storage

As we mentioned before, dorm rooms are tiny, so you’ll need to learn how to maximize your space in the best way possible. Here are some practical items you’ll be thankful to have:

• Mini-fridge
• Mirror
• Storage bins
• Drying rack
• Fan
• Heater (if allowed)
• Hangers
• Underbed storage
• Shoe hanger
• Vacuum-sealed bags (to store bulky winter clothing when not in use)

Cleaning and laundry supplies

This probably goes without saying, but you’ll need to remember cleaning and laundry supplies. Here’s a quick list so you don’t forget:

• Dirty clothes hamper
• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener
• Bleach
• Stain remover
• Air freshener
• Laundry bag
• Trash bags
• All-purpose cleaner
• Dish soap
• Paper Towels

Kitchen items

While you’ll eat most of your meals in the dining hall, it’s always nice to have some items on hand in the dorm for snacks or microwavable meals:

• Bowls/plates
• Travel coffee mug
• Water bottle
• Silverware
• Coffee maker

School supplies and electronics

Never underestimate the importance of basic school supplies in college. You don’t want to be scrambling for a notebook and pencil on the first day of class, so pack these supplies:

• Backpack
• Notebooks and writing materials
• Laptop
• Charging accessories
• USB drive
• HDMI cable
• Calculator
• Paper clips
• Stapler
• Staples
• Pencils/pens
• Tape
• Folders for keeping your documents organized
• Extension cords
• Headphones
• Camera
• Cell phone

Decor

You’re going to want to think about how you will decorate your dorm room! This is optional, but remember, this is your home for the next year. Whether you head to IKEA or the local thrift shop, find some decor items that feel like you:

• Area rug
• Posters
• Picture frames
• Throw pillows
• Plants
• Desk lamp/bedside lamp

Miscellaneous

In addition to all the above, don’t forget to pack these:

• Social security card or passport
• Driver’s license
• Snacks
• Duct tape
• Books
• Games
• First aid kit
• Umbrella

Print the list here: College move-in checklist.

Dorm life 101: what to know before you go

If you’re opting to live in a dorm room rather than an apartment or at your parents’ house, this quick list will help you tackle everything you need to do in the coming weeks:

Selecting your dorm room

Every school has a slightly different method for selecting your dorm room. Some colleges will ask you to do it right after you submit your deposit, while others will have you wait until your orientation date. It’s important that you find out your school’s process as quickly as possible. If you delay, you could find yourself in a less-than-ideal room or location on campus.

Pro Tip: If your school has you choose your room during your orientation, try to get the earliest orientation dates possible. This will help ensure that you have the pick of the litter when it comes to dorm rooms.

Once it’s time to choose, think it through. At some schools, dorm life is a big deal—with some dorms having special traditions and competitions. Before selecting just any dorm, ask yourself:

• What type of dorm room do you want? There are several different types of dorm rooms. Do you prefer suite-style, where you share a common room and bathroom with three to four other rooms? Traditional hall style with a shared bathroom? A private style with your own mini kitchenette and bathroom?
• Do you want a roommate, or do you prefer living solo? Many colleges offer private rooms to students, but it might cost extra.
• How is the location? Think about your dorm room in the context of the campus. Are you close to the dining halls? How far away are your classes? Is your dorm close to the gym?
• Are there dorm rooms with extra features? Some dorm rooms may come with air conditioning or private gyms, but they will usually cost more.

Finding your roommate

If you decide you’re going to be rooming with someone, you’re going to have to pick a roommate! Some schools simply assign you one, while other colleges give you a choice. You might have a friend who is going to the same school who would make an awesome dormmate, or you may meet someone during orientation who you become fast friends with. Even if you don’t know the person you’re rooming with, many colleges will give you the opportunity to connect with them ahead of time. Try reaching out over social media to introduce yourself!

Move-in day

Once you’ve got your college packing list figured out and the car is loaded, it’s officially move-in day! Here are a few things to consider so that the day runs smoothly:

Know your move-in date

First and foremost, you’ll need to know the specific date you are moving in. Colleges usually have different move-in days for first-year students compared to other students. This is to help you get acquainted with the campus ahead of your classes. Mark these dates on the calendar, as you will likely have to attend a few mandatory meetings after you’ve moved in!

Find out where you can unload

Many colleges will let you know in advance where you can park to unload. You may be able to pull up right next to your dorm, or you may be directed to a nearby parking lot. Look at a map and make sure you are prepared before you get there.

Check to see what’s already provided

Before you pack a mini-fridge or mirror, check online to see what is already in your dorm room. This will save you money and space.

When you’re getting ready to go to college, you have a lot to think about. From attending orientation to moving into your new dorm room, it can feel overwhelming. However, this easy-to-follow checklist should give you a good starting point to bounce off from when it comes to moving to your new college!

Need more tips to help make life in college easier? Check out our Student Hub for resources to support you every step of the way.