College Packing Checklist
I ll never forget the way I felt when I was 18 and getting ready to head off to college. I had done so much to prepare for that day. From working hard in my high school classes to making sure I had money and scholarships to pay for school, I felt ready. I hope you re just as excited to begin your own college journey! As you prepare to leave home, there s something I want to help you out with. It might not be quite as important as academics and finances, but it still matters a lot. I m talking about your packing checklist! Use this checklist as a guide to make sure you have everything you need for your first year at college. These are just suggestions you ll probably want to adapt this list to suit your own situation. And hey, to save on packing or shipping, it might make sense to buy some of these items once you get to campus. Or it might work better for you to pack for one season at a time and switch items when you go home during breaks. There are lots of options to make it work. Whatever you do, happy packing!
ROOM NEEDS o Bedside lamp o Alarm clock or clock radio o Trash can o Storage bins o Under-the-bed storage trays o Desk lamp o Fan o Drying rack for laundry o Bulletin board and pushpins o Dry-erase wall calendar/board o Mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench) o Picture hangers (double-sided tape for concrete walls) LINENS & LAUNDRY SUPPLIES o Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets; Check with college on size needed some twin beds are extra long.) o Towels (3 each of bath, hand and face) o Pillows (2) o Mattress pad (Check with college on size needed.) o Blankets (2) o Comforter/bedspread o Clothes hangers o Laundry bag/basket o Laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain remover o Lint brush o Mini sewing kit
OFFICE & DESK SUPPLIES o USB flash drive o Stapler and staples o Printer paper (If you decide to bring a printer.) o Pens and pencils o Pencil holder and sharpener o Notebooks o Folders with pockets o Labels of various sizes o 3x5 index cards o Sticky notes o Paper clips and binder clips o Rubber bands o Tape o Scissors o Highlighter pens (multiple colors) o Ruler o Stackable desk trays (at least 4) o Stamps and envelopes ELECTRONICS o Laptop (Printer is optional; there are usually computer labs where you can print.) o Portable speakers (If you want to play music from a device.) o HDMI cord and Ethernet cord for computer (Check if your room has wireless.) o Surge protector o Extension cords o Three-prong/two-prong adapters o Headphones o Cell phone SHARED ITEMS CHECK WITH ROOMMATE(S) o Audio equipment o TV and DVD player o Coffee maker/hot pot/microwave (if allowed) o Small refrigerator (if one isn t provided) o Area rug o Posters/art
TOILETRIES o Antacid o Aspirin or other pain reliever o Vitamins o Anti-diarrheal medicine o Adhesive bandages o Antibiotic ointment o Cough drops o Shower caddy o Shower shoes (flip-flops) o Shampoo and conditioner o Hairstyling products o Bath and face soap o Travel soap container(s) o Toothpaste and toothbrush o Dental floss o Comb/brush o Tweezers o Nail clippers o Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron o Razor and shaving cream o Lotion and/or face moisturizer o Cotton swabs CLOTHING o Underwear o Socks o Pants/jeans o Shirts/blouses o Sweatpants o Pajamas o Slippers and/or flip-flops o Sweaters o Light/heavy jackets o Gloves/scarf/hat (and other cold-weather gear as needed) o 1 pair of boots o 2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable walking shoes o 1 set of business-casual clothes o 1 pair of dress shoes o 1 swimsuit
HOUSEHOLD & KITCHEN ITEMS o Paper towels o Trash bags o Lightbulbs o All-purpose cleaner o Plastic storage bags MISCELLANEOUS o Umbrella o Backpack o Sports equipment o Waterproof blanket o Sleeping bag o Hammock o Food-storage containers o Dishwashing wand o Wet wipes o Tissues o Bowl, plate and cup o Coffee mug o Water bottle o Silverware o Can/bottle opener o Brita water filter o Travel mug