Tweet

Creating your college packing list may not be at the top of your list of things to do while you’re enjoying your summer.

But with college just around the corner, it’s probably time to get started.

To save you time, I’ve created the Master College Packing List. The Master College Packing List is a complete list of the most common college dorm essentials. You can use it to create your own college packing list instead of starting from scratch.

In This Post

In this post I’ll take you through the Master College Packing List and highlight ways you can save money.

Tips for College Freshmen

If this is your first year of college check your college’s website for a list of items they recommend you bring (and not bring).

Also, connect with your future roommate and figure out who’s bringing what. The most commonly shared items include:

• Mini fridge
• Microwave
• Curtains
• Area rug

Other items you might share include a TV, gaming console, or DVD player.

The College Packing List – How to Use It

The College Packing List has items you can find on any college dorm checklist.

To create your own list, simply choose from the master list those items you think you’ll need and cross out those you won’t. The items are in categories to make it easier.

Not every item should end up on your list, but starting with a list that’s already created will save you time.

If you want to edit the list, here it is in spreadsheet form. Just delete the items you don’t need and add items not listed.

College Packing Tips

Once you go through the list and decide what you need, don’t go out and buy everything new.

Save money by grabbing as many items as possible from what you already have at home. You don’t need new hangers or a package of 500 cotton swabs. Put a few cotton swabs in a Ziploc bag and you’re all set. Take the pillow from your bed at home. Not only will you save money, but it’ll be great to have when you’re sleeping in a new place.

Look for travel sizes of items you won’t use much. They’ll save you money and space. Even better, buy a set of small travel bottles and fill them from home.

Don’t panic if you forget or run out of something. Every college has stores nearby where you can pick up things.

The College Packing List

BATH AND PERSONAL

Tip: You will need something to carry your personal/shower items to the bathroom

BEDDING

Tips: Sheet size recommendations are usually available on your college’s website. Extra blankets can work as a mattress cushion. A bed rest or extra pillow is helpful if you like to read or work in bed. Bring your pillow from home so you’ll have something familiar, especially when you’re sleeping in a new place.

CLEANING

CLOTHES

Tips: Bring:

• a lot of underwear to avoid doing laundry often;
• clothes you can mix and match because there’s not a lot of room to store your clothes; and
• a dressy outfit for interviews, rushing a sorority or fraternity, etc.

If you’re going to college in a different climate and not sure what to bring, visit the Weather Channel website, enter the city name in the search, and go to the monthly average screen to find the average temperature for each month.

Most students go home for Thanksgiving, so plan on returning some things and picking up winter clothes then.

If you’re from the south and going to a college where it snows, ask your friends or future roommate for clothing suggestions. The same advice goes for students from the north who are attending school in warmer climates.

COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS

Tips: Check the college’s website for what they provide and what you should bring. Noise-reducing headphones can be helpful. Also, most colleges have printing labs if you don’t want to bring a printer.

DORM ROOM

Tips: Bring something sentimental like your favorite stuffed animal, pillow, sports item, picture, etc. If you need extra space for clothes in your closet, try using tension rods.

FOOD AND EATING

LAUNDRY

MEDICATION

PAPERS / DOCUMENTS

SCHOOL AND DESK SUPPLIES

Tip: You probably have a lot of theses supplies around your house already. Save money by resisting the urge to go out and buy everything new.

SNACKS

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Tips: Some colleges don’t allow bikes in rooms so check with your college. Also check the requirements for TVs, cables, and access to programming.

Items most colleges don’t want you to bring to campus include:

• candles
• incense
• hot plates
• open flames
• pets
• toaster ovens
• weapons and ammunition

CONCLUSION

Having a College Packing List can help you save time and prevent you from forgetting items you need for college.

Rather than buying everything new, use the list to find items you can bring from home and save yourself some money.

Tweet