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.
Click Here for the Master College Packing List PDFIf 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.
Click Here for the Master College Packing List SPREADSHEETCollege 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
bathroom/shower caddy
body lotion
body wash
cotton swabs
cotton balls
deodorant
feminine hygiene products
lip balm
moisturizer
powder
pumice stone
razors
rubbing alcohol
shaving cream
soap
towels,washcloths (2 sets)
contact lens cleaner
contact lens solution
contact lenses
glasses
glasses case
sunglasses
conditioner
curling iron
hair dryer
hair styling products
scrunchies/hair ties
shampoo
shower cap
styling gel
hand mirror
makeup mirror
cosmetics
makeup bag or holder
tweezers
nail clippers
nail file
nail polish
nail polish remover
mouthwash
toothbrush
toothpaste
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.
2 sets of sheets
bedrest or extra pillow
blanket (washable)
comforter (washable)
mattress pad
pillow
mattress protector
pillow protector
CLEANING
dish soap
disinfecting wipes
duct tape
paper towels
room spray
trash bags
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.
bathing suit
bathrobe (to walk to the bathroom)
clothes for going to class
clothes for going out socially
clothes for hanging out in your dorm
dress-up outfit
pajamas
pocketbook
slippers
socks
sports clothes/shoes
underwear
footwear (to walk to class)
hat
jacket/sweater/hoodie (light)
jacket (for snowy, cold climates)
mittens/gloves
scarf
sweatshirt
sweater
umbrella (small)
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.
batteries
computer mouse
computer speakers
ear buds/headphones
Ethernet cable (long)
flash drive
graphing calculator
phone charger (extra)
power strip
printer/scanner/copier
printer cable
printer ink cartridges
printer paper
smartphone and charger
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.
alarm clock (or use your phone)
bedside table
clothes hangers
curtains
desk lamp
drawer liners
ear plugs
fan (portable)
flashlight
fly swatter
pictures/posters
poster putty
safety pins
sewing kit
tension rods for curtains
tissues
tool kit (small)
unde-bed storage
wastebasket (if not supplied)
whiteboard for door (messages)
FOOD AND EATING
can/bottle opener
chip clips
coffee
coffee filters
coffeemaker
cutting knife
dish towel
dishes (plastic)
drinking cups (plastic)
gum/mints
microwave (small)
mug (microwave safe)
popcorn bowl
popcorn machine
salt and pepper shakers
sponge
storage containers for food
sugar
tea
water pitcher and filter
plastic utensils
Ziploc bags
LAUNDRY
detergent
dryer sheets
drying rack
lint brush
quarters (for laundry)
stain remover spray
MEDICATION
allergy medication
antacid
antibiotic ointment
Band-Aids
cold medication
cough medicine
eye drops
ibuprofen (Advil)
thermometer (not mercury)
vitamins
PAPERS / DOCUMENTS
checkbook
credit or debit card
glasses/contacts extra prescription
emergency contacts and doctors
medical insurance card
registration
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.
backpack
bulletin board
drawer organizer
erasers
highlighters
index cards
masking tape
notebooks
paper clips
pencil sharpener
pencils
planner/calendar
Post-Its
push pins
ruler
scissors
Scotch tape
stamps
staple remover
stapler
staples
SNACKS
cereal
jelly
mac and cheese
peanut butter
popcorn
power bars
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.
camera
coaxial cable (check with college)
DVD movies
DVD player
gaming consoles/games
playing cards
scale
sports equipment
suitcase or duffel bag for travel
TV (cable-ready)
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.