Ultimate College Packing List: Everything You Will Need In College

When I first got my college acceptance letter, the first thing that came to mind was dorm shopping. Moving to my school’s campus was so exciting! However, moving and figuring out what to pack can be overwhelming. You’ve probably read thousands of college packing lists and searched all over Pinterest. But some packing lists are extensive and trivial (the chances you’ll need bed risers are limited). After moving in and living in dorms for the past 3 years, I know exactly what to pack and what you need/don’t need. Below is an extensive list of things you need, things you might need, and things to buy once you’re there. Also, here’s a list of things you shouldn’t bring to college. Thank me later!

If you’re doing your dorm shopping on Amazon, I created a super-comprehensive list with all the essentials: dorm room essentials on Amazon.

College packing list

Dorm room items

Bedding

• 2 pillows and pillowcases
• 1 or 2 decorative pillows (optional)
• Duvet cover: it’s easier to wash than a comforter
• Twin XL sheet set
• Mattress cover: You don’t know what happened on your dorm mattress before you moved in. And also it’ll protect the mattress just in case you spill something.
• Mattress pad: college beds are not the most comfortable and sleep is extremely important!
• Throw blanket

Storage

• Charging 3-Drawer Cart on Wheels: I had this one throughout college and it doubled as a nightstand. It has so much space for storage, you can charge your phone on it, and it is so easy to move! I still have mine even 2 years out of college, so it is super long-lasting!

• Under-bed storage drawers: Dorms are tiny. If you can choose how high your bed is, you should consider making it high enough to put a few drawers underneath.

Related: 16 Tips To Save Money Dorm Shopping

Dining

If you’re an incoming freshman, you’ll probably eat at the dining hall. So, you probably won’t need many of these items. However, you should definitely bring some basic supplies with you.

• Water filter: Chlorine, fluorine, and other chemicals are added to our water supply and they have an impact on our health. So, I always recommend drinking filtered water. I use LARQ, which cleans itself and has a great filter.
• Utensils: You could easily take this from your home. Take 2 of each, so 2 forks, 2 knives, etc.
• Plates: You only need 2 or 4.
• Bowls
• Glasses and mugs
• Microwave-safe food containers
• Reusable water bottle
• Electric kettle
• Chip clips
• Ziploc bags
• Coffee maker: my roommate brought the Keurig single-serve and I loved it. It fits everywhere and it’s so easy to use.
• Mini fridge: only if your school doesn’t provide one already.
• Microwave: only if your school doesn’t provide one already, discuss this with your roommate.
• Blender: check if they’re allowed at your school. I have the magic bullet blender, which is perfect for college. it is small and powerful, and it is also under $50.
• Toaster: check if they’re allowed in your school

Room items

• Desk lamp: I got this desk lamp from Target that has some storage and a charging station.
• Organizers: this includes makeup organizers and desk organizers. But avoid buying organizers for absolutely everything, as you might not even need them.
• Bedside fan: check with your school if there’s AC in your hall.
• Laundry basket
• Full-length mirror: don’t purchase a really nice one as mirrors are so hard to transport. I got a cheap one from Target and it served its purpose before being left in the trash after moving out.
• Power strip
• Hangers: get the slim hangers to fit more things in your closet!
• Shoe organizer
• Steamer: if you’re joining a sorority you will need this! There are so many events and you don’t want to wear wrinkly dresses. I recommend this one from Amazon. It’s been 3 years and I still use it.
• Sewing kit
• Makeup mirror
• Calendar

Bathroom

The things you’ll need highly depend on your bathroom situation. Will you be using the community bathrooms? Or will you have a bathroom in your dorm? In my case, I had one roommate and we had a bathroom in our room. The school provided a cleaning service every week and also toilet paper.

• Shower caddy
• Shoes to wear in the shower
• Toothbrush holder
• Bath towels (2)
• Bath mat (if you have your own bathroom)
• Toilet paper
• Bathroom cleaner
• Toilet scrubber
• Handsoap
• Robe
• Loofah
• Shower cap

Dorm room decor

• String lights
• Sunset lamp: this one is under $10
• Photos/posters/canvases
• Command strips: be careful with what you put on the wall, if the wall gets damaged, you could get fined.
• Cork board: I love how cork boards look on a wall, you can just hang pictures up there.
• Push pins
• Wall hooks
• Succulent plant: this type of plant doesn’t die easily and they’re super cute
• Rug

Related: 5 Cute Dorm Room Ideas I’m Obsessing Over

School items

• Backpack: I had this one from Amazon. It lasted a long time and is only $24.
• Calculator
• Planner or you could use Google Calendar.
• Stapler
• Index cards
• Notebooks
• Pens, pencils, sharpies and everything you need to take notes.
• Scissors
• Scotch tape
• Desk organizer
• Tote bag
• Binder
• Folders
• Sticky notes
• Laptop
• Laptop charger
• Flashdrive
• Headphones
• Portable speaker (optional)
• Camera (optional)

Related: 16 College Backpack Essentials You Will Definitely Need

Cleaning

• Disinfecting wipes
• Trash bags
• Trash can
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer sheets
• Paper towels
• Vacuum
• Broom/dustpan
• Stain remover

Related: The Ultimate Guide To Keeping Your Dorm Clean

Related: 16 Tips To Save Money Dorm Shopping

Personal items

Quick tip: If you already have a lot of stuff packed and no space, you can always buy the essentials, like shampoo and body lotion at any drugstore close to your college once you have moved in.

• Hair dryer
• Straightener/curling iron
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Hair products
• Body wash, razors, soap
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Makeup
• Sunscreen
• Nail clippers & files
• Nail polish & nail polish remover
• Tweezers
• Q tips
• Pads & Tampons
• Perfume
• Body lotion + skincare
• Ear plugs: it can get noisy at night sometimes when you’re living at the dorms, so a good pair of earplugs can be necessary.

Other essentials

• Umbrella
• Luggage/duffel bag
• Lock for the gym
• Medicine – like cough syrups, Advil, and others.