The Ultimate College Packing List
Jul 11, 2025
In:
What should you pack to move away for college?
Whether you’re a student moving away from home for the first time or a parent helping, packing for college is a big milestone — possibly an overwhelming one. The best way to avoid feeling stressed out by the process is to follow a clear checklist to stay on track.
Use this list of everything you might need for college to fully prepare for your new journey.
101 essential things for your college moving checklist
You might not need everything on the list, but these suggestions are a great place to get started:
Dorm bedroom essentials
Here are some things to help make your sleeping space feel like home:
| 1. | Alarm clock (consider a combo unit with a lamp or a dock for your phone) |
| 2. | Bedding (confirm the bed size with the housing office) |
| 3. | Mattress pad |
| 4. | Pillowcase |
| 5. | Pillows |
| 6. | Throw Blanket |
| 7. | Under-mattress bedside caddy/storage pocket (handy if you’ll have a loft bed) |
Bathroom and personal care supplies
Take care of yourself by bringing along all your favorite products from home. Don’t forget to pack any prescriptions or OTC medications you use regularly.
| 8. | Cosmetics (skincare, sunscreen) |
| 9. | Eyeglasses/contact lenses and solution |
| 10. | First aid kit (bandages, cotton swabs, ointments, etc.) |
| 11. | Hairbrush/Comb |
| 12. | Hairdryer |
| 13. | Hand towels |
| 14. | Hygiene products (deodorant, perfume, etc.) |
| 15. | Manicure kit |
| 16. | Medicine kit (prescriptions, cold medicine, pain reliever, stomach relief, vitamins, etc.) |
| 17. | Robe |
| 18. | Shower caddy (and a drying mat or tray for underneath it when not in use) |
| 19. | Shower shoes |
| 20. | Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, razor, etc.) |
| 21. | Toothbrush holder |
| 22. | Towels and washcloths |
For private or suite-style baths, you may also need:
| 23. | Bath rug |
| 24. | Shower curtain |
| 25. | Toilet paper |
| 26. | Trash can |
Laundry supplies
Whether you’re a laundry novice or a pro, here’s what’s needed to keep clothing clean and smelling fresh:
| 27. | Clothing steamer or iron/ironing board (only if you regularly use them) |
| 28. | Detergent (laundry pods or liquid work best) |
| 29. | Dryer sheets or fabric softener |
| 30. | Drying rack |
| 31. | Fabric refresher or wrinkle-release spray |
| 32. | Hamper or laundry bag |
| 33. | Hangers |
| 34. | Lint brush |
| 35. | Quarters (if needed for your dorm’s laundry machines) |
| 36. | Stain remover |
Campus-style cooking
Take advantage of a meal plan if you have one, but it’s also good to have options for snacks or a meal in the room. Consider grabbing these items:
| 37. | Can opener |
| 38. | Chip clips |
| 39. | Coffee maker or electric kettle and mug |
| 40. | Filtered water pitcher |
| 41. | Food storage containers |
| 42. | Microwave-safe plates, cups and bowls |
| 43. | Shelf-stable foods and snacks (breakfast cereal, canned soups, instant oatmeal, microwavable |
| pasta, protein bars, etc.) | |
| 44. | Utensils (disposable or washable flatware) |
| 45. | Water bottle |
| 46. | Zip-top bags |
Depending on what your dorm offers, you might also need:
| 47. | Microwave |
| 48. | Mini fridge |
Note: Many on-campus housing units prohibit small appliances like air fryers and toaster ovens. Check with the university housing office for details about your dorm or apartment.
Cleaning supplies
Keeping your room clean and fresh is a breeze with these handy tools:
| 49. | Air freshener or diffuser |
| 50. | All-purpose multi-surface cleaner |
| 51. | Broom and dustpan |
| 52. | Dust wipes |
| 53. | Paper towels and holder |
| 54. | Small trash can and trash bags |
| 55. | Vacuum (a stick vacuum works great for dorm rooms) |
Room décor and storage solutions
Reflect your style with colored and patterned storage solutions, but don’t bring too many décor items since space is limited.
| 56. | Adhesive hooks/picture hangers |
| 57. | Corkboard/pushpins |
| 58. | Desk organizers |
| 59. | Dry-erase board/markers |
| 60. | Full-length mirror (if your room doesn’t already have one) |
| 61. | Hanging closet organizer |
| 62. | Pictures and frames for walls/desk |
| 63. | Rugs |
| 64. | Shoe storage (shelves or over-the-door) |
| 65. | Under-bed storage bins/drawers |
Entertainment and technology
Don’t let tech problems get you down! Bring along these things for downtime and studying:
| 66. | Batteries |
| 67. | Bluetooth or phone dock speaker |
| 68. | Extension cord/surge protector |
| 69. | Extra-long phone charging cord |
| 70. | Gaming console |
| 71. | Headphones |
| 72. | Laptop and bag (don’t forget the charger!) |
| 73. | Printer and ink (if you don’t have easy access to a lab) |
| 74. | TV/ Streaming device and any cords needed |
| 75. | USB storage drive |
University-friendly shoes and clothing
Because storage space is at a premium in most student dorm rooms or apartments, it’s best to pack only what you’ll wear. Comfortable clothing and shoes are a must, and bring enough underwear to get you through until laundry day. Try these apparel suggestions:
| 76. | Athletic clothing and shoes |
| 77. | Cold weather gear (coat, hat, gloves, scarf) depending on climate |
| 78. | Comfortable everyday shoes/sneakers |
| 79. | Dress/professional clothing and shoes |
| 80. | Everyday wear |
| 81. | House shoes or slippers |
| 82. | Lightweight sweater or jacket |
| 83. | One formal outfit |
| 84. | Pajamas/loungewear |
| 85. | Rain gear (boots, jacket and umbrella) |
| 86. | Socks and underwear |
| 87. | Swimsuit |
School supplies
You may not know everything needed for each class until you get a syllabus, and most class-specific supplies will likely be available at the on-campus bookstore. Here are some general things to start with:
| 88. | Backpack or tote bag |
| 89. | Handy tools (calculator, pencil sharpener, ruler, scissors, stapler, staples, staple |
| remover, tape) | |
| 90. | Paper products (folders, index cards, loose paper, notebooks, planner, sticky notes) |
| 91. | Stamps, stationery and envelopes (for old-school keeping in touch) |
| 92. | Writing instruments (highlighters, markers, pens, pencils) |
Miscellaneous wants and needs
Here are some other items to make your campus experience better:
| 93. | Air purifier |
| 94. | Bicycle (bike lock, helmet) |
| 95. | Copies of important documents like birth certificate and social security card |
| 96. | Fan |
| 97. | Hammock |
| 98. | Overnight bag or a small suitcase for travel |
| 99. | Picnic blanket |
| 100. | Sewing kit (safety pins, extra buttons and supplies for mending) |
| 101. | Tool kit (including super glue) |
Here’s a printable checklist for your shopping trip.
Need a reliable student moving service?
If you’re making a long-distance student move, look no further than U-Pack®. We’re a DIY moving service specializing in out-of-state moves.
Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant about your student move or request a quote online. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions!
More articles you might like...
