The Ultimate College Packing List

What to bring to college: your dorm moving checklist

You might not need everything on the list, but the suggestions below are a great place to get started. Moving into an apartment for school instead? Check out our apartment essentials shopping list.

Dorm bedroom essentials

Here are some things to help make your sleeping space feel like home:

• Alarm clock (consider a combo unit with a lamp or a dock for your phone)
• Bedding (confirm the bed size with the housing office) 
• Mattress pad 
• Pillowcase
• Pillows
• Throw Blanket
• 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. 

• Cosmetics (skincare, sunscreen, etc.)
• Eyeglasses/contact lenses and solution
• First aid kit (bandages, cotton swabs, ointments, etc.)
• Hairbrush/Comb
• Hairdryer
• Hand towels
• Hygiene products (deodorant, perfume, etc.)
• Manicure kit
• Medicine kit (prescriptions, cold medicine, pain reliever, stomach relief, vitamins, etc.) 
• Robe (especially handy for dorms with community-style bathrooms)
• Shower caddy (and a drying mat or tray for underneath it when not in use)
• Shower shoes
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, razor, etc.) 
• Toothbrush holder
• Towels and washcloths

For private or suite-style baths, you may also need:

• Bath rug
• Shower curtain
• Toilet paper
• 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:

• Clothing steamer or iron/ironing board (only if you regularly use them)
• Detergent (laundry packs, sheets or liquid work best)
• Dryer sheets or fabric softener
• Drying rack
• Fabric refresher or wrinkle-release spray
• Hamper or laundry bag
• Lint brush
• Quarters (if needed for your dorm’s laundry machines)
• 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:

• Can opener
• Chip clips
• Coffee maker or electric kettle and mug
• Filtered water pitcher
• Food storage containers
• Microwave-safe plates, cups and bowls 
• Shelf-stable foods and snacks (breakfast cereal, canned soups, instant oatmeal, microwavable pasta, protein bars, etc.)
• Utensils (disposable or washable flatware)
• Water bottle
• Zip-top bags

Depending on what your dorm offers, you might also need:

• Microwave
• Mini fridge

Note: Many on-campus housing units prohibit higher voltage 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 tools:

• Air freshener or diffuser
• All-purpose multi-surface cleaner
• Broom and dustpan
• Dust wipes
• Paper towels and holder
• Small trash can and trash bags
• 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.

• Adhesive hooks/picture hangers
• Corkboard/pushpins
• Desk organizers
• Dry-erase board/markers
• Full-length mirror (if your room doesn’t already have one)
• Hanging closet organizer
• Pictures and frames for walls/desk
• Rugs
• Shoe storage (shelves or over-the-door)
• Under-bed storage bins/drawers

Entertainment and technology

Don’t let tech problems get you down! Bring along these things for downtime and studying:

• Batteries
• Bluetooth or phone dock speaker
• Extension cord/surge protector
• Extra-long phone charging cord
• Gaming console
• Headphones
• Laptop and bag (don’t forget the charger!)
• Printer and ink (if you don’t have easy access to a lab)
• TV/ Streaming device and any cords needed
• 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: 

• Athletic clothing and shoes
• Cold weather gear (coat, hat, gloves, scarf), depending on climate
• Comfortable everyday shoes/sneakers
• Dress/professional clothing and shoes
• Everyday wear
• House shoes or slippers
• Lightweight sweater or jacket
• One formal outfit
• Pajamas/loungewear
• Rain gear (boots, jacket and umbrella)
• Socks and underwear
• 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:

• Backpack or tote bag
• Study tools (calculator, pencil sharpener, ruler, scissors, stapler, staples, staple
• remover, tape)
• Paper products (folders, index cards, loose paper, notebooks, planner, sticky notes)
• Stamps, stationery and envelopes (for old-school keeping in touch)
• Writing instruments (highlighters, markers, pens, pencils)

Miscellaneous wants and needs

Here are some other items to make your campus experience better:

• Air purifier
• Bicycle (bike lock, helmet)
• Copies of important documents like birth certificate and social security card
• Fan
• Hammock
• Overnight bag or a small suitcase for travel
• Picnic blanket
• Sewing kit (safety pins, extra buttons and supplies for mending)
• Tool kit (including super glue)

If your parents (or you) prefer a printable checklist for your shopping trip, we have you covered.

Moving to an out-of-state university? U-Pack can help

If you’re moving long distance for school, consider U-Pack for your move. We’re a DIY moving service specializing in out-of-state relocations, and we can help you have a stress-free move to campus.

Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant about your student move or request a quote online. Ask for your student discount or use code CAMPUS online. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions!