Ultimate College Packing List
It’s that time of year… Here is my ULTIMATE college packing list!!! Made specifically for college freshman living in dorm rooms… but I have some great things on here that I could not live without! Some of these are obvious, some of these are things you would’ve never thought of… but the point is that it is all. right. here.
Everything you need for your Twin XL:
Sheets - Seems obvious, but this is an ultimate list.
Mattress Protector - Just something to go between your mattress and your sheets.
Mattress Topper/Pad - this is the exact one I have, it lasted 2 years and was the perfect width. If you get one too thick you’ll have a hard time putting sheets on.
Bed Suspenders - These attach at the bottom of your sheets and help keep them (and your mattress pad) in place. My sheets came off sooo much before I had these!
Duvet Comforter and a Duvet Cover (easiest to wash)
Extra Blanket - This one is for if you don’t want to get in bed, or you want to bring it to your desk or lounge area.
Bedside Pocket - This is perfect for if you don’t have a bedside table.
Ottoman - My bed was lofted so it was impossible to get on my bed without stepping on this. The one I linked also opens up and is storage which is nice.
Bathroom:
1 extra bath/shower towel - For when things get messy or you don’t want to do laundry.
pool/beach towel - more necessary for some than others, depending on where you go to school.
smaller towels - Would use these as my face towels, hand towels, or rags for spills.
shower caddy - Doesn’t need to be fancy, I used this one from Amazon and it was perfect.
hand soap - If you are in a communal bathroom they will probably have this.
Laundry room & closet:
hangers - I love the felt ones plus all of your hangers matching will make you feel better, trust me.
extra (bigger) laundry bag - Not completely necessary, but I would use this when my laundry really piled up or I was doing my sheets.
laundry detergent - Tide Pods are the easiest, and my personal favorite is the free & gentle ones.
stain remover - This is the BEST stain remover on the market, even if you aren’t in college you need this.
steamer - Much more convenient than an iron & board.
dorm kitchen:
Mini Fridge and Microwave - Mine was provided by my dorm, so make sure to check!
Brita - Make sure it fits in your mini fridge! The one I linked fit in mine.
Dishes - 1 Plate, 1 Bowl, 1 Cup, 1 Mug, Fork, Spoon, Butter Knife, and a nicer Knife.
Chip Clips - For all the snacks you will accumulate.
cleaning supplies:
Vacuum - My dorm would have gotten so gross without it but you don’t need a super nice one. I know some dorms have vacuums to rent out.
Trash Can - At least a small one for by your desk.
Trash Bags - Big ones for move-in and smaller ones for your trash can.
Cleaning Supplies - multipurpose spray, toilet cleaner, clorox wipes, etc.
Air Purifier - My dorm was so dusty and this helped.
organization:
‘S’ Hooks - One of my favorites on this list. Perfect for hanging heavy bags on the back of your bed.
Storage Cart - It seems like everyone has one of these 3-tiered carts and its for a reason… because they’re amazing.
Makeup Organizer - This one from Target is my favorite tiered one that fits all of my makeup. This one, also from Target, is a more traditional clear looking one.
Jewelry hanger/organizer - I linked the one I use and I think it’s so perfect.
Over the door mirror/jewelry organizer -You will miss your full length mirror from home and this one has a jewelry organizer inside!
Hanging Storage - You can put this in your closet or I hooked mine to the bottom of my lofted bed for shoe storage.
Drawer Organizers - These are great to keeping your dresser drawers organized.
Shoe Rack - You will save so much space with this, especially if you are a shoe lover like me!
Beauty:
Straightener/Curler/Blowdryer - Every styling tool you use.
Sunscreen - Again, more necessary than others depending on where you are going to college.
All make-up/products you use
tech + Apple education pricing links
2 Power Strips - It’s almost like you can’t ever have enough… I put one by my bed and one at my desk. This one has USB ports which was very convenient.
Desk Lamp - This one isn’t my exact one, but it is very similar. The charger is very convenient and you can fold it for easy storage/more space.
Portable Charger + An Extra Cord - I put this in my backpack and it is very handy.
Phone Wallet - There are phone wallet people and there are no phone wallet people. I personally had 2 phone cases, 1 with a phone wallet that I used when I wasn’t bringing a purse with me and the other without one. I mostly use the one without a phone wallet.
Hatch Alarm Clock - Seriously the BEST alarm clock on the market right now.
clothes & shoes:
Stuff for themed parties - Examples: Hawiian shirt, Camo stuff, decade fashion
Not too many T-shirts - I always say don’t bring a lot of t-shirts because you will accumulate so many. I also left everything that had my high school on it behind.
All of your socks/underwear/undergarments - I only brought 5 pairs of socks and I was struggling.
Belts
Tennis Shoes/Sneakers - Bring 2 pairs of sneakers, one that is designated as the dirty “frat shoes” and the other to keep clean.
Heels
Flip Flops - Bring rubber to use as shower shoes if you share a shower.
Miscellaneous must haves:
Medicine - Advil, cold medicine, etc.
Picnic - My friends and I loved to have impromptu picnics on campus lawns!
Backpack - You want a sturdy one.
Lock - Sometimes your drawers have a place to put a lock.
Thermometer - Because you will get sick. A lot.
Umbrella - Only need if it rains where you’re going.. which I think is most places.
Stamps and Letters - I liked having this handy if I needed it, and I did a few times.
Suitcase Weigher - Especially if you are going to college somewhere where you need to fly, you can always check to make sure you’re under 50 lbs.
Tote bags - For grocery shopping, etc.
Keychain - I had a physical key to my dorm room and this helped me not lose it.