The Essential First-Year College Dorm Packing Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your first year at college. These are just suggestions; be sure to adjust this list as needed for your specific needs and residence hall setup. To save packing time and shipping charges, it might make sense to buy some of these items after you arrive. It might also make sense to pack for one season at a time and switch items when you go home during breaks.

Dorm Room Organization and Storage

• Bedside lamp
• Alarm clock/clock radio
• Mini trash can
• Storage bins
• Under-the-bed storage trays
• Desk lamp
• Fan
• Drying rack for laundry
• Bulletin board and pushpins
• Dry-erase wall calendar/board
• Mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench)
• Picture hangers (double-sided tape for concrete walls)

College Linens and Laundry Supplies

• Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets. Check with college for size needed — some college twin beds are extra long.)
• Towels (3 each of bath, hand and face)
• Pillows (2)
• Mattress pad (Check with college for size needed)
• Blankets (2)
• Comforter/bedspread
• Clothes hangers
• Laundry bag/basket
• Laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain remover
• Lint brush
• Mini sewing kit

Desk Supplies

• Electronic storage media such as memory cards and USB flash drives
• Stapler and staples
• Printer paper (if you decide to bring a printer)
• Pens and pencils
• Pencil holder and sharpener
• Notebooks
• Folder with pockets
• Labels of various sizes
• 3 × 5 index cards
• Sticky notes
• Paper clips and binder clips
• Rubber bands
• Tape
• Scissors
• Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
• Ruler
• Stackable desk trays (at least 4)
• Stamps and envelopes
• Extra print cartridges (if you take a printer)
• Notecards or stationery

Electronics and Technology for First-Year Student

• Laptop (printer is optional; there are usually computer labs where you can print)
• Portable speakers (if you want to play music from laptop/MP3 player)
• HDMI cord, Ethernet cord for computer (check if your room has wireless)
• Surge protector
• Extension cords
• 3-2 prong adapters
• MP3 player
• Headphones
• Camera
• Cell phone
• Charging cords

Shared-with-Roommate Items

• Audio equipment
• TV and DVD player
• Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed
• Small refrigerator (if one isn’t provided)
• Area rug
• Posters/art

Toiletries, Beauty, and Hygiene

• Antacid
• Aspirin or other pain relievers
• Vitamins
• Antidiarrheal medicine
• Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment
• Cough drops
• Shower caddy
• Shower shoes (flip-flops)
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hairstyling products
• Bath and face soap
• Travel soap container(s)
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Dental floss
• Comb/brush
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
• Razor and shaving cream
• Lotion and/or facial moisturizer
• Cotton swabs
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contact lens supplies

Clothing

• Underwear
• Socks
• Pants/jeans/leggings
• T-shirts/blouses
• Sweats
• Pajamas
• Slippers and/or flip-flops
• Sweaters
• Light/heavy jackets
• Gloves/scarf/hat (and other foul-weather gear as needed)
• 1 pair of boots
• 2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable/walking shoes
• 1 set of business-casual clothes
• 1 pair of dress shoes
• 1 swimsuit
• Bathrobe
• Eye mask for sleeping

Household and Kitchen Items

• Paper towels
• Trash bags
• Lightbulbs
• All-purpose cleaner
• Plastic storage bags
• Food-storage containers
• Dish soap
• Wet wipes
• Tissues
• Bowl, plate and cup
• Coffee mug
• Water bottle
• Silverware
• Can/bottle opener

Miscellaneous

• Umbrella
• Backpack
• Sports equipment
• Backup pair of eyeglasses