Get ready for the ultimate game of Tetris (aka packing for college). Your car will soon be stuffed like never before, and you might find yourself seriously debating whether you need that decorative pillow more than a desk lamp (the answer is desk lamp... unless the pillow has a picture of a desk lamp on it... then it's really a toss-up). As soon as your parents see box after box of college "essentials," they will inevitably question your sanity. But don't worry, the jokes on them since you are already fully aware you have given up any shot at sanity for the next four years.
The most important tip to packing for college is do the exact opposite of what I did. I scoured the Internet for college packing lists as if it was a one-size-fits-all situation (bubble burster: it's not). I wanted to be fully prepared, but I turned out to be a bit overprepared. My leisure books became paper weights. I found clothes wedged in the back of my closet that I never knew were missing in the first place. And my dishes, my microwavable and BPA free dishes, were severely neglected (just like my logic when I packed an entire set of them). The truth is, what is essential to you is expendable to someone else. So remember that this is a shopping guide, not a shopping list. For the sake of your roommate's mental health (and need for oxygen), do not bring every single thing on this list.
Out of everything on this list, decor is the area I would recommend you pack lightest on. Try to stick to wall decor, because any barren surfaces in your room will soon be cluttered enough by study snacks and scribbled notes. If you want some dorm inspiration, feel free to check out my dorm Pinterest board. I also recommend watching some dorm room tours on YouTube because seeing what an actual dorm looks like (compared to the mansion-sized dorms in ads and magazines) puts things into perspective a bit. At the end of the day, you and your roommate are going to be sharing an already teeny tiny room, so try not to make it any smaller by buying everything in Bed Bath & Beyond.
Speaking of one of my favorite college shopping destinations, shop around before you start making purchases. The options are endless, so don't restrict yourself to a single store. Compare prices, pile on coupons, and save every dollar you can. Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Big Lots, and Walmart are the four stores I recommend sticking to if you are on a budget.
Here is a comprehensive list of every possible thing you could need (assuming your college already provides you with a desk, bed, dresser, wardrobe closet, and chair) in your freshman year of college, so use with caution.
*Check with your college to see if they provide the item
*Check to see if your roommate is already bringing the item (as you probably won't need two)
*Check to see if you college has rules and regulations about the item
Basic necessities (most colleges provide these)
△ Bed*△ Dresser*
△ Closet / wardrobe*
△ Desk*
△ Chair*
Move-in day
△ Level△ Duct-tape
△ Door stop
△ Tape measure
△ Hammer*
△ Moving cart / dolly*
△ Screw driver*
△ Command hooks / strips
△ Trash bags
△ Box cutter + scissors
△ Rubber mallet*
△ Water + snacks
Bedding
△ Duvet + cover / comforter | Target | Bed Bath & Beyond | Urban Outfitters△ Pillow + cases
△ Blanket | Dormify | Bed Bath & Beyond
△ Foam mattress topper
△ Bedbug-proof mattress protector
△ Decorative pillows | Target | Walmart
△ Body pillow + cover
△ Bed risers
△ Clip lamp* | Target | Ikea
△ Bed skirt
△ Bedside caddy
△ Mattress pad
Bathroom + toiletries
△ Hair towel△ Towel wrap / bath robe
△ Towel sets
△ Loofah
△ Shower caddy | Bed Bath & Beyond
△ Shower shoes
△ Shampoo
△ Conditioner
△ Face wash
△ Face moisturizer + creams
△ Lotion
△ Perfume
△ Shaving cream
△ Q-tips
△ Nail clippers + file
△ Body soap
△ Toothpaste
△ Toothbrush (+ charger if electric)
△ Floss
△ Mouthwash
△ Blow dryer + diffuser
△ Straightener
△ Curling iron
△ Nail polish
△ Makeup remover wipes
△ Hair brush + comb
△ Toner
△ Chapstick
△ Razors
△ Cotton ball
△ Tweezers
△ Acne cream
△ Scale
△ Feminine products
△ Flushable cleansing cloths
△ Toothbrush cover
△ Facial cleansing brush
△ Deodorant
△ Exfoliating scrub
△ Exfoliating sponge + cloth
△ Oil-blotting sheets
△ Hair ties, bobbi pins + headbands
△ Pumice stone + nail brush
△ Plastic cup
△ Foot powder
△ Nail polish remover
△ Styling tool holder / caddy
△ Face masks
△ Shower cap
△ Hair products (spray, mousse, heat protectant, etc.)
△ Handheld mirror
△ Feminine wash
△ Electric razor
△ Self-tanner
△ Wax strips
Sharing a bathroom only with suitemates?
△ Over-the-shower-head caddy*△ Toothbrush + soap holder*
△ Shower / bath mat*
△ Trash can**
△ Shower curtain + hooks**
△ Handsoap*
△ Showerhead filter**
School
△ Backpack△ #2 pencils
△ Pens
△ Highlig△ hters
△ Sticky notes
△ Scissors
△ Tape + tape dispenser
△ Ruler
△ Pencil sharpener
△ Printer paper
△ Binder clips
△ Pencil case
△ Stapler + staples
△ White out
△ 3-hole punch
△ Staple remover
△ Folders
△ Notebooks
△ Day planner
△ Calculator
△ Glue
△ Clicker
△ Looseleaf paper
△ Mini stapler + mini staples
△ Push pins
△ Thesaurus
△ Microsoft Office programs
△ Desk lamp* | Bed Bath & Beyond
△ Colored pencils
△ Index cards
△ Textbooks
△ Report covers
△ Permanent markers
△ Cards + envelopes set
△ Mechanical pencils + lead
△ Page tabs
△ File folders
△ Binders
△ Standard envelopes
△ Dictionary
△ Folder / notebook labels
△ Stamps
△ Drawer organizers
△ Erasers
△ Binder dividers
△ Rubber bands
△ Paper clips
Laundry
△ Softenener ball△ Laundry detergent / pods
△ Laundry hamper
△ Laundry bag / basket
△ Lingerie bag
△ Bleach
△ Wrinkle release spray
△ Drying rack
△ Softener
△ Quarters + coin bag / laundry card
△ Handheld steamer or iron + board
△ Dryer sheets
△ Portable stain remover pen
△ Color catchers
△ Reusable bag (to transport supplies from dorm to laundry room)
Cleaning
△ Disinfecting wipes△ Dish soap
△ Sponge + bottle brush
△ Handheld vacuum*
△ Trash bags
△ Multi-purpose cleaner
△ Mop*
△ Air freshener
△ Tissues
△ Trash can*
△ Microfiber duster
△ Hand sanitizer
△ Broom + dust pan*
△ Lint roller
△ Cleaning rags
Sharing a bathroom with only suitemates?
△ Toilet brush*△ Toilet paper*
△ Toilet cleaner*
△ Plunger*
Beauty
△ Foundation△ Concealer
△ Eye shadow
△ Eye liner
△ Eyebrow pencil, gel + brush
△ Primer
△ Blush
△ Makeup bag
△ Lipstick
△ Brush / blender cleaner
△ Magnifying mirror
△ Mascara
△ Makeup pencil sharpener
△ Setting spray / powder
△ Contour kit (bronzer/highlighter)
△ Brushes + blender
Technology
△ Headphones△ Laptop
△ Laptop charger
△ Extension cords*
△ Surge protector power strip
△ Phone charger (bring an extra!)
△ Portable phone charger
△ Printer + ink*
△ USB flash drive
△ Wi-Fi router**
△ TV*
△ Ethernet cable*
△ HDMI cable*
△ Docking station
△ Video game console
△ Laptop case
△ E-reader + charger
△ External hard drive
△ Multi-port USB hub
△ Camera + accessories (SD cards, film, lens, etc.)
△ Wireless mouse
△ Tablet + charger
△ Extra long phone charger
△ Speakers
△ Record player + records
△ iPod + charger
△ DVD player + DVDs
△ Video games
Kitchen
△Microwave***△ Mini fridge***
△ Plastic silverware
△ Lunch bag
△ Travel mug (spill-proof)
△ Coffee maker** | Keurig
△ Water filter pitcher + filters
△ Paper plates
△ Silverware
△ Reusable water bottle | Bed Bath & Beyond
△ Tin foil
△ Tea infuser
△ Plastic wrap
△ Mugs / cups
△ Paper towels + holder
△ Chip clips
△ Electric water kettle**
△ Bottle opener
△ Toaster / toaster oven**
△ Plastic bags
△ Can opener
△ Plastic cups
△ Dish towels
△ Microwavable plates
△ Dish drying mat
△ Microwavable bowls
△ Microwavable food storage set
△ Pot holders
Organization
△ Drawer liners△ Utility cart | Target
△ Storage ottoman
△ Underbed storage
△ Over-the-door mirror | Bed Bath & Beyond | Target
△ Step stool
△ Jewelry organizer | Big Lots
△ Hangers
△ Hanging sweater organizer
△ Hanging shoe organizer
△ Over-the-door hook rack
△ Over-the-door organizer
△ Drawer storage cart
△ Storage boxes / bins / crates
△ Skirt hangers
△ Cubby + storage cubes
△ TV stand*
△ Scarf hanger
△ Makeup organizer / caddy
△ Decorative baskets
△ Mini fridge stand / storage cart* | Sam's Club
△ Belt hanger
△ Hanging organizer | Vera Bradley
△ Plastic drawers | Walmart
△ Storage caddies
△ Trunk
△ Vacuum-seal bags
△ Tension rod for closet
Medical
△ Band-aids△ Allergy medication
△ Menstrual relief medication
△ Thermometer + covers
△ Heating / cooling pads
△ Sleep-aid medication
△ Vitamins + supplements
△ Eye drops
△ Neosporin
△ Pepto-Bismol
△ Petroleum jelly
△ Ibuprofen
△ Condoms
△ Lubricant
△ Aspirin
△ Inhaler
△ Retainer + case / mouthguard / rubberbands
△ Cough drops
△ TUMS
△ EpiPen
△ Sunscreen
△ Aloe
△ Prescription medication + refill information
△ Birth control
△ Cold + flu medicine
△ Glasses, case + cleaner
△ Contact lens + case
△ Contact lens solution
College gear
△ Hoodie△ T-shirt
△ Hat
△ Winter hat / beanie
Miscellaneous
△ Light bulbs△ Batteries
△ ID case + lanyard | Vera Bradley
△ Door stop
△ Laptop lock
△ Bike helmet
△ Instruments
△ Door stop
△ Ear plugs
△ Plastic hooks + double-sided tape
△ Umbrella
△ Tote / duffle bag / luggage
△ Pepper spray*
△ Bike
△ Bike lock
△ Tool kit
△ Alarm clock
△ Sewing kit
△ Dorm safe
△ Sports + exercise equipment
△ Safety pins
△ Combination lock
△ Deck of cards
△ Tower fan
△ Gym bag
△ Books
△ Board games
△ Mini fan
△ Duct tape
△ Gym + breath mints
△ Flashlight
△ Sleeping mask
△ Sleeping bag / air mattress
△ Religious books + materials
△ Book light
△ Bike repair kit / air pump
Clothes
△ Push-up bra△ Jeans
△ Underwear
△ T-shirt bra
△Tank tops
△ Socks (don't forget fuzzy ones!)
△ Little black dress
△ Strapless bra
△ Sweaters + cardigans
△ Shorts
△ Athletic wear
△ Skirts
△ Blazer
△ Athletic shoes
△ Winter hats / ear muffs
△ Jeans
△ T-shirts
△ Hoodie
△ Casual dresses
△ Stick-on bra
△ Rain jacket
△ Semi-formal dress
△ Winter coat
△ Blouses
△ Leggings
△ Sports bra
△ Dress pants
△ Wallet
△ Casual shoes
△ Going-out purse
△ Rain boots
△ Fashion boots
△ Earrings
△ Going-out clothes
△ Bracelets
△ Vest
△ Clutch
△ Costumes
△ Gloves
△ Fashion hats
△ Everyday purse
△ Belts
△ Necklaces
△ Rings
△ Tights
△ Pajamas
△ Watch
△ Swimsuit + coverup
△ Sunglasses
△ FitBit
△ Heels / wedges
△ Formal dress
△ Windbreaker
△ Scarves
△ Flip-flops
△ Flats
△ Shapewear
△ Slippers
△ Winter boots
△ Sandals
Decor + Comfort
△ Area rug*△ Tapestry
△ Photographs (lots!)
△ Washi tape
△ Dry erase / cork / chalk board
△ Hutch (for desk)*
△ Chalk or dry erase markers
△ Magnets
△ String lights | Bed Bath & Beyond
△ White board for door**
△ Wall calendar
△ Clock
△ Futon + cover*
△ Nightstand / side table
△ Chairs / ottomans
△ Backrest pillow / floor cushions
△ Curtains + rod*
△ Headboard
△ Decorative accents
△ Lap desk
△ Posters + prints
△ Wall decals
△ Bookends
△ Plants / vases
△ Floor lamp*
△ Additional wall decor
△ Canvas quotes
△ Curtains, clips + rod (if your closet doesn't have a door)
△ Clothes pins / line
△ Picture frames
△ Tassel garland
Important documents
△ Bank account information△ Checkbook
△ Credit + debit cards
△ AAA card
△ Drivers license / ID
△ Insurance cards + vaccine info
△ Passport
△ Copy of birth certificate + SSN card
△ College ID
△ Parking permit (if you bring your car)
△ Car registration + insurance (if you bring your car)
Food + Drink
△ Salt, pepper + spices△ Nut butters
△ Granola / protein bars
△ Coffee or K-cup pods
△ Hot chocolate + tea
△ Popcorn
△ Candy
△ Instant oatmeal / Ramen / soup
△ Bottled beverages
△ Coffee creamer + sugar
△ Fruits + veggies
△ Bulk snacks (crackers, chips, nuts, etc.)
College, here I come! | Tweet It
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