It’s hard to believe that I will be starting my second year of college very soon.
This time last summer, I was just getting ready to begin this chapter in my life and I was completely lost. I feel like the whole, getting ready for college, stage is so scrambled and stressful. No one has any idea what is going on. I didn’t know the first thing about living in a dorm, what I would need, or what having a roommate would bring.
I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but I did have a pretty successful first year. Me being the super organized freak, before going off to college last year I did so much research on what to bring, buy, and leave at home. I wanted to share with you all, my ultimate college packing list. It is compiled of multiple different lists I found and a few add-ins of my own. Put together, it’s a pretty awesome list of absolutely everything you’re going to need. Keep in mind that every college varies slightly. I did not have an apartment style room my first year so this list is missing some things you may need for bathrooms and kitchens.
Click here for the Ultimate College Packing List print version
Bed
Pillows
Pillowcase
Sheets
Comforter
Body Pillow
Blankets
Mattress Pad
Mattress Topper
Under Bed Storage
Bed Lifts
Laptop Tray
Room
Clock
Shoe Storage
Comfy Chair
Area Rug
Frames
DVDs
Stacking/Pullout Drawers
Speakers
Adhesive Hooks
TV
Curtains & Tension Rods (if allowed)
Wall Posters
Storage Bins
Makeup Mirror
Full Body Mirror
Electronics
Cables (for hooking up your TV)
Laptop Bag
Laptop
Headphones
Book Light (I used this so often when my roommate went to bed before me)
Chargers
Surge Protector (most colleges don’t allow extension cords)
Printer
Printer Paper
USB Drive
DVD Cable
Laptop Lock
Bathroom
Bath Towels
Over Door Towel Rack
Robe
Tooth Brush Holder
Curling Iron
Makeup Caddy
Straightener
Shower Caddy
Shower FlipFlops
Desk
Calendar
Desk Lamp
Envelopes
Dry Erase Markers
Dry Erase Board
Paper Clips
Pens/Pencils
Post-it Notes
File Folders
Rubber Bands
Ruler
Waste Basket (if your room doesn’t have one)
Scissors
White-Out
Cork Board/ Message Board
Thumbtacks
Stapler & Staples
Three-Hole Punch
Miscellaneous
Batteries
Games
Duffle Bag (for when you travel home)
Duct Tape
Lint Roller
Pepper Spray
Flashlight
Tool Kit
Light Bulbs
Sunglasses
Safety Pins
Umbrella
Blank CDs
Sewing Kit
Water Bottle
Medical
Prescriptions
Antibiotic Cream
Thermometer
First Aid Kit
Band-aids
Ice Packs
Pain Medicine
Cold Medicine
Vitamins
Documents
Bank Info/Checks
SSC (memorized or written down somewhere)
School ID
Debit Card
Drivers License
Insurance Card
Financial Aid Forms
Classroom
Backpack
Day Planner
Folders
Glue Stick
Calculator
Tape
Index Cards
Sharpies
Erasers
Notepaper
HighLighters
Textbooks
Notebooks
Cleaning Supplies
Hangers
Disinfecting Wipes
Dryer Sheets
Detergent
Laundry Basket (the bags work great – not as bulky)
Mini Hand Steamer/Iron (if permitted)
Measuring Tape
Trash Bags
Hand-Held Vacuum
Quarters (if laundry is not included in school fee)
Dust Clothes
Stain Remover
Air Freshener
All-Purpose Cleaner
Kitchen Supplies
Can Opener
Dish Soap
Sponge
Dish Towels
Coffee Machine/Press
Knives
Tupperware
Mugs
Cups
Paper Plates
Refrigerator
Travel Mug
Paper Towels
Food Storage Containers
Utensils
Lunch Bag
Water Purifier
Salt & Pepper
Measuring Cups/Spoons
Napkins
Sandwich Bags
Cutting Boards
Toiletries You May Have Forgotten
Hair Accessories
Floss
Nail Products
Lotion
Perfume
Tissues
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
Sunscreen
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