A comprehensive college packing list that includes everything you actually need for college: the essentials you’ll really use and none of the stuff you don’t need. Plus a free printable checklist.
First published June 2019, Updated June 2024.
When my oldest son, Jake, went to college I was an emotional mess!
I had visions of the two of us walking through the aisles of Target and IKEA with our college packing list in hand, checking things off as we shopped.
Instead, he spent his time working during the day, hanging out with friends at night, and vacationing with his best friend’s family.
My heart was full seeing him make these important memories.
And, I was concerned about his first semester in college…would he be ready?
However, I knew we’d get through this together.
I bet you’re here because your son or daughter is heading off to college and you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- You’re not sure what they need for campus and dorm living.
- You want them to feel comfortable and be set up for success.
- You don’t want to buy stuff they don’t need or won’t use.
There’s a solution to your problem and I’m going to help you figure it all out. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt, so you don’t have to worry.
- Why Do You Even Need a College Packing List?
- Expert Mom Tip
- What Is the Most Important Thing To Pack for Your Dorm Room
- What Storage and Organizing Essentials Are Needed for College Dorms
- What Dorm Room Decor Should You Bring to College
- What Personal Care Items Will You Need for College
- What Kitchen and Cleaning Supplies Do You Need for Dorm Life?
- What Technology and School Essentials Do You Need for College?
- What if I Want to Add Things That Aren’t On the List?
- How to Pack for College
- What Happens If You Use Our College Packing List?
- What Questions Do You Have About College Packing?
- How Did College Packing Go With Jake?
- Resources and Shopping Links
- Check Out More Simply2Moms College Tips
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Why Do You Even Need a College Packing List?
If you’ve done any searching, you know there are tons of college packing lists out there.
How can you find the best one for you?
The wrong packing lists result in:
- Spending lots of money.
- Buying more than what will fit in the dorm.
- Driving yourself nuts trying to find the perfect waterproof backpack cover they’ll never use.
How will you know exactly what they’ll need?
I may have bought a bunch of unnecessary stuff my first time around and since then I’ve sent two more kiddos off to college.
Anne has also prepared all three of her children for college so we have some expertise in this area.
We learned from the university of hard knocks so you don’t have to.
Click here to download the college packing list
Our packing list will help you:
- Save money.
- Avoid overbuying stuff that won’t fit.
- Prevent buying things that your student doesn’t need or won’t use.
Every kid is different. Some students may want things that aren’t on our list.
But, with the help of our research department (our college students and their friends), we’ve created a list of must-have items needed for their first year away from home.
These are the essentials that our students actually use.
And you can always add your own items for your unique student.
Our well-organized packing list will help ease the transition to college for students (and parents).
Dorm rooms are small…often really small.
It’s important only to pack the essentials when moving into college.
If you overpack, you’ll have to haul all that extra stuff back home.
You’ll also want to avoid missing out on essentials that make college life easier for your student.
Here is a list of categories from our college packing list:
- Bed
- Bath
- Decor
- Study
- Eat
- Clean
- Storage
- Technology
- Seasonal Clothes
We’ve gathered the best for you and made it easy to take action. You’ll find lots of links within this article, including links to:
- Articles with more detailed information
- Helpful resources, like gender-specific packing lists
- Affiliate shopping links to make it easier for you when preparing and checking items off your college packing list
What Is the Most Important Thing To Pack for Your Dorm Room
According to our research, quality bedding is the most important feature to college freshmen for their dorm room.
Dorm mattresses are notoriously uncomfortable.
You can find budget-friendly comforter sets at local home decor stores or online.
First, check with the university to determine bed size.
Most, dorm beds are twin XL size.
Twin XL is a little longer than a regular twin; standard twin bedding won’t fit a Twin XL mattress.
You’ll also need:
- sheet set
- a soft blanket
- cozy comforter
- a lovie or stuffie if that’s your kid’s thing
A zippered bed bug mattress protector is necessary if the school doesn’t have vinyl mattresses.
A regular mattress protector is enough if the mattress is vinyl.
Adding a memory foam mattress topper and a quilted mattress pad cover helps make that dorm bed more comfortable.
You may want to invest in two sets of sheets in case your student gets sick and needs to put on fresh sheets.
Comfortable pillows help ensure a good night’s sleep.
A bed rest pillow is helpful for students who like to read or do homework on their bed.
What Storage and Organizing Essentials Are Needed for College Dorms
Remember I mentioned earlier how small dorm rooms are?
Smart storage is a great addition to any dorm room and even better if you find items that can do double duty.
A storage cube organizer with fabric bins works great as both storage and a small table.
This super inexpensive plastic rolling drawer unit is perfect for toiletries in a bathroom.
Rolling carts or narrow storage towers are great for school supplies, cleaning items, shoes & clothing, or even food & snacks.
Baskets and bins can be used for everyday necessities on top of dressers, bathroom counters, or desks. Or use them to organize drawers.
Desk accessories like a pencil cup, paper sorter, or an all-in-one option organizer help to keep your student’s desk space in order.
If you need more ideas for organizing a small dorm room check out this article.
What Dorm Room Decor Should You Bring to College
Decorating a dorm room to reflect their style makes it feel like home.
This is where we found differences in getting our sons and daughters prepared for college.
Check out our boy’s packing list recommendations here and our girl’s college prep list here.
But remember space is limited so things that can serve a dual purpose may be best.
Fabric memo or cork bulletin boards for displaying pictures or mementos from home and can also be used to hang reminders for school.
A small cinema lightbox or LED strip lights are fun decor pieces for a dorm room and can also be handy as a night light.
Flags are a great option to hang because they are lightweight and can easily be tacked to the wall using command strips.
An area rug also helps make the cold dorm room floors cozy.
A fun saucer chair, beanbag, or even a futon as additional seating options if space allows.
What Personal Care Items Will You Need for College
Toiletries, clothing, and bathroom supplies like towels, and shower caddy are all personal items needed for college.
For my peace of mind, I also put together a first aid kit for each of my kids.
I included some basic things like Advil, cold medicine, Neosporin, bandaids, etc.
I stored everything in a simple plastic shoe box but go check out the super fun containers Anne found when she created a first aid kit for her college students.
Clothing and accessories should also be kept to a minimum because closets and dressers are small.
You can always swap the warm-weather items for cold-weather clothing later in the semester.
What Kitchen and Cleaning Supplies Do You Need for Dorm Life?
Students need to pack laundry supplies including a laundry basket, detergent, dryer sheets, etc.
Don’t forget basic cleaning items like paper towels, Clorox wipes, and a broom or small vacuum cleaner.
Create a small kitchen area for your student to prepare snacks or even a small meal in their room.
Get all the details about how we created this kitchen space here.
Check with your university about their policies on microwaves and mini-refrigerators, then coordinate those items with roommates.
Remember a reusable water bottle as well.
What Technology and School Essentials Do You Need for College?
Quality bedding is the most important thing when it comes to comfort, but the right technology and school supplies for academic success are essential too!
Laptops, backpacks, notebooks, and other school supplies are necessities for students.
Printers, iPads, and calculators are often helpful as well.
Don’t forget to pack chargers, extension cords, and surge protectors too.
No need to worry – we’ve included it all on our list. Be sure to DOWNLOAD it here.
What if I Want to Add Things That Aren’t On the List?
After moving all of our S2M kids into dorms and seeing exactly what they need and what they don’t we’ve come up with this college packing list and we think it really is the best & only list you’ll need this year!
You know your student the best and what they need.
We’ve left space on our printable packing list for you to add extra items.
How to Pack for College
Here’s a recap of the exact steps you’ll follow:
- Download, print, and use The Best College Packing List.
- Identify a space in your home to use for storing items that you purchase while college dorm room shopping.
- Check things off the printed packing list as you purchase or gather necessary items.
What Happens If You Use Our College Packing List?
- You’ll be prepared and feel less overwhelmed
- You won’t buy unnecessary items your student won’t need
- Your student will be set up for success
What Questions Do You Have About College Packing?
We’ve given you all the details from our experience and the resources for you to be successful (did you download that list yet?)
Now, we want to hear from you: what are you wondering about?
Leave a comment below.
How Did College Packing Go With Jake?
I learned a few things that summer.
Everyone deals with change & their emotions differently.
Jake dealt with his nervousness about starting college by completely avoiding the process of preparing altogether.
And I comforted myself with retail therapy and bought him way more than he needed.
We moved Jake into his dorm room for his freshman year. He was the most prepared freshman on campus, thanks to his mom’s retail therapy!
Once he was out there, living in the dorm, we both discovered he was going to be just fine And, in several cases, he even shared, “Mom, you were right.”
Resources and Shopping Links
To shop, click the items below each photo!
Dorm Room Decor
Sources: Bean Bag Chair⎟Saucer Chair⎟Shag Area Rug⎟LED Strip Lights⎟ Cinema Lightbox⎟Bulletin Board⎟Felt Letter Board⎟Cork Bulletin Board⎟American Flag⎟Tower Fan⎟Mini Clip Fan
Storage and Organizing Must Haves
Check Out More Simply2Moms College Tips
Click the highlighted link below each image to read the post
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