Female College Student Carrying Books

What to Pack for College

It’s the start of a new school year, and you’re probably heading off to college. You may have been asking yourself, “What do I need to pack for college?”

If that’s the case, then this article is all you need to survive the struggle of preparing everything that you will need when you start your college years. Here’s a comprehensive list of what to pack for college.

Clothes and Shoes

Think about whether you’ll have access to a laundry facility. If your dorm has one, then you can do with a couple of weeks’ worth of clothes. If there’s none, you may want to pack some extras. The following are some essentials you’ll need for your daily rotation:

  1. Shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets
  2. Pants, shorts, and skirts
  3. Socks and underwear
  4. Sandals, sneakers, and boots
  5. Hats, belts, and accessories
  6. A few formal outfits

Electronic Devices

As a college student, you won’t be able to live without your laptop and phone. You need both for school work and leisure activities. Make sure to pack the following electronic items to survive and thrive:

  1. Laptop, mouse, and power cord
  2. Phone, charger, and earbuds
  3. Drive with copies of legal documents
  4. Power strip or extension cord
  5. Cables (e.g., HDMI, Ethernet, USB, etc.)

School Supplies

School life will be so much easier if you have these study aids for taking notes during lectures and cramming for exams:

  1. Pens, pencils, and highlighters
  2. Notebooks, index cards, and sticky notes
  3. Loose-leaf paper and folders
  4. Stapler, tacks, and tape
  5. Calculator

Personal Care Items

It’s easy to forget to take care of your personal hygiene when you’re busy with all those projects and assignments. Make sure you have these personal care items to keep yourself clean:

  1. Toiletries
  2. Bath towels
  3. Flip-flops or shower slides
  4. Sunscreen, bug spray, and a first-aid kit
  5. Alcohol or hand sanitizer

Bedding and Decor

Most dorms provide beds, desks, chairs, and even dressers, so you won’t need to bring large furniture with you. However, you definitely need these things to make your dorm room feel like home:

  1. Pillows, sheets, and a comforter
  2. Mirrors, plants, and wall art
  3. Fan, heater, and air purifier
  4. Lamps and string lights
  5. Futon or folding chair

Kitchen Essentials

Don’t forget about food as you power through your college days. Can’t live without coffee while studying? These kitchen and food items will help you power through every day. Be sure to check your college’s website to see what is and is not allowed.

  1. Coffee maker, microwave, toaster, and mini fridge
  2. Plates, bowls, and silverware
  3. Coffee mug and water bottle
  4. Can opener and chip clips
  5. Snacks and food items

Cleaning Supplies

One easily forgotten category on every college student’s what-to-pack-for-college list is cleaning supplies. If you like things neat and clean, make sure you have these items with you for a tidy dorm room:

  1. Dish soap and sponge
  2. Wipes and paper towels
  3. Laundry bag, detergent, and dryer sheets
  4. Broom and dustpan or a small vacuum
  5. Trash can and garbage bags

All Set and Ready for College

This list of what to pack for college should help simplify things and get you started. Head off to college confidently with these essentials for your dorm room. You’re sure to breeze through your freshman year when you have everything you need!