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College Packing List: What Every College Student Needs

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Is your child heading off to college this fall? Packing for college can be stressful for both kids and parents. Whether your son or daughter will be living in a dorm or an apartment, be sure to share this checklist (for both guys and girls!), so they have all the supplies they need for the big move and a smooth transition!

Bedding

  • Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets)
  • Pillows (2)
  • Mattress pad
  • Blankets (2)
  • Comforter/bedspread

Bonus Extras:

  • Backrest
  • Mattress topper
  • Bed lifts (if permitted)

Room Décor

  • Wall art
  • Desk lamp
  • Area rug/throw rug
  • Picture hangers (wall safe adhesive)
  • Small trash can

Bonus Extras:

  • Fan
  • Clip lamp
  • Lounge chair
  • Decorative pillows
  • String lights
  • Over-the-door mirror
  • Vanity mirror
  • Toiletry organizer/caddy/shelf

Office/Desk Supplies  

  • Stapler and staples
  • Printer paper (if you decide to bring a printer)
  • Pens, pencils, and sharpener
  • Notebooks
  • Sticky notes
  • Paper clips and binder clips
  • Tape and scissors
  • Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
  • Electronic storage media (memory cards and USB flash drives)

Bonus Extras:

  • Lap desk
  • Bulletin board and pushpins
  • Dry-erase wall calendar/board
  • Stackable desk trays and other desk organizers

Electronics 

  • Cell phone
  • Laptop
  • Surge protector
  • Extension cords
  • Headphones
  • HDMI cord, Ethernet cord for the computer (check if your room has wireless)

Bonus Extras:

  • Portable speakers (for laptop or MP3 player)
  • Television
  • Alarm clock (typically used as a backup alarm – cell phone alarms are often used nowadays)
  • Printer (campuses usually have computer labs where students can print)

Bath

  • Shower caddy
  • Shower shoes (flip-flops)
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Bath and face soap
  • Travel soap container
  • Towel sets (2-3)

Bonus Extras:

  • Robe/shower wrap

Toiletries

  • Aspirin or other pain relievers
  • Vitamins
  • Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment
  • Hairstyling products
  • Deodorant
  • Cotton swabs
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Dental floss
  • Comb/brush
  • Tweezers
  • Nail clippers
  • Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
  • Razors and shaving cream
  • Lotion and facial moisturizer

Clothing

  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Pants/jeans
  • Shirts/blouses
  • Sweats
  • Workout clothes
  • Pajamas
  • Slippers and/or flip-flops
  • Sweaters
  • Light/heavy jackets
  • Raincoat
  • Gloves/scarf/hat
  • Boots
  • Sneakers
  • Swimsuit

 Laundry

  • Laundry hamper/basket
  • Laundry detergent and stain remover
  • Dryer sheets
  • Iron/ironing board

Bonus Extras:

  • Lint roller
  • Drying rack for laundry

Kitchen/Dining Items

  • Small refrigerator (if one isn’t provided)
  • Food-storage containers
  • Dish soap
  • Sponge
  • Bowl, plate, and cup
  • Coffee mug
  • Water bottle
  • Travel mug
  • Silverware
  • Can/bottle opener

Bonus Extras:

  • Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave (if permitted)

Household/Cleaning Items

  • Paper towels
  • Tissues
  • Trash bags
  • Lightbulbs
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Broom/dustpan

Bonus Extras:

  • Small vacuum

Storage/Organization

  • Clothing hangers
  • Shoe rack
  • Storage bins
  • Under-the-bed storage trays

Miscellaneous

  • Backpack
  • Fitness gear
  • Sports equipment

Just in Case

  • Safe
  • Umbrella
  • Mini toolkit (including a screwdriver, hammer, wrench)