Ultimate College Packing List: Dorm Room Must-Haves
Moving into a college dormitory requires careful planning and packing of items for comfort and small living corridors’ functionality. You need to be set up for success while living in a college dorm. Here is a list of important items to put on your college dorm room checklist to make sure you pack properly and are prepared for all things!
University packing list- bedroom stuff:
While moving in, add a personal touch to your space to make it feel more homely. Since dormitories are limited in space, the number of items you can use to decorate is also limited. Bedroom essentials include sheet sets, pillows, pillowcases, and a comforter or duvet. Here are a few more items to add to your packing list to make your new dorm feel like home.
- Carpet: One great way to keep your feet warm and an easy way to add some color to your space. Different sizes can change the feel of your space.
- Photos and frames: being away at college can give you major homesickness. With a few photos in frames on your walls, you can have those close to you close by. The frames are a bonus to decorate with, as you can find some to match the aesthetic in your room.
- Mattress topper: some mattresses will give you an aching back and less-than-ideal sleep. A mattress topper will provide comfort and allow for quality sleep.
Closet items:
College dorms often supply closet spaces or dressers for clothes storage. Use closet organizers, under-bed storage, and plastic storage drawers to organize your belongings. Other than bringing your clothes and a few hangers, here are a few other items you may want to bring to maximize the usable space and stay organized.
- Over-the-door hooks: most college dorms have little storage space. Maximize your closet space by using hooks that rest over doors to hang up clothing items or bags. If you have only a dresser, stick-on hooks adhere to your wall or doors, sturdy to hold clothes.
- Laundry bin: without a bin, laundry piles up quickly. A laundry basket is perhaps not the most exciting item on your college packing checklist, but an important one! Not only is it a reminder to wash your laundry, but it can be a piece of décor if you choose. They come in many different shapes and sizes –baskets with a lid make your place more organized.
- Air drying rack: college dormitories have shared laundry facilities for students. If your space allows it, opt for a drying rack instead of purchasing endless cycles in the dryers.
College packing list- bathroom items:
What should you bring to college to make your day-to-day life easier? Towels, personal hygiene products, and toiletries are all needed in the bathroom. Here are a couple of other items to make your trip to communal bathrooms easier.
- Shower caddy: this is an excellent tool for toting your personal hygiene products to the communal bathroom, making it an essential item on your college packing list for anyone who has communal showers.
- Slides: slip-on shoes allow for quick trips. They are also suitable for shower use for sole protection on tiled floors.
- Air freshener: nothing brightens the place more than a good smell!
- Extra towels!
Kitchen items:
Communal kitchens often need some dishes to use them with. You may have a small kitchen inside your dorm and need all kitchen supplies. You will need the basics, such as plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery, but a few other items may be useful in your college kitchen.
- Pots and pans: you will need at least one medium pot and pan for cooking meals – each can handle all types of food and not overload your pantry storage with heavy items.
- Travel mug: handy to have; you can take coffee to that 8 am lecture if you’re running late.
- Sharp knives: consider the utility of a good knife! One small paring knife and one cutting knife should do the trick for all slicing needs.
- Can opener: often overlooked, this utensil is super handy when you’re craving a can of soup after a late-night study session.
- A tote bag: groceries can get heavy. Ensure you have a decent-sized, reliable tote bag to lug your groceries back to your dorm (or your textbooks).
Other college move-in packing list essentials:
- Sewing kit: for fixing small rips and tears.
- School supplies: don’t forget to pack the basics too! College school supplies lists are similar to high school- so think of notebooks, pens, pencils, and anything else to help you study.
- First aid kit: for bandages and other possible first aid needs.
- Small tools: you never know when you will need a screwdriver, tape measure, or hammer.
- MyStudyLife: student planner application to manage your college schedule. Although the app doesn’t need to be packed in a box or suitcase like the rest of the items on this list, it is not to be missed to help you track and get reminders for your classes, homework, and exams.
- Games: for entertainment purposes, having a deck of cards or board games is good.
- Doorstop: most college doors close on their own – use a stop to prop open your door for a more welcoming feel.
- Laptop: if you’re looking to invest in a good device for college, be sure to purchase something that you can use for the next few years. Not sure which one to get? Check out our article on the best laptops for college. Some students may prefer something more lightweight, or specific for taking notes in lectures. If so, a note-taking device for college may be the right pick.
- Portable fan: some dorm rooms get warm and have stale air. Use a fan to cool down and refresh your space.
- Other decorations: posters, lamps, corkboards or whiteboards, things to hang on your door, holiday décor, plants, etc. It’s important to make the space feel personal as much as you can – your dorm will be your home away from home for the foreseeable future!
If you share accommodations with a roommate, you may only need some things on this list. Communicate with your future roomie to avoid possible duplicates to maximize the space in your shared housing. You’ll also be put in touch with your resident advisor– who will be able to guide you and answer any additional questions you may have. It is advised to check with your college housing administration about any possible restrictions they hold for items you can bring, such as decorations or appliances. Many colleges provide a list of items they suggest bringing – review it before packing!
Now- it’s time for the fun part. Get ready for your first day of college and start an exciting chapter of your life. Best of luck!
