The Ultimate College Packing List
This college packing list contains everything you need for moving into a dorm.
Packing for college can be overwhelming, and while there are plenty of packing lists out there, they don’t always cover everything you’ll need.
That’s why I made this college packing list to cover everything I wish I would have known to bring when I moved into college as a freshman.
Best College Packing List
Here’s my ultimate college packing list for incoming freshman. This has everything you need for moving to college!
Items marked with (SC Pick) are my personal recommendations.
Bedding
- Sheets (two sets)
- Pillows (SC Pick)
- Pillowcases
- Comforter
- Blanket
- Mattress cover
- Mattress topper (SC Pick)
- Accent pillows
- Bedside shelf (SC Pick)
- Clip-on reading lamp (SC Pick)
More dorm bedding ideas: 11 Dorm Bedding Essentials You Need for College
Toiletries
- Bath towels
- Washcloths
- Towel wrap (SC Pick)
- Shower caddy (SC Pick)
- Shower shoes (SC Pick)
- Bathrobe
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Shower cap
- Tissue
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Shaving cream
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Toiletries case (SC Pick)
More dorm bathroom ideas: 6 Dorm Bathroom Essentials Every Freshman Needs
Health
- First aid kit (SC Pick)
- Ibuprofen
- Tums
- Cold medicine
- Allergy medicine
- Eye drops
- Vitamins
- Emergen-C
Beauty
- Hair dryer
- Straightener
- Curling iron
- Hairbrush
- Comb
- Hair ties
- Hairspray
- Baskets for hair stuff (SC Pick)
- Makeup
- Skincare products
- Chapstick
- Nail care set (SC Pick)
- Nail polish
- Nail polish remover
- Perfume
- Sunscreen
Room
- Storage solutions
- Ottoman (SC Pick)
- Futon (SC Pick)
- Command hooks (SC Pick)
- Command strips (SC Pick)
- Area rug
- Floor lamp
- Room decor
More dorm room organization ideas: 10 Dorm Room Organization Essentials
Clothing
- Shirts
- Tank tops
- Shorts
- Jeans
- Leggings
- Sweaters
- Dresses
- Sweatshirts
- Pajamas
- Workout clothes
- Professional clothes
- Swimsuit
- Underwear
- Bras
- Socks
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- Heels
- Boots
- House slippers (SC Pick)
- Rain jacket
- Rain boots
- Light jacket
- Winter coat
- Handbags
- Wallet
- Scarves
- Hats
- Jewelry
- Hangers (SC Pick)
- Shoe storage (SC Pick)
Electronics
- Laptop and charger
- Extra charging cables
- Portable charger (SC Pick)
- Power strip (SC Pick)
- Extension cord
- USB drive
- External hard drive
- Speakers (SC Pick)
- Extra batteries
Desk
- Printer (SC Pick)
- Ink cartridges
- Printer paper
- Notebooks
- Folders
- Pens and pencils
- Highlighters
- Markers
- Pencil pouch (SC Pick)
- Planner (SC Pick)
- Scissors
- Tape
- Stapler
- Sticky notes
- Index cards
- Calculator
- Ruler
- Rubber bands
- Paper clips
- Stamps and envelopes
- Desk lamp (SC Pick)
- Desk organizer (SC Pick)
- File box
- Backpack (SC Pick)
More dorm desk ideas: 7 Dorm Desk Essentials to Keep You Organized
Cleaning
- Vacuum cleaner (SC Pick)
- All purpose cleaner (SC Pick)
- Paper towels
- Clorox wipes
- Trash bags
- Laundry hamper (SC Pick)
- Laundry bag
- Laundry detergent
- Wrinkle release spray (SC Pick)
- Handheld steamer (SC Pick)
More dorm cleaning ideas: 7 Dorm Cleaning Supplies Every Student Needs
Kitchen
- Mini fridge (SC Pick)
- Fridge stand (SC Pick)
- Microwave (SC Pick)
- Food storage
- Food containers
- Granola bars
- Popcorn
- Other snacks
- Coffee
- Coffeemaker (SC Pick)
- Coffee mug
- Paper plates
- Utensils
- Ziploc bags
- Filtering pitcher (SC Pick)
Documents
- Student ID
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Car registration and insurance
- Health insurance card
- Social Security card
Miscellaneous
Where to Shop for College Dorm
Wondering where to buy dorm stuff? My top two recommendations are Amazon (for all dorm room basics and essentials) and Dormify (for the cutest dorm bedding, furniture, and decor.)
You can find a complete list of where to buy dorm stuff in this post.
Other College Essentials
I hope you found this ultimate college packing list helpful!
For more college essentials and tips, be sure to check out the following posts:
