Getting ready for college involves a lot of preparation, which can be a daunting task — and this includes deciding what items to pack or leave behind at home. No matter what your major is, all college students need to pack the essentials for a successful living experience. If you’re wondering what you should bring, we’ve got you covered with this what-to-pack-for-college checklist of the top things you may need for your new academic adventure.
Clothing and Accessories
- Shirts
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- Shorts
- Sweats
- Jeans or pants
- Socks
- Sweaters
- Light and heavy jackets
- Loungewear
- Sportswear
- Swimwear
- Business-casual wear
- Jewelry
- Watch
- Sunglasses
- Sandals
- Flip-flops
- Sneakers
- Dress shoes
- Boots
- Hats
- Belts
- Gloves and scarf
Bedding and Laundry Supplies
- Bedsheets
- Comforter or quilts (easy to wash)
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- Throw blanket
- Mattress pad
- Towels (bath, hand towels, washcloths)
- Hangers
- Iron or steamer
- Shower basket, bucket, or caddy
- Shower mat
- Laundry bag or basket
- Laundry detergent and fabric softener
- Bleach
- Stain remover
- Lint brush
Health and Hygiene
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower gel or bath soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Hair grooming tools (brush, comb, hair dryer)
- Hairstyling products
- Deodorant
- Face wash, lotion, moisturizer, and other skin care products
- Makeup
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Eye drops
- Cotton swabs
- First aid kit
- Prescription medicines
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Razor and shaving cream
- Handheld mirror
- Heating pad
Electronics and Accessories
- Phone
- Laptop
- Tablet
- Portable speakers
- Headphones
- Camera
- HDMI/extension cords
- Adapters/chargers
School and Desk Supplies
- Backpack
- Planner/calendar
- Pens and pencils
- Highlighters
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Pen/pencil holder and sharpener
- Index cards
- Sticky notes
- Binders
- Stapler and staples
- Hole puncher
- Paper clips and binder clips
- Scissors
- Calculator
- Desk storage
- Tape
Room Decor and Storage Needs
- Alarm Clock
- Desk or bedside lamp
- Closet organizer
- Shoe storage
- Under-the-bed storage bins
- Closet storage bins
- Removable adhesive hooks or sticky wall mounts
- Photos and other personal items
- Decorative rug
- Wall decor
- Mini trash can
Food and Kitchen Items
- Snacks, beverages, and other food items
- Paper towels
- Favorite coffee mug
- Plasticware/paper plates/plastic cups
- Water bottle
- Food storage bags/containers
- Can or bottle opener
- Silverware, pots/pans, cooking utensils (if not provided by housing)
- Dish soap and scrubber/sponge
- Dish towels
- Oven mitts
Miscellaneous
- Umbrella
- Mini toolkit (screwdriver, wrench, hammer, etc.)
- Mini sewing kit
- Flashlight
- Safety pins
- Bike lock