Bedding
If you get to college and realize you forgot your favorite pillow, sleeping becomes more difficult. Since you're going to need your sleep, don't forget these bedding items:
- Mattress cover
- Pillows
- Pillow cases
- Sheets (bring at least two sets)
- Comforter
- Extra blankets
Room
Bring along a variety of items to decorate your room, organize your space, and make your dorm feel like your own.
- Additional seating
- Area rug
- Alarm clock
- Bulletin board or dry erase board
- Push pins, magnets, and/or whiteboard markers
- Lamp
- Mirror
- Photos
- Trash can
- Under-bed storage
- Easily removable adhesive hooks/strips
- Fan
Laundry
You'll be washing your own clothes, so make sure to bring everything you need for laundry. You may need to replenish several of these items throughout the year, but having them when you start cuts down on stress.
- Bleach
- Fabric softener
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Laundry detergent
- Laundry bag or basket
- Stain remover
Kitchen
Even if you plan to eat in the cafeteria most of the time, having a variety of kitchen items keeps you prepared.
- Blender
- Can opener
- Coffee Maker
- Coffee filters
- Dish towels
- Plates
- Cups
- Bowls
- Silverware
- Mugs
- Mini fridge
- Microwave
Before bringing a coffee maker, mini fridge, or microwave, be sure to check your college's dorm rules. Some don't allow these items.
Bathroom
Having a variety of bathroom supplies keeps you feeling clean and fresh, even when you're using a communal bathroom.
- Towels
- Washcloths
- Loofah
- Scale
- Shower curtain and rings (if needed))
- Shower shoes
- Robe
- Shower caddy
- Hair styling products
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap or body wash
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Toilet paper
- Lotion
School Supplies
As you're getting ready to start a new chapter in your life, make sure that you have all the school supplies you'll need before starting class.
- Backpack
- Laptop
- Binders
- Calculator
- Calendar
- Desk organizer
- Pencils
- Pencil sharpener
- Erasers
- Highlighters
- Hole punch
- Index cards
- Pens
- Notebooks
- Loose notebook paper
- Post-it notes
- Stapler
- White out
Cleaning Supplies
You'll need to clean up around your dorm, so pack these cleaning supplies:
- Broom and dust pan
- Trash bags
- Disinfectant wipes
- Cleaning rags
- Bucket
- Glass cleaner
- All-purpose cleaner
- Portable vacuum
- Room freshener
- Light bulbs
Documents
Don't forget to bring along any important documents that you'll need during your time away from home.
- Bank information
- Car registration and insurance information (if you have a car)
- Checks, debit card, and/or credit card
- Copy of Social Security card
- Copy of birth certificate
- Driver's license or ID card
- Enrollment documents
- Class schedule
- Financial aid documents
- Emergency contact list
- Health insurance card
- Passport
- Student ID
Make the most of your time in college by starting off on the right foot. Bring along everything you need, and get ready for an adventure.
Image via Flickr by KB35
