Packing for college can feel overwhelming and stressful, especially if you’re a freshman going away for the first time. Something that many college students find useful is a student checklist. A checklist can help you to make sure that you have all the essentials, whether you’re packing to live in a dorm, apartment, rental house, or where ever you plan to live while going to school. We’ve created the ultimate student checklist to help walk you thru the packing process. Be sure to adapt our list to fit your needs. Make sure that you keep reading for our complete guide on the only college student checklist that you will ever need.
Bedding and Comfort
As a college student, you’re going to want to spend a lot of time in your bed. Whether it is catching up on sleep during the weekends or taking a quick cat nap between classes, your bed is imperative for your success. One thing you should add to the top of your college packing list is comfortable bedding.
If you’re going to be staying in a dorm room, then you will need to look into twin XL bedding to fit the dorm bed. You will find that many stores sell this type of bedding, so you can get something to match your style.
You should also make sure that you get comfortable pillows for your bed in college. Making sure that your bed is welcoming will help you to get a good night’s sleep and prepare you for a busy day of classes. Another way to make sure that you’re comfortable at college is by getting a sofa or futon. Whether you’re going to be staying in the dorm rooms or an apartment, this could be something that you want.
If you have roommates, then talk with them first to see if anyone else is planning to bring one. Having a futon area will be a pleasant communal space for everyone. One of the other college essentials that you should add to your checklist is a rug. Many dorm rooms or student apartments are going to have cold floors. Adding a rug to your room can help to warm it up and make it more comfortable for you.
Your Clothes
Bringing your clothes to college is one of the most significant student essentials, yet it can be a bit stressful when you see how much storage space you have. Try to start small when packing, so you do not overpack. One of the best ways to do this is by only bringing things you will need for the current season.
For example, chances are you’re moving to college in the fall time, so only bring pieces of clothing that you would wear in the fall. You’re not going to be needing shorts if the weather doesn’t permit wearing them. Then you can swap out some clothing when you travel back home to visit family. Doing this can help limit yourself. You will notice that you’re only taking up space with clothes that you are currently wearing.
One thing that you can never bring enough of that should be on your college checklist is underwear and socks. You’ll soon realize as a college student that keeping up with laundry is difficult. It is vital to have enough clean undergarments to get you through until the next laundry day. Shoes can be another story, but try to be practical when packing them. Remember, you’re going to be walking around campus a lot, so bring shoes that you’re comfortable walking in.
Health and Grooming
Being sure to keep up with your health and grooming in college is essential. Plus, feeling good about yourself can help you to do better in school. Something to add to your college checklist is a first aid kit. A first aid kit can come in handy for any emergencies that might arise.
One of the most significant college essentials for students who are living in a dorm with a communal bathroom is a shower caddy. A shower caddy is a tote that you can use to carry your health and grooming products back and forth between your room and the bathroom. You also might want to invest in some shower shoes to wear while you take a shower.
Speaking of health and grooming products, make sure that you have the basics of what you use to get ready on your college packing list. Some of these products you can buy once you get to college, but you want to make sure that you have them. See below for a list of things that should be on your college checklist.
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouth wash
- Dental Floss
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush or comb
- Makeup
You might also want to get some other grooming essentials that you don’t use every day but are convenient to have on hand. See the list below for some other products that you can bring.
- Hairstyling tools
- Q-tips
- Cotton balls
- Lotion
- Nail clippers
- Air freshener
- Shaving kit
- Handheld mirror
School Essentials
When you go off to college, there are going to be a few student essentials that you need on your college checklist to make sure that you can get your work done.
Having a reliable computer at college is essential for completing your college work. If you’re looking for a new one this year, then check out these laptop deals. Having a laptop means you can take your work with you anywhere you go around your college campus.
Some other school essentials that you may need are in the list below.
- Backpack
- Calculator
- Notebooks
- Pens
- Pencils
- Highlighters
- Folders
- Index cards
Specific professors might ask you to get other supplies for their classes as well, so make sure that you’re flexible.
You should also make sure to include somethings that you will need for your desk in your room at college on your checklist. These are various things that depend on each student. See below for an example list of things that you could get for your college desk.
- Printer
- Stapler
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Tape
- Pencil holder
- Sticky notes
- Paper clips
- Pushpins
Communal Items
If you’re moving into a space that is going to have roommates, then chatting with them is necessary before move-in day. In many instances, you may need a mini-fridge to store snacks, drinks, or food in your dorm room. One roommate may consider bringing a mini-fridge for everyone to share.
You also may want to bring certain kitchen items that you want to share with everyone that you’re going to be living with while in college. See below for some examples of things that you may need to bring with you and share.
- Plates
- Bowls
- Silverware
- Cups
- Coffee Mugs
- Fan
- Television
- DVD Player
- Gaming console
- Plunger
- Shower mat
- Toilet bowl cleaning brush
- Plunger
Other things that you should consider bringing are things that you can all use to keep the room clean. You may want to take turns buying them, so it is fair. Decide who will be the first to buy each item before you move in.
These are going to be things that everyone uses, which means everyone should take part in getting them. See below for items you need to add to your checklist.
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Trash Bags
- All-purpose cleaner
- Toilet bowl cleaner
These are some crucial things to bring with you, but you’re going to want to work it out with your roommates before adding it to your packing list.
Room Decor
Going away to college means that you get to make your room your own. You might want to add a few decor items to your college packing list, so your new college room can feel like home. You are going to be living there for an entire year, meaning it is worth it to spend some time decorating.
Decide what type of vibe you’re going for before buying decor pieces. Do you want a sporty room, or do you want to focus on a show you like? The options are endless for college room decor, so make sure that you have fun with it.
Below is a list of things that you can add to your college checklist to enhance your new college room.
- Posters
- Personal pictures
- Curtains
- Desk lamp
- Floor lamp
- Bedside table
- Bulletin board
- Dry erase board
- Fan
- Clock
- LED lights
As you can see, the options for customizing your room are endless. Make sure to bring some pieces with you to make your new space feel like home, whether you’re living in a dorm room or a college apartment.
Checking off Your Student Checklist
Be sure to use this complete student checklist to help you pack everything for your upcoming move to college. If you need to travel long-distance or do not have a lot of room, then it could be smart to buy some of these college essentials once you’ve arrived.
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