Ultimate Packing List for College
Leaving home to start a new life in college feels a little scary but exciting, too. As, college is a place as cheesy as it may sound, but, undoubtedly a spot where you actually discover yourself.
After admission, the next click in your mind is obviously “what to pack for college?” Packing for college may seem a bit tricky but full of excitement too, especially if you’re moving abroad.
In this regard, our ultimate packing list for college is helpful in making your new beginning an experience to cherish!
Check also: Which Backpack Style is Best Suited for College Girls these Days?
Packing List for College according to different categories
Dorm Room Items
- Bedsheets, usually of twin/queen XL-size fit dorm beds
- Pillowcases
- Quilt or comforter (easy to wash)
- Throw Blanket (optional)
- Mattress pads and pillows (if not being provided)
- Reading Pillow
- Study Lamp (if not provided)
- Ear plugs (in case you are a sensitive sleeper)
- Eye Masks (if sensitive to lights)
- Tissues + Paper Towels
- Closet separates or organizers
- Underbed storage containers
- Towels
- Bathrobe
- Water-proof toiletry bag to carry bathroom supplies
- Iron
- Air Purifier + Air Freshener
- Curtains + Area Rug (if not provided)
- Posters/Wall art
- Room decor showpieces
Personal Care Items
- Bath soap
- Body or Shower gels
- Loofah
- Shower Cap
- Shampoo
- Deo + Body spray
- Hairbrush or a comb
- Hairdryer (if not provided)
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Nail clipper
- Shaving kit
- Portable Makeup (for girls)
- Feminine Hygiene products
- Insect Repellent
- Body Lotions
- Sunscreen lotion
- Vaseline
- Nail clippers
- Sunglasses
First Aid Kit
- Face Masks
- Hand Sanitizer
- Antiseptic wipes
- Basic adhesive bandages
- Pyridine + cotton swabs
- Vitamins
- Paracetamol or aspirin
- Anti-allergy medicine
- Anti-diaherria tablets
- Eno Sachet
- Instant pain relief gels or spray
- Skin ointment for small cuts, scrapes, or burns
- Any other Prescription medications
*Note all above with copies of the prescription
Clothing
- Shirts
- Pants
- Jeans
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Shorts
- Pjs and nightsuits
- Basic jewelry + Watch
- Hats or caps
- Sunglasses
- Formalwear
- Sportswear
- Swimwear
- Belts
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Winter-wear
Shoes
- Boots
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- Flip Flops
- Dress shoes
Laundry Items
- An eco-friendly laundry bag
- Detergent or cubes
- Stain remover stick
- Dryer sheets
- Bleach
- Fabric softener or freshener
- Hangers
- Instant Strach Spray
School Supplies
- Backpack/Book bag/Tote Bag
- Calendar/planner
- Pens
- A4 Paper sheets
- Pencils + Sharpener
- Notebooks
- Binders
- Paperclips
- Sticky notes
- Highlighters
- Ruler/scales
- Calculator
- Stapler
- Envelopes
- Stamps
- Markers
- Desk Storage and organizer
- Index Cards
- Whitener
- Scissors
- Scotch Tape
- Hole puncher
*Note: You can buy the above items after moving in
Electronics
- Laptop
- Smartphone
- Mini Speakers
- Tablet
- Gaming consoles
- Extra cables
- Chargers
- Power bank
- Adopters
- Cordless Earphones/headphones
- Extra charger
- Extensions
- Mouse
Documents
- National ID card
- Passport
- PCR Covid-19 Test Report (must-have at air travel)
- Covid-19 Fully vaccinated certificates
- Driving License
- Credit/debit card
- Social Security card (with copy)
- Student ID (if any)
- Health Insurance card (if applicable)
- Emergency Contact List
- College Acceptance Letter
Kitchen & Food Items
- Coffee Maker/ Electric Kettle
- Family Pack Maggie Noodles
- Granola bars
- Snacks
- Nutella
- Instant Tea/coffee sachet
- Mug Warmer
- Cubical refrigerator (if not provided)
- Microwave oven (if not provided)
- Dispose-off cups
- Coffee mugs + Glasses
- Eco-friendly reusable water bottles
- Dish soap + Sponge
- Napkins + Paper towels
- Paper or microwave-safe plates
- Pots & pans
- Cereal
- Instant Soup Sachet
- Bread
Travel Bags
- Suitcase
- Backpack (for laptop and books)
- Tote bag (for girls)
- Belt bag (for quick excess documents)
- Extra Handcarry (for short trips + Quick excess wears)
- Packing cubes
Misc. Items
- Foldable Umbrella
- A small portable toolkit
- Safety pins
- Flashlight
- Tasers/Pepper spray for self-defense
Quick Tips When Packing for College
- Pick essentials and skip the luxuries. Don’t overstuff, try to limit the items you want and pick the ones that you actually need.
- Next, consider the items that your dorm or new residence allows you to bring.
- If your college is out of state then try to pack only what you need for that specific weather season. However, packing your all outfits may seem necessary, but it can be more hassle-free and compatible to buy some when you arrive at your new destination.
- Moreover, try to socialize with the current students and ask them about what to pack. They can tell you from their own experience about the “must-haves” and “things to skip” for your new home. Further, they may even tell you some specifics about your building that really help you.
- Finally, make a checklist of everything you need for far your research.
Conclusion
If you like it, do comment or you can even suggest the missing items in the “Packing list for college” in the comment box right below.
After getting an instant idea of what to bring to college, here you’ll get an ultimate college packing list to help you know what to pack for college. Moreover, it’s important to know that the following packing list includes essential items and also some luxury items. But, it’s totally up to you to consider which items (and the number of items) you’ll pack for college.