College Packing List: 90 Crucial Things To Bring to College

The ultimate college packing checklist

Welcome to the ultimate guide for college packing list essentials! Whether you’re a first-time college student or a seasoned upperclassman, packing for dorm life can be both exciting and daunting.

From bedding to bathroom supplies, electronics to everyday necessities, there’s a lot to consider when preparing for life on campus.

In this nice guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to pack to make your dorm room feel like home.

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A laptop

Your trusty sidekick for all those late-night study sessions, Netflix binges, and virtual lectures.

A portable hard drive

Because let’s face it, you’ll accumulate more files, photos, and documents than you can shake a stick at.

A mouse

Say goodbye to awkward trackpads and hello to precision and control with a trusty mouse by your side.

Printer & paper

For those times when you need a hard copy of that essay or presentation, a printer is a lifesaver.

Laptop stand

It not only improves airflow and ergonomics but also adds a touch of sophistication to your workspace.

Portable charger

Whether you’re in class, at the library, or chilling in the quad, a portable charger ensures you’ll never be caught with a dead battery.

Power strip

With a million devices to charge and only a handful of outlets, a power strip is an absolute lifesaver.

Batteries

From your wireless mouse to your alarm clock, batteries are the unsung heroes of college life. Stock up on AA’s and AAA’s – you never know when you’ll need ’em.

Backrest

Give your back the support it deserves during those marathon study sessions. A backrest not only keeps you comfortable but also helps improve posture and reduce fatigue.

Key finder

Save yourself the headache of frantic searches and invest in a key finder – it’s like having your own personal detective to track down those elusive keys.

Desk lamp

Whether you’re burning the midnight oil or just need some extra illumination for that tricky math problem, a desk lamp is a must-have for any dorm room.

Reading lamp

For those cozy nights curled up with a good book, a reading lamp is certainly one of those important college packing list essentials.

A desk fan

Perfect for those stuffy dorm rooms or sweltering summer days, a desk fan provides instant relief when the heat is on.

Dehumidifier

Say goodbye to musty odors and dampness with a trusty dehumidifier.

Vacuum

From crumbs to dust bunnies, a vacuum is your secret weapon against dirt and debris.

Broom & dustpan

For those times when a vacuum just won’t cut it, a broom and dustpan come to the rescue.

Wireless speaker

Turn up the tunes and get the party started with a wireless speaker.

Headphones

Block out distractions and get in the zone with a pair of headphones.

Alarm clock

Rise and shine, it’s time to seize the day! A reliable alarm clock ensures you’ll never oversleep those early morning classes or important meetings.

Water kettle

From instant noodles to tea and coffee, a water kettle is a dorm room essential.

Coffee maker

Because let’s face it, caffeine is the lifeblood of college students everywhere.

Microwave

This is perfect for heating up leftovers, popping popcorn, or making mug cakes in a pinch.

Dinnerware set

Say goodbye to disposable plates and utensils – it’s time to upgrade to a proper dinnerware set.

Flatware

Don’t forget the forks, knives, and spoons!

Knives

From slicing veggies to spreading peanut butter, a good set of knives is a dorm kitchen essential.

Food storage containers

Keep your leftovers fresh and your snacks organized with a set of food storage containers.

Can/bottle opener

Don’t get stuck with a can of soup and no way to open it! A can opener is a kitchen must-have for any college student.

Dish towels

From drying dishes to wiping up spills, dish towels are endlessly useful in the kitchen.

Pots & pans

Whether you’re whipping up a gourmet meal or just boiling water for pasta, a good set of pots and pans is among the most important college packing list essentials.

Clothes steamer

Say goodbye to wrinkled clothes with a clothes steamer.

Ironing board

For those times when a clothes steamer just won’t cut it, an ironing board comes to the rescue.

Iron

A crisp, wrinkle-free wardrobe is just a press away with a reliable iron.

Hanging hooks

Maximize vertical space in your dorm room with a few hanging hooks.

Lint roller

Keep your clothes looking fresh and fuzz-free with a lint roller.

Hangers

Because nobody likes a closet full of wrinkled clothes! Stock up on a variety of hangers to keep your wardrobe organized and wrinkle-free.

Trash bin

Keep your dorm room tidy and trash-free with a trusty trash bin. Look for one with a lid to contain odors and keep pests at bay.

Storage containers/under-the-bed storage

Maximize storage space in your dorm room with a few storage containers or under-the-bed storage bins.

Shoe storage

Keep your kicks organized and off the floor with a shoe storage solution.

Luggage

Whether you’re heading home for the holidays or planning a weekend getaway, a reliable piece of luggage is a must-have for any college student.

Laundry basket

Keep your dirty laundry contained and organized with a laundry basket.

Laundry rack

For those delicate items that can’t go in the dryer, a laundry rack is essential.

Laundry detergent

Keep your clothes clean and fresh with a reliable laundry detergent. Look for one that’s gentle on fabrics and tough on stains for optimal results.

Fabric softener

Add a touch of softness and freshness to your laundry with a splash of fabric softener.

Stain remover

Whether it’s grass, wine, or grease, a good stain remover is your secret weapon against laundry disasters.

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Shower caddy

Keep your shower essentials organized and within reach with a shower caddy.

Shower flip flops

Protect your feet from icky communal shower floors with a pair of shower flip flops.

A mirror

From morning routines to last-minute outfit checks, a mirror is a dorm room essential.

Shampoo & conditioner

Keep your locks looking luscious with a reliable shampoo and conditioner. Look for formulas that address your hair type and concerns for optimal results.

Bath & face soap

Look for gentle, moisturizing formulas that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.

Moisturizer

Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, finding the right moisturizer is key to maintaining a healthy complexion.

Toothpaste & toothbrush

Look for fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities and a toothbrush with soft bristles to protect your gums.

Bath towels

Stock up on a few extras so you’ll always have a clean towel on hand.

Bathrobe

For those lazy Sunday mornings or post-shower lounging sessions, a plush bathrobe is a must-have.

Loungewear

Whether you’re studying, relaxing, or Netflix and chilling, a comfy set of loungewear is essential.

Slippers

Keep your toes toasty and your feet cozy with a pair of fluffy slippers.

Hair dryer

Say goodbye to air-drying and hello to sleek, salon-worthy locks with a trusty hair dryer.

Loofah

A loofah is perfect for exfoliating and stimulating circulation during your daily shower routine.

Electric toothbrush

With rotating bristles and built-in timers, electric toothbrushes provide a thorough clean every time.

Electric shaver

This is perfect for quick touch-ups or full-fledged grooming sessions.

Water flosser

Take your oral hygiene routine to the next level with a water flosser. A water flosser helps keep your smile healthy and bright.

Bedside shelf

Keep your essentials within arm’s reach with a bedside shelf. A bedside shelf adds convenience and functionality to your sleeping space.

Bed risers

Maximize under-bed storage space and create extra room for your belongings with bed risers.

Mattress topper

Transform your dorm room mattress from lumpy to luxurious with a cozy mattress topper.

Pillows

Whether you prefer plush down or memory foam, finding the right pillow is key to getting your best night’s sleep.

Sheets/bedding set

Look for soft, breathable fabrics that feel like a dream against your skin.

A fleece blanket

Snuggle up and stay warm with a cozy fleece blanket.

Weighted blanket

Experience the calming benefits of a weighted blanket for a restful night’s sleep.

Tool set/multitool

Be prepared for any DIY mishaps or furniture assembly projects with a trusty tool set or multitool.

Duct tape

Whether you’re patching up a hole in your backpack or sealing a leaky water bottle, duct tape has got you covered.

Earplugs

Block out noisy neighbors, construction sounds, or late-night parties with a pair of earplugs.

Sleep mask with Bluetooth

This device is perfect for blocking out light and distractions while listening to your favorite relaxing tunes or white noise.

Portable safe

Keep your valuables secure and give yourself peace of mind with a portable safe.

Water bottle

Stay hydrated and eco-friendly with a reusable water bottle. A water bottle helps you stay refreshed and reduce plastic waste.

Raincoat

Don’t let a little rain dampen your day – stay dry and stylish with a waterproof raincoat.

Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and look effortlessly cool with a stylish pair of sunglasses.

First aid kit

Stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and more, a first aid kit ensures you’re ready to handle any bumps or bruises that come your way.

Sewing kit

From loose buttons to ripped seams, a sewing kit is your secret weapon against wardrobe malfunctions.

Dry-erase board & markers

Stay organized and keep track of important dates and deadlines with a dry-erase board.

Planner

Keep your schedule, assignments, and appointments organized with a trusty planner.

Backpack

Look for one with padded straps and plenty of compartments to keep your belongings organized and secure.

Pens & pencils

Stock up on a variety of colors and styles to suit your preferences and needs.

Notebooks

Whether you prefer spiral-bound or leather-bound, lined or blank pages, finding the right notebook is key to staying organized and productive.

File storage/file box

Keep your paperwork, assignments, and important documents organized and easily accessible with a file storage box.

Stapler & scissors

From assembling presentations to crafting last-minute projects, a stapler and scissors are college essentials.

Sticky notes & index cards

Stay organized and keep track of important information with sticky notes and index cards.

Graphing calculator

Whether you’re tackling calculus or chemistry, a graphing calculator is a must-have for many college courses.

Pencil case & ruler

Keep your writing utensils organized and easily accessible with a pencil case. Don’t forget a trusty ruler for those times when precision is key.

Desk organizer

Keep your desk clutter-free and your supplies within reach with a desk organizer.

Wall calendar

Stay on top of your schedule and deadlines with a wall calendar.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN!

Were you missing any of these things from your college packing list?