Whether you're going to college near your hometown or moving to another state, we created a college dorm packing list with the essential items you'll need for your freshman year of college!

Before you pack

Check your college’s guidelines on approved and prohibited items

Most colleges provide a list of approved and prohibited dorm items on their websites in the residential or housing section. Make sure you have that list on hand while you’re packing to make sure you’re in line with the given restrictions before you get to campus. If you show up with restricted items, you may be asked to get rid of them.

Decide what to pack based on your travel plans

How you plan to move to your college can play a big role in deciding what and how to pack. If you're going to a college nearby or are planning to drive, you'll probably be able to fit most of the stuff on our list in just one or two trips.

However if you plan on taking a plane, bus, or train to college, you won’t be able to bring all of these items with you. Consider packing only the essentials, such as clothing, important documents, and other small items from home to keep with you. Once you get to campus, you can shop for some of the items listed below or have someone mail you the things you can’t travel with.

When it comes to packing your clothes, it’s a good idea to keep it simple and consider only packing for one season at a time, then switch items when you go home during breaks. For example, if you’re heading to college during the summer or fall, focus on packing your lightweight clothing and things that you can layer. Once the colder months roll in, you can swap out those items for warmer layers, jackets, and boots if you visit home during winter break. While it might feel tempting to pack your entire wardrobe, it can be a hassle trying to find space for everything.

College dorm packing list

Here is a comprehensive list of what to bring to college! If you have roommates, reach out to them prior to moving in to get on the same page about who is bringing shared items (like mini-fridges, rugs, TV, etc.). You may not need everything on this list, and can adjust your list as-needed to meet your specific needs.

Print this list by clicking the Download button below!

Important documents

• Banking information
• Copy of your Social Security card (if applicable)
• Credit and/or debit card
• Driver’s license
• Emergency contact list
• Government-issued ID
• Health insurance card (if applicable)
• Student ID (if you have it already)

Bedding

• Comforter (Size Twin/Twin XL)
• Foam mattress pad (Size Twin/Twin XL)
• Pillow cases
• Pillows
• Sheet set (Size Twin/Twin XL)
• Throw blanket (optional)

Bathroom

Depending on your dorm, the bathroom setups can generally be divided into two types: communal (shared with other residents) and private (shared with your roommates or suitemates only). Let's break down the essentials you'll need for each of these setups:

Communal:

• Shower caddy
• Shower shoes

Private:

• Air freshener/sanitizer
• Bathroom rug
• Cleaning sponge
• Hand mirror (optional)
• Rubber gloves
• Shower curtain and rings
• Shower mat
• Toilet brush/cleaner
• Toilet paper

Both (items you’ll need for both setups):

• Bath towels
• Bathrobe
• Flat iron/blow dryer
• Shower cap (optional)
• Washcloths

Laundry

In college dorms, the laundry setup generally consists of a shared laundry room equipped with multiple washers and dryers, where you’re typically required to bring your own laundry supplies, such as:

• Detergent
• Dryer sheets
• Fabric softener
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Laundry hamper/basket
• Lint roller
• Rolls of quarters
• Sewing kit
• Stain remover

Dorm room

• Adhesive hooks
• Air freshener
• Alarm clock
• Area rug
• Bulletin/dry erase board
• Closet organizer
• Curtains
• Desk lamp
• Fan
• Floor lamp
• Hangers
• Over-the-door storage unit
• Plastic storage bins
• Posters/wall art
• Shoe rack/organizer
• Step up ladder
• Trash can
• Wall/full length mirror

Tech and appliances

Check in with your college to learn which of these devices are allowed in your dorm room:

• Adapters
• Device chargers and batteries
• Ethernet cable
• External hard drive (500+GB)
• HDMI cable
• Headphones
• Laptop and laptop case
• Mini Fridge
• Mouse and mouse pad
• Portable water boiler
• Printer and ink
• Speakers
• Surge protector
• TV
• Video games/console (optional)

Items that can be purchased after moving in

Here's a list of additional items you might find useful for your dorm and can buy once you're moved in:

Toiletries

• Antiseptic wipes
• Body lotion
• Body wash/bar soap
• Comb/brush
• Deodorant
• Hand sanitizer/antibacterial gel
• Insect repellent
• Lip balm/chapstick
• Makeup
• Menstrual care products
• Mouthwash
• Oral hygiene products
• Over-the-counter medicine
• Prescription medications (if applicable)
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Shaving razor
• Sleeping cap
• Sunscreen
• Toothbrush
• Toothbrush holder
• Toothpaste

School supplies

• Backpack or tote bag
• Calculator
• Desk organizer
• Double-sided tape
• Envelopes/stamps
• File folders
• Highlighters (multicolored)
• Index cards
• Notebooks/paper
• Pens (blue and black ink)
• Planner
• Printer paper
• Scissors
• Sharpie markers
• Stapler and staples/staple remover
• Wite-Out

Kitchen and cleaning

In your dorm or on your floor, there may be a kitchen acessible to residents. If you like to cook, you’ll be able to utilize this space! Just be sure to keep all of your cooking supplies in your room for safekeeping.

• Broom and dust pan
• Can opener
• Cooking utensils
• Cups/bowls/plates (plastic or reusable)
• Dish drying rack
• Dish soap and towels
• Disinfectant wipes
• Garbage bags
• Handheld vacuum
• Mop
• Paper towels
• Pots and pans
• Reusable water bottle
• Salt, pepper, and other seasonings
• Seasonings
• Silverware like forks/knives/spoons (plastic or reusable)
• Surface cleaner
• Tupperware/Ziploc bags
• Water filter pitcher

Snacks

Non perishable (or shelf-stable) snacks are good to keep in your room for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking, going to the cafeteria, or want something quick to eat between classes.

• Bottled water
• Bread
• Bulk snacks (chips, granola, dried fruit, etc.)
• Cereal
• Microwavable nonperishable meals (mac and cheese, ramen, cup noodles, instant oatmeal, etc.)
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Popcorn
• Sugar packets

We're here to support you every step of the way to make your college transition smooth! Any questions for us about packing for college? Text us! Send #Hello to 33-55-77 to speak with one of our college advisors, or click here to have the text message set up for you!