College Dorm Checklist

Congratulations on getting accepted into college!

This is a big step in your life and is a direct result of your hard work thus far. Grade school, report cards, the SAT, and college applications are all finally behind you. Soon you'll be moving into your new home in your college dorm! This can be a stressful time as you try to figure out what to pack, and how to move it all. But don't worry! I'm here to lead you step-by-step through the whole process of packing for college.

What to Pack For College

This site was born out of a need I saw when I graduated high school and was accepted into college. The packing list provided by my school was very brief, and the information I found online was very scattered and incomplete. I started this website to create a comprehensive college dorm checklist, as well as a community of college students embarking on the same journey.

Here you will find a categorized list of things that you will need to consider taking with you to college. Many of the items on this list are links to articles about that particular thing. Click on through to see WHY you need those things.

Bedding

• Sheets - Most likely Twin Extra Long. And yes, you will need to wash these every once in a while!
• Comforter or Blanket - Your dorm may be cold at night...
• Mattress Cover - To soften the mattress
• Pillow - Unless you don't sleep with one

Electronics

• Laptop - Probably required by your school
• MP3 Player - Gotta have your tunes!
• Computer Speakers - Goes with one or both of the above
• Surge Protected Power Strip - Power and protect your electronics
• Alarm Clock - Don't sleep through those 8 AM's!

Clothes

• Socks and Underwear - The more pairs of these you have, the fewer times you'll have to do laundry
• Jeans and Shorts - Some for winter and some for summer
• T-Shirts - You'll get a lot of these for free once you get to college
• Button Down Shirts - You'll want to look nice every now and then
• Dress Clothes - You'll probably only need one or two sets
• Winter Clothing- For those cold walks to class
• Athletic Shoes - College is a great time to start hitting the gym
• Rain Gear - Sitting through your classes in wet clothes is no fun
• Laundry Detergent - Don't forget the quarters for the washing machines!
• Swimsuit - Midnight swims are always fun

Toiletries

• Soap and Shampoo - No one likes that smelly kid
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste - Or the one with bad breath
• Bathroom Caddy - No, you can't keep your soap in the shower. Although someone on your hall probably will...
• Shower Flip Flops - Shower Barefoot? Eww.

School Supplies

• Backpack - A high-quality one that will last you all four years (or five or six...)
• Pencils/Pens - College rule #1: Take notes
• Calculator - Math, Engineering, and Science majors... this will save your life
• Notebook Paper - Or copy paper, whichever you prefer
• 3-Ring Binders - Rule #2: Don't lose your notes!
• Composition Notebooks - If you prefer to take notes in bound form, get a bunch of these

Dorm Supplies

• Posters - Try not to express yourself too offensively
• Whiteboard - Put it on your door for friends to leave you messages
• Futon - Sit on it or sleep on it... it's up to you
• Kitchen Items - Gotta eat those Ramen noodles out of something
• Cleaning Supplies - Don't let your dorm get too messy