Packing to go away to college can seem like a huge, daunting task. I know I was nervous when I was getting ready to leave home that I would forget something crucial…especially because I attend a school 6 hours away from home. However, having a packing and college shopping list while getting everything together for the big move-in day can be so helpful!

I’ve racked my mind and have listed out all of the amenities and supplies that I could possibly think of. I only lived in the dorms for one year, but I know about what you typically can and cannot bring with you, and have tried to take those into accommodation in this college shopping list.

Want to read more of my posts about college? Check out:

• 5 Apps College Students Shouldn’t Live Without
• 32 Self-Care Ideas to Practice in College
• 5 Easy Ways to Save Money in College
• 25 Essay Writing Tips for College Students

A Complete College Shopping List

Make sure you have everything you need for success at college by following this shopping and packing list!

For School Supplies

• Three-ring binders
• Folders
• Mechanical pencils
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Post-it Notes
• Notebooks
• Tape
• Daily Planner
• Index Cards
• Stapler
• Scissors
• Calculator

For The Bathroom

• Disinfecting Wipes
• Robe
• Bath Towels
• Hand Towels
• Shower caddy
• Loofah
• Shower shoes (or flip-flops)
• Foaming shower cleanser
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Swiffer Wet Jet

For Your Bed

• Pillows
• Pillow cases
• Throw blanket
• Heated blanket
• Mattress pad
• Comforter – I got mine from Target!
• Sheet set
• Throw pillows – Urban Outfitters or Target
• Under the bed storage bins

For The Kitchen

• Basic pots + pans
• Tupperware
• Silverware
• Cups
• Bowls
• Plates
• Soup bowl
• Coffee mugs
• To-go coffee mug
• Microwave
• Oven mitts
• Chip clips
• Hand soap
• Plastic wrap
• Aluminum foil
• Spices/seasonings
• Can/bottle opener
• Trash bags
• Paper towels
• Napkins

Food + Snack Ideas

• Ramen (a classic!)
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Easy Mac
• Coffee grounds
• Coffee creamer
• Clif bars
• Instant oatmeal
• Cereal
• Fresh fruit/veggies
• Popcorn

For The Dorm Room

• Rug – check Target or Bed Bath & Beyond!
• Firefly lights
• Over the door mirror
• Laundry bin
• Trash can
• Mini fan
• Picture hangers/strips
• Coffee maker
• Water filter
• Posters/wall art – I like Urban Outfitters
• HDMI cable

For Your Closet

• Regular hangers
• Rolling storage bins (for T-Shirts, undergarments)
• Shoe organizer
• Clip hangers (for skirts)

For Your Desk

• Desk lamp
• Acrylic organizers
• Journal
• Cork board/dry erase board
• Push-pins/dry erase markers
• Printer
• Printer paper
• Stamps and envelopes
• Pencil bag

For Personal Use

• Straightener
• Curling Iron/wand
• Facial cleanser
• Makeup removing wipes
• Toner
• Facial moisturizer
• Hair brush
• Hairspray
• Body wash or shower gel
• Cold medicine
• Pain relieving medicine
• Cough/sore throat drops
• Vitamins
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Lotion
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Band-Aids
• Tissues
• Nail polish remover
• Stain remover pen
• Cotton balls/pads
• Feminine care products
• Deodorant
• Vaseline

Other Random Stuff

• Laundry Detergent
• Dryer Sheets
• Backpack
• Reusable water bottle
• Umbrella
• Hand-sewing kit
• Broom/small vacuum
• Static guard
• Storage bin
• Febreeze

Don’t Forget to Get Cash Back!

If you’re shopping for items online, make sure you use Ebates! The Ebates plugin installs easily into your browser and gives you cash back on everyday purchases. I use Ebates every time I online shop + I love getting paid through PayPal cash back!

Items Usually Not Allowed in College Dorm Rooms

The following items will most likely be confiscated if found in your dorm:

• Candles
• Space heaters
• Clothes iron
• Dumbells/Free Weights
• Nails for the wall/hanging
• Toasters
• Plug-in air fresheners
• Oil burners

I know that sometimes students like to break these guidelines, but RA checks do happen frequently and your stuff can be taken away from you or you can be reported if you break the guidelines.

Tips for Move-In Day

• Recruit family members and friends to help move you in! It will take several trips (and hours) to move all of your stuff in if you just bring your mom. Bringing extra people also helps as you will probably want one person to stay by the car with the rest of your stuff.
• Try and use suitcases with wheels on them to make the process easier. Also, try and put heavier items in rolling suitcases so you can roll them to your room instead of carrying. You’ll thank me later!
• Enjoy the process. Moving in can be stressful but I remember the day I moved into my dorm room vividly. My family + I played fun music while moving in and it made the process so much more fun and bearable.

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Have any other ideas to add to this college shopping list? Tell me in the comments!

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