Preparing for college can be exciting and overwhelming. We are here to make your transition from high school to college easy. To do so, we are making sure you have everything you need. We have included items from the following topics on this list: dorm essentials, class supplies, technology, medicine, snacks, toiletries, beauty, and cleaning.
Check out the items below. Don’t forget to download the free college packing checklist below.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read our full disclaimer here.
Technology
Technology covers the tech devices and products that you need to excel inside and outside of class. Each item will provide you with flexibility and security when working on projects, completing assignments, and studying for school. I also added sources of entertainment because what is life without a little entertainment?
- Flash drive
- Charger (phone, laptop)
- External hard drive
- Wireless headphone
- Laptop
- Laptop case
- Printer
- Printer ink
- Printer paper
- Projector or TV
- Tablet
- Tablet pen
- Tech cleaning wipes
- Portable charger
- Surge protector
Class Supplies
Class supplies covers the items you will need in a class setting. Each item will make navigating classroom assignments (pop quizzes, note taking, etc.) effortless.
- Backpack
- Tote bag
- Binder
- Calculator
- Pencil case
- Mechanical pencils
- Pens
- Eraser
- Highlighter
- Notepad
- Glue
- Tape
- Color pencils
- Index cards
- Planner
- College ruled notebook paper
- Spiral notebook or composition book
- Folders
Desk Supplies
Desk supplies covers the items you will need on your desk in your dorm room. Each item will help keep you organized.
- Bulletin board
- Calendar
- Desk lamp
- Desk organizer
- Desk storage box
- Stapler
- Staples
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Tape
- Three-hole puncher
- Cord organizer
- Desk mirror
- Makeup organizer
- Jewelry organizer
Dorm Bedding
Dorm bedding covers the items you will need to customize an average dorm mattress pad to the bed of your dreams.
- Bed bug protection mattress cover
- Twin XL comforter set
- Throw blanket
- Twin XL bed skirt
- Twin XL sheet
- Foam topper
- Pillow
- Pillowcases
- Throw pillows
- Bed riser
- Underbed storage
Dorm Decor
Dorm decor covers the items that you will need to turn your dorm room into a home.
- Area rug
- Command strips
- Curtain rod + curtain
- Storage baskets
- Ottoman
- Full-length mirror
- Trash can
- Peel + stick temporary wallpaper
- Picture frame
- Photos
- Plants
- Fairy string lights
- Flower vase
- Wall Art (tapestry, posters)
- Wall clock
- Wall mirror
Closet Organization
Closet organization covers the items you will need to transform your small closet into a larger storage space for your clothes, shoes, snacks, and more.
- Closet storage box units
- Shoe Rack
- Hangers
Clothes
Clothes covers the different outfits you will need in different scenarios you will encounter as a college student. This section details clothes, intimates, shoes, and accessories you will need for each scenario you may encounter.
- Clothes pin
Outfits for the following scenarios, activities, events:
- Gym: activewear, sports bra, leggings, shorts, Dri-fit shirts, sweatpants
- Class: graphic tees, jeans, basic sets
- Presentation, Interview: blazer, dress pants, pant suit, skirt suit, white button down top, heels, flats
- Party, Club: Club-wear outfits, comfortable sneakers, casual heels, little black dress
- Banquet, Award ceremony: Formal dress, formal clutch, necklace, earrings, heels, shapewear
- Winter: Everyday color scarf, glove, hat set; winter coat: puffer + suede; suede boots, snow boots
- Rain: raincoat, poncho, umbrella, rain boots
- Spring: Jean jacket, skirts
- Fall: fleece jacket, infinity scarf, jeans
- Summer: sunglasses, hat, sleeveless shirts, shorts, sandals, sundress
- Nightwear: Pajamas, sleep eye mask
++Accessories
Intimates
- Underwear
- Tights
- Socks
- Bras (t-shirt bra, sports bra, push up bra)
- Shapewear
- Boob tape
- Bandeau (nude colored)
Appliances
Appliances covers the items you will need to make you feel comfortable living on-campus. Be sure to check your school’s housing website to ensure that each item is permitted.
- Microwave
- Mini fridge
- Vacuum stick
- Portable blender bottle
- Beauty fridge
- Humidifier
- Air purifier
- Fan
- Space heater
Toiletries
Toiletries cover the essentials you will need to maintain your hygiene on-campus.
- Panty liners
- Pads
- Tampons
- Deodorant
- Cotton swabs
- Nail polish
- Razor
- Nail clipper
- Nail file
- Nail polish remover
- Toenail dividers
- Press-on-nails and glue
- Vaseline
- Rubbing alcohol
- Bandage
- First Aid kit
Oral Care
- Floss picks
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush pack
- Toothbrush cover
- Fluoride wash
- Tongue scrubber
- Lip balm
- Lip scrub
Skin
- Acne spot treatment
- Tweezers
- Body Wash
- Lotion
- Exfoliator
- SPF
- Face wash
- Face moisturizer
- Mask
- Soap
Beauty
Beauty covers the essentials you will need to beautify yourself. Items mentioned in this section include makeup and hair items.
Natural Hair
- Detangling brush
- Scalp massager
- Microfiber hair towel
- Alligator hair clips
- Microfiber hair scrunchie
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deep conditioner
- Hair pins
- Bobby pins
- Scrunchies
- Rubber bands
- Hair gel
- Leave-In conditioner
- Styling cream
- Hair oil
- Brush
- Sectioning comb
- Hair pick
- Edges brush
- Water spray bottle
- Hair scarf
- Hair bonnet
- Durag
- Silk pillowcase
- Hat
- Headband
- Wig
- Braiding hair
- Crochet Hair
- Blow dryer
- Flat iron
Makeup
- Bronzer
- Highlighter
- Mascara
- Beauty Blender
- Eyeshadow kit
- Foundation stick
- Lip balm
- Lip gloss
- Primer
- Setting powder
- Setting spray
Shower
Shower covers the essentials you will need to maneuver a shared bathroom.
- Shower caddy
- Bath towel
- Bath robe
- Loofah
- Shower cap
- Shower curtain
- Shower mat
- Shower shoes
- Toilet paper
- Wash cloth
- Shower comb
- Hair drain catcher
Laundry
Laundry covers the essentials you will need to wash, dry, and unwrinkle your clothes on-campus.
- Dryer sheets
- Steamer
- Stain remover
- Detergent liquid or pods
- Laundry hamper
- Laundry bag
- Laundry cart
- Lint roller
Food
Food includes food items you can eat when you can’t make it to the dining hall.
- Tea
- Bottled water
- Individual cereal bowls
- Soup
- Instant ramen
- Instant oats
- Frozen meals
- Popcorn
- Microwaveable rice
- Chips
Kitchen Supplies
Kitchen supplies covers the kitchenette items you will need to eat the food that you have purchased.
- Tea mug
- Microwavable bowl
- Fork + spoon set
- Can opener
- Napkins
- Trash bag
Safety
Safety covers items you can purchase to feel safe on-campus when traveling on-campus at night.
- Safety whistle
- Safety push button
- Pepperspray
Medicine
Medicine covers items that you can pack to maintain and regain your health.
- Vitamins
- Emergen-c
- Pain relief medication
- Drugstore allergy medicine
- EPI-PEN
- Asthma inhaler
- Cold medicine
- Hot & Cold packs
- Prescription medication
- Insect repellent
- Thermometer
- Thermometer covers
- Aloe gel
- Throat drops
- Eye drops
- Nasal spray
Pandemi Protection
Pandemi protection includes items you will need to maintain your health during the pandemic.
- N95 mask
- Decorative fabric mask
- Blue Medical disposable mask
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfecting wipes
- Cleaning wipes
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies covers cleaning items you will need to clean your space and shared spaces.
- Clorox disinfecting wipes
- All-purpose surface cleaner
- Gloves
- Wood cleaner
- Windex
- Dish wash soap
- Sponge
- Shower cleaner
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous items cover the items that you may think you don’t need but you donned. This is an optional section.
- Lanyard (room keys, Student ID)
- Bug spray/ traps
- Flashlight
- Weekend bag
- Suitcase
Documents
Documents include documentation that you should have copies for financial aid, job applications, and emergencies.
- Copy of SSN
- Copy of Birth certificate
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Driver’s license
- Emergency contact list
- Health/ Dental insurance
- Passport
- Student ID
- Resume
Check out: Barbiecore Dorm Decor: Transform Your Dorm Into Barbie’s Dream House
