The Ultimate College Packing List For Black Girls (Includes Everything You Will Ever Need)

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.

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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

Barbiecore Dorm Decor: Transform Your Dorm Into Barbie’s Dream House

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