College Dorm List: Checklist of What To Bring

With fall right around the corner, thousands of U.S. colleges and universities will be reopening their doors soon!

In addition to the frenzy of excitement surrounding a college move, many incoming freshman experience plenty of nerves – and understandably so. Living away from home for the first time ever is challenging. It means meeting new people, sharing a room with strangers, and – yes – even doing your own laundry (sorry, can’t escape that one!). With this in mind, college freshman need to be extra prepared for moving into a college dorm room. After all, the more prepared you are, the less stress you’ll feel during the move-in process. Which is why we’ve prepared this college dorm checklist of what to bring to a college dorm.

Keep in mind, college dorm rooms are generally teeny tiny. Some come outfitted with only a bed and desk. Many college dorms also require residents to share a large bathroom with the students living in their hallway. If this is the case, freshman will need to bring a few extra bathroom supplies (hello: portable caddy, flip flops and bathrobe). Those sharing a kitchenette with roommates will want to bring supplies and tools for cooking as well. Before packing, all students should double-check their university’s housing department’s policy on prohibited and hazardous dorm room items.

Overall, those moving into a college dorm room should focus on bringing small items that can easily be folded and stored away under a bed or on a shelf. Given the size of a college dorm room, there won’t be much space for storing unnecessary items. Unless you’re able to rent a storage unit during the year, you’ll need to make some compromises when packing up belongings. Be sure to check with your new roommate on the list of dorm room needs. To avoid bringing everything , I recommend splitting room necessities with a roommate. This way, you won’t end up with two TVs or two futons.

Before you get started with the packing, take a look at our helpful college dorm list of what to bring when moving into a college dorm.

Bedding

Mattress pad
At least two sets of twin sheet sets (be sure to check whether the dorm bed requires extra long twin sheets)
Pillowcases
Pillows
Quilt or bedspread
Duvet
Extra blankets
Backrest pillow for sitting up
Throw pillows
Reading light that can attach to bed

School Supplies

Bookbag or sling bag
Lap desk
Pencils
Black, blue and red pens
White-out
Index cards
New and used textbooks
Sharpie markers
Post-it notes
Highlighters
Printing paper and loose-leaf
Binders
Folders
File folders and cabinet (if needed)
Calculator
Desk organizer
Pouches for pens and supplies
Notepads and notebooks
Paper clips
Stapler and staples
Hole puncher

Laundry

Laundry hamper for dirty laundry
Quarters for coin laundry (if needed)
Iron
Foldable ironing board
Laundry detergent
Fabric softeners
Dryer sheets
Lint brush
Stain removing spray or pen
Drying rack for clothes that can’t be put in the dryer

Closet

Shoe rack or over the door storage
Clothing hangers
Clothing for all seasons
Umbrella
Raincoat
Winter coat, sweaters and fleeces
Rainboots
Sneakers
Shoes for all occasions
Dressy, semi-formal outfits
T-shirts
Athletic clothing
Jeans
Leggings
Shorts
Pants
Tops
Socks
Bathing suits
Sunglasses
Professional clothing for internships and class presentations

Bathroom and Toiletries

Shower curtain, curtain liner and rod
Soap and/or body wash
Shampoo and conditioner
Towels and washcloths
Portable shower caddy
Waterproof flip flops for showering (if sharing a hallway bathroom with others)
Changing robe
Bathroom cleaning supplies
Hairbrush
Hair gel or mousse
Hairspray
Moisturizer
Razor
Shaving kit
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Mirror
Tweezers
Bobby pins
Hair ties
Comb
Contact solution and eyeglass cleaner
Toilet paper
Mouthwash
Sunscreen
Makeup
Chapstick
Qtips
Cotton balls
Makeup remover
Facewash
Hairdryer
Hair curling iron
Hair straightening iron
Bath mats

Kitchen

Ice bucket
Can opener
Coffee pot
Disinfecting wipes and spray
Clips for potato chip bags, etc.
Tea kettle for boiling water
Instant coffee
Creamer
Ramen
Canned foods
Bottled water or water filter
Snacks
Paper towels
Cooking and baking sheets
Frying pan
Oven mitt
Utensils
Plates and bowls
Cups
Mugs
Paper napkins
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Tupperware
Dishwashing soap
Sponge
Trash bags
Mini-fridge (if allowed)

Tech necessities

All chargers
Power strip
TV
Laptop
Flashlight
Printer
Paper
Ink for printer
Camera
Tablet with keyboard
HDMI cable and ethernet cable
Adapter
Extension cord
Router for internet
Apple TV
Headphones
Batteries

Decor

Floor lamp
Curtains
Curtain rods
TV stand
Comfortable chair, couch or futon for lounging
Desk chair
Decor pillows
Flower vase
Nightstand
Table lamp, lampshade and extra bulbs
Coffee table or ottoman
Poufs
Living room rug
Small dining room table and chairs (if room)
Extra blankets
Wall art
Mirrors
Shelving
Bookcase
Books
Picture frames
Bulletin boards
Plants
Extra baskets for holding things

Miscellaneous

Alarm clock or clock radio, if not using phone
White noise machine
Extra fan
Broom and dust pan
Waste basket
Coat hanger
Scissors
Sports equipment
Sewing kit
Storage boxes for under the bed
Space saving vacuum sealed storage bags
Space heater
Jewelry box
All important documents including health insurance cards, AAA cards and passport
First-aid kit with thermometer, advil, band-aids, neosporin, decongestant and antiseptic wipes
Vitamins and prescription medicine
Sleep mask
Ear plugs
Workout equipment and yoga mat
Luggage
Games and books
Bike or moped
Bike helmet
Hand-held vacuum for cleaning
Car

Ready for the move?

For many students, a parent’s mini-van simply won’t cut it. If you’re planning to move a heck of a lot of belongings into your college dorm, you’ll need to rent a moving truck or trailer to assist you with the upcoming college move. Fortunately, there are plenty of quality moving truck rental companies to choose from. To find the one that best fits your moving day budget and needs, check out Moving.com’s truck rental center. Within our truck rental center, you’ll find information and discounts on various rental truck companies.

If you’re looking to hire extra moving labor, Moving.com has you covered. Check out our extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Good luck and happy moving!