College Dorm List

With seniors starting to prepare to go to college in late August, knowing what to pack up for your dorm can be stressful. Packing early and knowing what to pack can help reduce the stress you’re feeling. Making a dorm list can help keep you organized with the things you already have and identify which items you need to shop for. Whether you’re moving out of state or staying in-state, make a list that best suits you and your needs. The list below includes ten different categories that give you an idea of what you might want to bring to your dorm.

 

Bedding

  • Pillow
    • Extra pillows to decorate your bed
  • Pillowcases 
  • Bedsheets (most colleges recommend bringing the average “dorm size,” which is Twin XL)
    • Two sets of sheets should be fine to bring
    • Comforter/Bedspread sets (Amazon, Wayfair, Dormify, and Target have some affordable sets)
  • Blankets 
  • Bed risers (to make your bed higher)
  • Under-bed storage with lids (to store shoes, extra bedding, etc.)

 

Shower

  • Towels
  • Shower flip flops (to wear inside of the shower to prevent getting an infection on your feet)
  • Shower caddy

Be sure to have these things in your caddy:

  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Loofah
  • Bath soap
  • Cleanser (for face)
  • Bathrobe
  • Tissue
  • Shower cap

 

Toiletries

  • Hairstyling products
  • Comb/Brush
  • Tweezers/Nail Clippers
  • Feminine Products:
    • Hair Dryer/Straightener/Curling Iron
    • Makeup
    • Eye Makeup Remover/Nail Polish Remover
    • Hair Accessories
  • Cotton swabs
  • Lotion
  • Skincare products
  • Razors
  • Shaving Cream
  • Deodorant
  • Perfume/Cologne
  • Eye Drops
  • Eye Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Sunscreen
  • Medical Supplies
    • First Aid Kit
    • Medicine (Cough, Cold, Allergy, Pain)
    • Thermometer
    • Antibiotic Ointment
  • Hand Sanitizer

 

Clothes

  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Pants/Jeans
  • Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Sweatpants
  • Leggings
  • Pajamas
  • Slippers/ flip-flops
  • Sweaters
  • Light/heavy jackets
  • Gloves/scarf/hat 
  • Sneakers/Casual shoes 
  • Workout clothes 

*Some students bring certain clothes depending on what season it is and how far the school is from their house

 

Laundry

  • Laundry Basket/Hamper
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Fabric Softener 
  • Bleach
  • Dryer Sheets 
  • Lint Brush
  • Stain Remover Sticks 
  • Iron
  • Ironing Board
  • Quarters (some colleges have laundry machines, some do not. It’s important to carry quarters just in case you need to pay to use the machine)

 

Kitchen/Cleaning

  • Microwave
  • Microwaveable plates
  • Utensils
  • Cups
  • Mini Fridge
  • Freezer Ice Pack
  • Glass cleaner
  • Surface cleaner
  • Paper towels
  • Antibacterial/Disinfecting wipes
  • Wipes to clean your laptop and phone 
  • Trash bags 
  • Small vacuum

 

Furniture 

  • Desk/Bedside lamp 
  • Desk 
  • Chairs
    • Desk, Lounge, Beanbag, Sofa
  • Bedside table
  • Wall Decor
    • Tapestries, Pictures of friends and family, Wall Art
  • Rug
  • Curtains 
  • Mirror
  • Trashcan

 

School Supplies

  • Laptop
  • Pencils/Pens
  • Paper
  • Notebooks
  • Binders
  • Paperclips
  • Sticky notes
  • Highlighters
  • Ruler
  • Calculator
  • Stapler
  • Envelopes
  • Stamps
  • Markers
  • Index Cards
  • Pencil Sharpener
  • Scissors
  • Tape

Miscellaneous

  • TV and remote
  • Cell charger 
  • Extension cord
  • Backpack/Purse 
  • Money
  • Suitcase
  • Camera
  • Headphones
  • Pack of masks 

 

Important Documents

Make sure these items are stored in a place that is safe and only you know where they are

 

  • Debit/Credit cards
  • Car
    • Driver’s License 
    • Car Insurance
    • Car Registration
  • Student ID
  • Social Security Card
  • Medical Information
  • Financial Aid Forms
  • List of Emergency Contacts