Ultimate College Packing List: Essential Items to Bring and Leave Behind for a Smooth Transition
So, this is our second time packing up a child to go to college. One is in cold weather, and the other is going to a nice sunny place. Although some of the clothing and shoes might differ, my girls and I can agree that there are things you must have and things you can do without.
Here is a list of what we pack and bring to college:
For the Bed:
Mattress Topper. If your college student does not like sleeping on the hardest surface known to man, I highly suggest a mattress topper. The mattresses in college are hard and super uncomfortable, with little to no support. Don't go without this!!!!
Bedding: There are no sheets, bedding, or towels in a dorm, so it is essential to pick something out that will get you through the year (or four). Remember that dorm beds are twin XL and need special sheets. I love this set as it comes with a comforter, sheets, pillowcases, and towels. I do still recommend getting a separate mattress topper, as we learned that this one is not comfortable at all. It has a lot of patterns and colors to choose from, and the set is super comfortable.
Pillows: I like to get pillows from Costco. They have a great price, and I find them really comfortable, but if you don't have a membership, you can always head to the nearest Target or Walmart and check out what is comfy for your student.
Bedding decor: If you have children like mine, they love to decorate their beds with extra pillows and soft, comfy blankets. Personally, my first child made me take the extra pillows home as it was just another thing to clean up, but she did love a soft, comfy blanket.
Special memento reminding them of home. Yes, my teens still have lovies that they like to take with them to make the space feel more like home.
Bedside Organizer: This was a lifesaver for my college student, and we plan to get it again. She could store her glasses, phone, drink, and books bedside and didn't need to get out of that super high bed all the time.
Kitchen:
Regarding this part, I suggest that your college student get in touch with their roommate and see if they can divvy up some of this list. They really don't need two microwaves or fridges. Some colleges offer a rental; however, we purchased the items so my kids can have them when they move out of the dorm.
Microwave: Make sure to check with the school what the allowed wattage is before you buy. You might think, what do they need this for when I just spent a fortune on a dining plan? Let me tell you how many times this has been used by my college kid. Those midnight snacks are essential.
Fridge: Don't get something too big, but also not too small. This one was the perfect size to hold some drinks and snacks.
Utensils: This is an excellent set as it has everything your college kid will need: a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, and straws. Comes in a carry case for storage. And yes, they need these for that late-night ramen snack.
Dishes: Don't go crazy here; they don't need a bunch or a whole set; just get one of each. This way, they have a plate, bowl, and cup for themselves and won't have dirty dishes in the dorm room.
Water filter: Depending on where your child is going to school and if they have access to water in their room, you might consider a water filter. Mine did not have a bathroom in her room, and she didn't want to leave whenever she was thirsty, so we got this for fresh water. Also cuts the cost of buying bottled water.
Bathroom:
Towels: If you have the set mentioned above, you are all set, but if not, I suggest at least two towels. We like to think that our students will always do the laundry, but trust me, this does not always happen. So having extra is always good.
Shower caddy: Most dorms have shared bathrooms, so a shower caddy comes in handy when carrying essentials to the bathroom. Also, it is a place to store them all and leave the dorm room clutter-free.
Toiletries: I know this one is obvious, but even we forgot a few things when dropping off our first. So, make them write down a list of everything they use and work from there. I would keep the list for random care packages, as they will run out.
Shower shoes: Have your college student avoid athlete's foot and get them some fast-drying shower shoes. Shower stalls can get gross fast, and no one wants to stand barefoot in one of those.
Robe: Not all students want this, but I know my two college kids wouldn't go without it. Sometimes they don't want to dress in the bathroom or go around the halls in a towel, so this is super handy. Plus, it is comfy and warm after a nice shower.
Decor:
Don't forget to pack up some décor for the dorm room. Make it unique and their own. Some things to include are:
Posters
Pictures
Tapestry if allowed
Mirror
Shower curtain for the closet if it does not have a door
Rug
Lamp
Cleaning:
I know you are unsure if your college student will clean, but I assume it will get super gross at some point, and they will have to. So, pack up some cleaning supplies or get them when you get to the school. Some things that came in handy for my college student were:
Paper Towels
Lysol Spray
Clorox Wipes
Broom and Pan
Laundry Detergent
Dish Soap
Sponges
Random:
Computer: Most schools require a laptop, which might be a great graduation gift for your high schooler to take to their dorm.
Chargers: And more than one. Just like at home, they will also disappear from their dorm room. You do not want frantic calls about phones dying and the world coming to an end.
Airpods/Headphones: Dorms can get loud, and having some headphones can cancel some of the noise while trying to study. They are also great when your college student wants to listen to music or watch a movie without disrupting others.
Pens, pencils
Notebook
Week planner
Command hooks: These are amazing. They can be used to hang up keys, towels, backpacks, plants, and anything else you want off the floor.
Hangers: Dorm rooms do not have these, so don't forget to get some.
Shoe rack
Storage cubes
Box Fan: Even if the dorm has air-conditioning, please still get one of these. Somehow there is always that heat wave when the air conditioning breaks, and it takes way too long for facilities to fix it.
Power strip: Everything seems to run off electricity nowadays, so get a good quality power strip to ensure enough plug-in space.
First aid kit
Tool kit: Something small in case something needs a quick fix.
What was not useful:
When my first one went off, I read many lists about what to bring to college. Here are some things we got off those lists she never used and asked to ship home.
Safe: They won't put their stuff in there in any way.
Extra furniture: This just takes up space, and no one really uses that extra chair.
Too much clothing: Half of the stuff won't be worn, creating clutter.
Printer: The school has these everywhere, and nowadays, most assignments are submitted online.
Knickknacks: Nope, leave them home. It is just hard to find space for them.
Large suitcases: They take up space and do not stow well. We found these bags super easy to use, and they hold a lot of stuff.
Too many shoes: If it don't fit on the shoe rack, don't bring them.
Expensive items: Unnecessary stress of making sure that it doesn't go missing or ruined
Diffusers or candles: Most schools won't allow candles, and there is a strong chance that the roommates won't agree on a scent for the diffuser.
Now that you have a list that worked for us, it's time to get things all organized. Your house will resemble a storage locker for a while, but don't fret; soon, all that stuff will be gone, and you will find yourself missing it all! Also, I know that sounds super expensive and overwhelming, but let me assure you that everything I got for year one, my oldest now uses in her apartment.
