Many college students-to-be frantically pack their things a day before they have to move into the dorms. This is not the best way to go. You’re bound to forget something or bring way to much with you. We’ll start with the bare essentials, like toiletries and clothing. Then, we’ll move onto things you may have to purchase to make your dorm feel like home.

The Essentials

These are the items that you just can’t live without.

Toiletries

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Towels

Washcloth

Sponge

Shampoo

Conditioner

Soap/Bodywash

Facial Cleansers

Contacts/Glasses

Contact Cleaning Solution/Case

Deodorant

Perfume/Cologne

Shaving Cream/Razor

Robe

Nail Clippers/Nail file

Extra Toilet Paper

Hair Dryer

Clothing

Hangers

5-10 Shirts

2-5 Pairs of Pants

1 Dressy Outfit (Suit or Dress)

1 Pair of Running Shoes

1 Pair of Dress Shoes

1 Pair of Everyday Wear Shoes

Two weeks worth of undergarments

Bedding

Extra Long Sheets

Pillowcases

Comforter and Blankets

Food

Non-perishable Snacks

Paper Towels

Napkins

Plates, Bowls and Cups

Frozen Dinners*

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables*

*Only if you have a mini-fridge.

Things To Buy

There’s just some things you will have to break down for and buy. Here are the most important things you may have to shell out some cash for prior to moving into your dorm, if you don’t have them already, that is.

Electronics

Laptop or Desktop Computer

Printer

Word Processing Software

Ethernet Cables

Small TV

Powersurge Protector

Alarm Clock

Telephone

Appliances

Mini-Fridge

Microwave

Small Fan

School Supplies

Binder With Plastic Sleeve

Subject Separators with Tabs

Pencils

Pens

Erasers

Lined Paper

Printer Paper

Spiral Notebooks

Highlighters

A Table-top Tray for organizing papers

Paperclips

Stapler/Staples

Scissors

Tape

Backpack

Calculator

Dictionary

Daily Planner

For Your Health

First Aid Kit

Shower Caddy

Shower Shoes

Prescription Medications

Over-the-Counter Medications (Pain Reliever, etc)

Umbrella

Vitamins

Flashlight

Storage

Underbed Boxes

Laundry Bag

Tupperware

Mini-Hanging File

For Laundry

Laundry Detergent

Change for Washer and Dryer

Iron

Ironing Board

Decoration

Pictures and Picture Frames

Rug

Desk Lamp

Posters

Bean Bag

Dry-Erase Board With Pens

Wall Calendar

And there you have it! You’ve prepared for several years now for college. Make the most of it while you’re there. Enjoy the learning environment and make new friends. They say there’s nothing like your time in college. Make sure you get all you can out of the experience!