The Ultimate College Packing and Dorm Room Essentials List

When you’re an incoming freshman, it’s common to have questions about what you’re going to need on college move in day. From bathroom and basic school supplies to clothing and bedroom furnishings, there are a lot of items that need packing so you can live comfortably this school year. To help you get an idea of what to bring, we put together this in-depth college packing list that contains all the dorm room essentials for the modern college student. Our guide also provides tips on how to pack for college so you can ensure your belongings get to your dorm in an organized manner.

A notebook containing a checklist of dorm essentials and things to bring to college.

Try this college packing list

Below is a college packing and supplies list that includes everything you might need this semester, categorized by ship, carry on or purchase after you arrive. Feel free to use it as a makeshift printable college dorm checklist to help you organize and lighten your load when you start packing.

Items to ship

There are some limits to what you can bring during your move to college. Furniture and large boxes in particular are better suited for shipping than moving.

  • Clothes: Consider the region; will you need a heavy coat, or clothing for warmer weather?
  • Bedding: Remember your bed will likely be a twin-size.
  • Shoes: Don’t forget shower shoes!
  • Notebooks
  • Photo Albums
  • Decorations
  • Towels: This should include small towels, like wash clothes and hand towels.
  • School Supplies
  • Bathroom Accessories
  • Empty Shower Caddy
  • Lap Desk

Items to bring with you

The items that you can bring with are typically important, like your identification and other personal items of value. It’s recommended you bring these items with you in a back pack, purse or small carry-on bag that you keep near you.

  • Passport
  • Student ID/Drivers License
  • Medicine • Laptop
  • Cell Phone and Charger
  • Lap Top Charger
  • Headphones

Items to buy when you arrive

Although you can ship many of the items listed below, you’re better off purchasing them after you arrive. This will help you save on your shipping costs as well as the headache of packing and moving.

  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Soaps and Toiletries
  • Mini Fridge
  • Microwave
  • Dishes
  • Adhesive Wall Hooks
  • Adhesive Poster Strips
  • Coffee Maker
  • Iron
  • Fan
  • Picture Frames

Ship to school and summer storage

Do you need help getting to campus this upcoming school year? Collegeboxes has the tools and services you need, like the “Ship to School” program which allows you to ship your items from home and have them delivered to your campus dorm room when you arrive.

Are you deciding to return home for the summer? Collegeboxes has your summer storage covered as well! We pick up your items in the spring from the dorm room or university housing and redeliver your belongings in the fall, saving you the hassle of packing and moving everything twice.

Visit the Collegeboxes website for more information or to get sign up and get started today.

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