# The Ultimate College Packing List [![Profile picture for user blee@arcb.com](/sites/www/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/2020-03/Brittney2.png.webp?itok=bTCtAccV)](/author/brittney-lee) By: [Brittney Lee](/author/brittney-lee "View user profile.") Jul 11, 2025 In: [College](/articles/category/college) - [ facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fthe-ultimate-college-packing-list) - [ linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fthe-ultimate-college-packing-list&title=The%20Ultimate%20College%20Packing%20List) - [ twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The%20Ultimate%20College%20Packing%20List&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fthe-ultimate-college-packing-list) - [ pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fthe-ultimate-college-packing-list&media=&description=The%20Ultimate%20College%20Packing%20List) - [ email ](mailto:?subject=The%20Ultimate%20College%20Packing%20List&body=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fthe-ultimate-college-packing-list) ## What should you pack to move away for college? Whether you’re a student moving away from home for the first time or a parent helping, packing for college is a big milestone — possibly an overwhelming one. The best way to avoid feeling stressed out by the process is to follow a clear checklist to stay on track. Use this list of everything you might need for college to fully prepare for your new journey. ![Female student packing books for college using a college packing checklist.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%201%201'%2F%3E) encoding="utf-8" ? ## 101 essential things for your college moving checklist You might not need everything on the list, but these suggestions are a great place to get started: ### Dorm bedroom essentials Here are some things to help make your sleeping space feel like home: 1.Alarm clock (consider a combo unit with a lamp or a dock for your phone)2.Bedding (confirm the bed size with the housing office) 3.Mattress pad 4.Pillowcase5.Pillows6.Throw Blanket7.Under-mattress bedside caddy/storage pocket (handy if you’ll have a loft bed) encoding="utf-8" ?### Bathroom and personal care supplies Take care of yourself by bringing along all your favorite products from home. Don’t forget to pack any prescriptions or OTC medications you use regularly. 8.Cosmetics (skincare, sunscreen)9.Eyeglasses/contact lenses and solution10.First aid kit (bandages, cotton swabs, ointments, etc.)11.Hairbrush/Comb12.Hairdryer13.Hand towels14.Hygiene products (deodorant, perfume, etc.)15.Manicure kit16.Medicine kit (prescriptions, cold medicine, pain reliever, stomach relief, vitamins, etc.) 17.Robe18.Shower caddy (and a drying mat or tray for underneath it when not in use)19.Shower shoes20.Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, razor, etc.) 21.Toothbrush holder22.Towels and washcloths For private or suite-style baths, you may also need: 23.Bath rug24.Shower curtain25.Toilet paper26.Trash can ### Laundry supplies Whether you’re a laundry novice or a pro, here’s what’s needed to keep clothing clean and smelling fresh: 27.Clothing steamer or iron/ironing board (only if you regularly use them)28.Detergent (laundry pods or liquid work best)29.Dryer sheets or fabric softener30.Drying rack31.Fabric refresher or wrinkle-release spray32.Hamper or laundry bag33.Hangers34.Lint brush35.Quarters (if needed for your dorm’s laundry machines)36.Stain remover ### Campus-style cooking Take advantage of a meal plan if you have one, but it’s also good to have options for snacks or a meal in the room. Consider grabbing these items: 37.Can opener38.Chip clips39.Coffee maker or electric kettle and mug40.Filtered water pitcher41.Food storage containers42.Microwave-safe plates, cups and bowls 43.Shelf-stable foods and snacks (breakfast cereal, canned soups, instant oatmeal, microwavable pasta, protein bars, etc.)44.Utensils (disposable or washable flatware)45.Water bottle46.Zip-top bags Depending on what your dorm offers, you might also need: 47.Microwave48.Mini fridge Note: Many on-campus housing units prohibit small appliances like air fryers and toaster ovens. Check with the university housing office for details about your dorm or apartment. ### Cleaning supplies Keeping your room clean and fresh is a breeze with these handy tools: 49.Air freshener or diffuser50.All-purpose multi-surface cleaner51.Broom and dustpan52.Dust wipes53.Paper towels and holder54.Small trash can and trash bags55.Vacuum (a stick vacuum works great for dorm rooms) ### Room décor and storage solutions Reflect your style with colored and patterned storage solutions, but don’t bring too many décor items since space is limited. 56.Adhesive hooks/picture hangers57.Corkboard/pushpins58.Desk organizers59.Dry-erase board/markers60.Full-length mirror (if your room doesn’t already have one)61.Hanging closet organizer62.Pictures and frames for walls/desk63.Rugs64.Shoe storage (shelves or over-the-door)65.Under-bed storage bins/drawers ### Entertainment and technology Don’t let tech problems get you down! Bring along these things for downtime and studying: 66.Batteries67.Bluetooth or phone dock speaker68.Extension cord/surge protector69.Extra-long phone charging cord70.Gaming console71.Headphones72.Laptop and bag (don’t forget the charger!)73.Printer and ink (if you don’t have easy access to a lab)74.TV/ Streaming device and any cords needed75.USB storage drive ### University-friendly shoes and clothing Because storage space is at a premium in most student dorm rooms or apartments, it’s best to pack only what you’ll wear. Comfortable clothing and shoes are a must, and bring enough underwear to get you through until laundry day. Try these apparel suggestions: 76.Athletic clothing and shoes77.Cold weather gear (coat, hat, gloves, scarf) depending on climate78.Comfortable everyday shoes/sneakers79.Dress/professional clothing and shoes80.Everyday wear81.House shoes or slippers82.Lightweight sweater or jacket83.One formal outfit84.Pajamas/loungewear85.Rain gear (boots, jacket and umbrella)86.Socks and underwear87.Swimsuit ### School supplies You may not know everything needed for each class until you get a syllabus, and most class-specific supplies will likely be available at the on-campus bookstore. Here are some general things to start with: 88.Backpack or tote bag89.Handy tools (calculator, pencil sharpener, ruler, scissors, stapler, staples, staple remover, tape)90.Paper products (folders, index cards, loose paper, notebooks, planner, sticky notes)91.Stamps, stationery and envelopes (for old-school keeping in touch)92.Writing instruments (highlighters, markers, pens, pencils) ### Miscellaneous wants and needs Here are some other items to make your campus experience better: 93.Air purifier94.Bicycle (bike lock, helmet)95.Copies of important documents like birth certificate and social security card96.Fan97.Hammock98.Overnight bag or a small suitcase for travel99.Picnic blanket100.Sewing kit (safety pins, extra buttons and supplies for mending)101.Tool kit (including super glue) *Here’s* [*a printable checklist*](http://d8prod.upack.com/sites/www/files/2023-08/College_Moving_Checklist_7-2023.pdf) *for your shopping trip.* ## Need a reliable student moving service? If you’re making a [long-distance student move](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-services/long-distance-moving/student-moving), look no further than U-Pack®. We’re a DIY moving service specializing in out-of-state moves. Call [*844-362-5303*](tel:844-362-5303)[*844-594-3077*](tel:844-594-3077) to speak to a moving consultant about your student move or request a quote online. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions! Categories [Auto Shipping](/articles/category/auto-shipping) [College](/articles/category/college) [Comparisons](/articles/category/comparisons) [Home DIY](/articles/category/home-diy) [Job](/articles/category/job) [Long Distance](/articles/category/long-distance) [Military](/articles/category/military) [Moving Cost](/articles/category/moving-cost) [News](/articles/category/news) [Packing and Loading](/articles/category/packing-and-loading) [Places](/articles/category/places) [Planning Your Move](/articles/category/planning-your-move) [Senior](/articles/category/senior) Hide Comments Show Comments [View the discussion thread.](http://upack.disqus.com/) More articles you might like... [![Male student deciding on the cheapest way to move to college with laptop, pen and paper.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### What is the Cheapest Way to Move to College? Shipping everything to college out of state is cheapest with U-Pack. Learn how and compare U-Pack to other moving solutions. Get your student moving quote today. ](/articles/what-is-the-cheapest-way-to-move-to-college) [![Male student and parent unloading the car at a dorm after moving to college across the country](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### How to Move Across the Country for College Moving to college takes a lot of planning, especially when attending a university across the country. Follow this moving plan and learn how U-Pack can help. ](/articles/how-to-move-across-the-country-for-college) [![A college student carries a plastic bin into the dorm on college move-in day.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### College Move-In Day Tips College move-in day will go much smoother if you’re prepared. Follow these tips to make moving into campus housing a breeze. ](/articles/college-move-in-day-tips) ## Looking for more articles? [View more articles](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/category/college) [View more articles](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/category/college)