Ultimate College Packing List (Get a FREE Printable List)

Here's a list of everything you need to pack for your college freshman. You can download this free college packing list so you don't miss any items!

Print the ULTIMATE College Packing List

While I still can't quite believe it, MANY of our PPP team members (myself, Cheree, Staci and Jamie) have had kiddos graduate high school and head off to college (and some have MORE again this year!).

Collectively, we have either had oodles of experience OR have read just about every college dorm packing list out there. 🙂

If you're in the same boat and about to send your little chick out of the nest for the first time – here's a great big check-list of everything you might need to bring to college during your freshman year!

You can download your very own FREE COLLEGE LIST  to make sure you have everything you need as a college student!!

*Keep in mind this list isn't one-size-fits-all.*  You'll want to adapt it to your child's needs, check to see if the roommate is bringing any of the bigger items, and work within your budget. If your student has a lot of time for cooking, you'll want to include more food prep items.  You might also make a plan of what you are planning to share with your roommates and what you are not to avoid any issues in the future (some kiddos share EVERYTHING!).

Bed & Bath:

• XL Twin Sheets
• Comforter
• Mattress Pad
• Memory Foam Mattress Topper/Egg Crate
• Pillows/Pillow Cases
• Reading Pillow/Throw Pillow/Body Pillow
  *(Remember, their bed will also be their couch and hangout space!)
• Extra Blanket
• Bed Risers (Gives more under-bed storage)
• Under Bed Storage Totes
• 2 Bath Towels/2 Hand Towels/2 Washcloths
• Shower Flip Flops
• Shower Caddy (if you have communal bathrooms you're definitely going to want one of these!)
• Hair Dryer

Room Decor:

• Area Rug
• Full Length Mirror
• Over-The-Door Shoe Holder
• Over-The-Door Hooks (check door thickness first before purchasing)
• Rolling Cart with Drawers
• Storage Trunk with Lock
• Storage Ottoman (this can double as a step stool to hop up onto your bed if on risers)
• Floor Lamp & Light Bulbs
• Fun String Lights
• Bluetooth Speaker
• Trash Can
• Photos/Posters (be sure to be considerate of what you put up if you have a shared living space)
• Command Hooks
• Whiteboard/Bulletin Board
• TV/Gaming System
• Plant

Food Prep:

• Microwave (700 watts or less)*
• Mini-Fridge (under 4.5 cu ft.)*
• Coffee Maker & Travel Mug
• Plates/Bowls/Cups
• Silverware
• Manual Can Opener
• Paper Towels
• Plastic Containers for Food Storage
• Ziploc Baggies
• Snacks/Drinks

Laundry/Cleaning:

• Laundry Tote (that can double as a hamper)
• Clothes Hangers
• Detergent (Pods are great)
• Dryer Sheets
• Color Catcher Sheets (so they can do less laundry by throwing all colors together)
• Quarters
• Cleaning Supplies/Air Freshener
• Broom or Stick Vac
• Disinfecting Wipes

Toiletries:

• Shower Gel
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Loofah
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Dental floss
• Shaving Accessories
• Brush/Hair Styling Tools
• Q-Tips
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Makeup/Moisturizers
• Nail Clippers
• Toilet Paper (if your dorm has an in-room bathroom)

Desk Supplies:

• Laptop
• Router (for wifi)
• Desk Lamp & Light Bulbs
• Desk Organizer
• Calendar
• Stapler
• Scissors
• Pens/Pencils
• Highlighters
• Calculator
• Binders/Notebooks/Filler Paper
• Index Cards
• Tape
• Printer (only if they DON'T plan to use the computer center printers)

Miscellaneous

• Power Strip with Surge Protector
• Extra Extension Cord
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Umbrella/Raincoat
• First-Aid Kit (Ibuprofen, Cold & Flu Relief, Band-Aids, Vitamins, Thermometer, etc…)
• Bike Lock

Important Documents/ID's/Money:

• Insurance Cards
• Passport/Visa
• Social Security Card
• Credit/Debit/ATM Card
• Drivers License
• Safe storage box or folder

Don't forget to download your FREE COLLEGE PACKING LIST HERE to make sure you have everything you need for college!!

Check out the Best Prices on 12 College Dorm List Items too so you're not overpaying on the items you need the most.

Dorm shopping can get EXPENSIVE – so head over here to check out some prices to shoot for on 12 necessities that are common on college dorm lists. These are rock bottom prices – so look for sales, shop with coupon codes and try to stay in this ballpark!