The College “Don’t Forget” Packing List

It’s been a little while since I last packed for living in a dorm room, but I thought it was worth bringing up again for you girls heading back to school– or for the moms who read with sons/daughters going back!

college packing list college packing list
  • Clothing:

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Pack more underwear… really, the more the merrier! You’ll be glad you did when you can push out laundry day a little more

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Pack fewer t-shirts and pajamas… t-shirts are handed out like candy on campus so don’t overpack your old high school t-shirts and you really don’t need five pajama sets. 

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Business suit… you never know when a presentation will pop up or if you land an internship interview, be prepared and ready!

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Rain boots… the time you realize you forgot rainboots will be the day you have to walk across campus during a September monsoon. 

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Rain jacket… should definitely have a hood!

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Puffer jacket… for the seasonally-too-soon cold front in October you weren’t expecting until December.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Some kind of costume… costume parties are inevitable, just make sure it’s one you’re okay with your grandma seeing photos of on Facebook.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Formal dress… fancy schmancy events do happen from time to time, this way you won’t have to spend a fortune the day before.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Cocktail dress… this should be appropriate for a reception with professors and deans in attendance.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Random:

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Duffle bag… for a roadtrip to visit your roommate’s parents (home cooked meals….)

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Carry-on luggage… when you eventually need to go home for Thanksgiving.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Noise canceling headphones… the library is loud and your roommate chews gum even louder

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Playing cards… just good to have.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Checks… sometimes Paypal and Chase quickpay just won’t cut it.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Medical history/prescription refills… for the Strep throat that the entire dorm gets, replacement contact lenses, and surprise allergic reaction.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Emergency phone numbers… in hard copy: grandparents, doctors, best friends from home, etc.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Extra posti-its and index cards… the school supplies you’ll use the most of.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Bed:

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Extra pillows… pillows make sitting on the floor with friends and studying on your bed better.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Mattress pad… have you ever actually spent the night on a XL twin without one? It’s not okay.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • 2 sets of sheets… again, the laundry situation…

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Stackable plastic bins with drawers… lifesavers for dorm storage. Two stacks of three drawers for under the bed

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Bed risers… so your stackable bins will fit.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Dorm:

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Tower fan… because you may be able to control the temperature from in your room, but the building is switched to “heat” until May.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Tool kit… be the hero of your floor with the Phillips head.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • First aid kit… just to be safe.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Batteries… half of the things you need require batteries and you won’t know until your mouse doesn’t work anymore.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Wrinkle release spray… LOL, who’s going to actually iron?

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Flashlight… the power will go off at least five times.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Coffee maker… when you’re inevitably in a rush the next morning.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • 3M Strips & Hooks… space savers and they won’t get you in trouble with the RA during inspections

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Extension cords & Power strip… everything’s gotta charge and there just aren’t enough outlets.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Duct Tape… something will break and you won’t know how else to fix it.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Zip ties… because electrical cords everywhere can be a messy nightmare.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Curtains… you can sleep in without mom making you wake up!

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Air freshener… when you need to freshen up but don’t want to do a dorm room deep clean

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Closet:

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Slim hangers… more space equals more clothes.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Closet door shoe organizer… great for organizing all kinds of accessories, not just shoes.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Garment bag… to keep your nice clothes wrinkle free and smelling fresh.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:
  • Jewelry storage… little boxes to store in drawers and things to hang your huge statement necklace collection on.

    ×

    How to do this task:
    Subtasks:

429 copy saved

429 copies saved