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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!
Clothing:
Pack more underwear… really, the more the merrier! You’ll be glad you did when you can push out laundry day a little more
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.
Business suit… you never know when a presentation will pop up or if you land an internship interview, be prepared and ready!
Rain boots… the time you realize you forgot rainboots will be the day you have to walk across campus during a September monsoon.
Rain jacket… should definitely have a hood!
Puffer jacket… for the seasonally-too-soon cold front in October you weren’t expecting until December.
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.
Formal dress… fancy schmancy events do happen from time to time, this way you won’t have to spend a fortune the day before.
Cocktail dress… this should be appropriate for a reception with professors and deans in attendance.
Random:
Duffle bag… for a roadtrip to visit your roommate’s parents (home cooked meals….)
Carry-on luggage… when you eventually need to go home for Thanksgiving.
Noise canceling headphones… the library is loud and your roommate chews gum even louder
Playing cards… just good to have.
Checks… sometimes Paypal and Chase quickpay just won’t cut it.
Medical history/prescription refills… for the Strep throat that the entire dorm gets, replacement contact lenses, and surprise allergic reaction.
Emergency phone numbers… in hard copy: grandparents, doctors, best friends from home, etc.
Extra posti-its and index cards… the school supplies you’ll use the most of.
Bed:
Extra pillows… pillows make sitting on the floor with friends and studying on your bed better.
Mattress pad… have you ever actually spent the night on a XL twin without one? It’s not okay.
2 sets of sheets… again, the laundry situation…
Stackable plastic bins with drawers… lifesavers for dorm storage. Two stacks of three drawers for under the bed
Bed risers… so your stackable bins will fit.
Dorm:
Tower fan… because you may be able to control the temperature from in your room, but the building is switched to “heat” until May.
Tool kit… be the hero of your floor with the Phillips head.
First aid kit… just to be safe.
Batteries… half of the things you need require batteries and you won’t know until your mouse doesn’t work anymore.
Wrinkle release spray… LOL, who’s going to actually iron?
Flashlight… the power will go off at least five times.
Coffee maker… when you’re inevitably in a rush the next morning.
3M Strips & Hooks… space savers and they won’t get you in trouble with the RA during inspections
Extension cords & Power strip… everything’s gotta charge and there just aren’t enough outlets.
Duct Tape… something will break and you won’t know how else to fix it.
Zip ties… because electrical cords everywhere can be a messy nightmare.
Curtains… you can sleep in without mom making you wake up!
Air freshener… when you need to freshen up but don’t want to do a dorm room deep clean
Closet:
Slim hangers… more space equals more clothes.
Closet door shoe organizer… great for organizing all kinds of accessories, not just shoes.
Garment bag… to keep your nice clothes wrinkle free and smelling fresh.
Jewelry storage… little boxes to store in drawers and things to hang your huge statement necklace collection on.
This creates a private checklist in your account.