First of all – congratulations on your next big chapter!
Whether you’re a new or returning student, I’m sure you are bursting with excitement to get into the dorms and back into student mode!
Right now, you are probably packed full of all these different jitters. Excitement, eagerness, anticipation, and a general zest for life!
But alongside these thrilling emotions come the other half of our nerves. Anxiety, apprehension, fear, and nervousness. You may be asking yourself questions like:
When should I start packing?
What should I be planning to do on move-in day?
What things do I need to do before moving into the dorm?
What are some fun, entertainment things to bring?
How long does it take to move into a dorm?
But before you get too overwhelmed, let’s start with the very basics.
Before Anything!
Schools will usually provide a checklist of necessary items to bring for all students who are moving into student housing. If you haven’t received one, reach out to the administration and start from there.
You should also carefully read through your college dorm rules to know beforehand what kinds of things are allowed and what is prohibited. Make sure to check what is already included, too. Sometimes apartments will come furnished, with kitchen appliances or basic furniture. Dorm rooms may include basic things like a desk, chair, bed, and lamp.
Lists and Preparations
Okay, we’ve got the basics down and now it’s time to fill in the blanks! Let’s start making a list of necessities – but first, you’ll want to contact your new roommate to discuss who will bring what. The last thing you need is to waste money on duplicates to take up extra space that you won’t have!
Another money-saving tip is after you make your list, make notes of what you don’t already have. Then before you head to the store, check with friends and family members to see if they have any items on your list they would be willing to give or lend to you.
Clothing
(Remember not to pack too crazy – college is all about comfort so you’ll likely just be wearing your favourites most of the time)
Must-have
Underwear
Bras/Sports bras
Socks
Pants (jeans, workout, casual)
Shorts (workout, casual)
Shirts and sweaters (bring things you can layer)
Sweatpants or cozy lounge pants
Pajamas
Jackets for fall and winter
Cold-weather apparel (warm hat, gloves, scarf, boots)
Runners, casual shoes, and sandals
Hat and/or umbrella
Belt
Wallet
Nice to have
Formal clothes (if you plan on attending events or interviews)
Purse
Swimsuit
Jewelry
Shower shoes
Slippers
Casual dress
Stain remover pen
Lint brush
Leave at home
Anything you already don’t wear often
Duplicates
Important Documents
(Electronic versions preferred)
Must-have
Credit and debit cards
Driver’s license
School ID (or your paperwork to get one)
Car registration and insurance
Health insurance card
Copy of birth certificate
Copy of social security card
Emergency contact list
Financial aid information
Class schedules
Meal plan card
Leave at home
Hard-to-replace/Irreplaceable original documents
Tech and Electronics
(Check with your roommate for what each of you will bring)
Must-have
Phone and charger
Extension cord power strip
Earbuds
Laptop, charger, and case
HDMI cable
Wall cube for USB cables
Login info for streaming services
Nice to have
Wireless mouse
Laptop stand
Tablet
TV and stand
Video game console and games
External hard drive
Portable phone charger
Printer and printer paper (check with your school, everything may be online)
Alarm clock
School Supplies
Must-have
Backpack
Pens and pencils
Highlighters
Pencil sharpener
Spiral notebooks or binders with lined paper
Binder section dividers
Index cards
Sticky notes
Stapler, rubber bands, tacks, paper clips, tape
Nice to have
Sticky tab page markers
File folders
Small whiteboard and dry erase pens
Paper wall calendar
Oxford OneStep Binder Dividers
12 Tab Numeric Divider Sets
Toiletries and Medicine
Shower caddy or small tote
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash
Body oils or lotion
Loofah or wash cloths
Hair styling products
Hand soap and sanitizer
Skincare products
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Comb or brush
Hair heat-styling tools (flat iron, curling iron, blowdryer)
Razors and shaving cream
Cotton swabs and pads
Sunscreen and bug spray
Make-up
Feminine hygiene products
Tweezers
Nail clippers, file, buffer block
Nail polish and polish remover
Extra contacts and solution
Eye glasses
Sunglasses
Toilet paper
Deodorant
Hair accessories
Retainer/mouth guard
Bathroom cleaning supplies and air freshener
Prescription medication
Inhaler
OTC meds you use regularly (acetaminophen, cold and flu, antacids, allergy)
Vitamins
Birth control
Sleeping mask
Linens and Laundry
Must-have
Sheets
Bath towels, washcloths, hand towels
Pillows and cases
Blankets or duvet
Clothes hangers
Laundry basket
Laundry detergent and dryer sheets
Quarters for washer and dryer or laundry card
Nice to have
Mattress protector
Extra blanket for outdoor events
Clothing iron
Laundry bag for delicate items
Furnishings and Decor
Must-have
Fan or space heater
Under-bed storage pullouts
Additional seating (futon, folding chairs, etc.)
Mini broom and dustpan
Trash can and bags
Light bulbs
Vacuum
Nice to have
Lamp for desk
Wall art
Poster tack to hang things
Area rug
Full-length mirror
Make-up mirror
String lights
Plants or fake plants
Small vacuum or hand vac
Food, Snacks, and Kitchen
Special snacks and food you can only get at home
Cereal and/or oatmeal
Tea bags or loose leaf tea with infuser
Small coffee maker or french press, coffee, filters
Your preferred coffee or tea condiments
Hot chocolate mix
Some easy-to-prepare meal options you can make in your room (ramen noodles, soup, and microwavable entrees stored at room-temperature)
Microwave popcorn
Quick-energy snacks (granola bars, nuts)
Reusable water bottle
Can opener
Toaster
Mini fridge and microwave (if not provided, make sure you’re allowed to have them in your room)
Dishes that you can wash or compostable plates and cutlery
Mug
Travel mug
All-purpose cleaner and rags
Dish soap
Kitchen sponges
Paper towels
Drying towel
Reusable straws and cleaning brush
Recreation
(Search up the fitness and recreational facilities on campus, they may have some of your desired equipment already)
Sports equipment (basketball, baseball bat, etc.)
Yoga mat
Journal
Religious texts
Books or magazines to read for fun
Music instruments
Art supplies
Duffel bag or small luggage for weekend travel
Bicycle, helmet, lock
Skateboard or longboard
Hiking boots
Gym bag
Playing cards or board games
Hand weights
Safety and Miscellaneous
Flashlight
Earplugs
Mini toolkit (screwdrivers, hammer, wrench)
Picture hanging kit
Small first aid kit
Closing Advice
While this list covers just about all you’ll need, remember to jot down anything else that comes to mind. Prepare, prepare, prepare, so your university experience will be as smooth as possible!
Hope to see you back with a successful year under your belt!
Did we miss anything? Comment below your must-haves for any time spent away from home!
