The Ultimate College Packing List for Freshman

If you’re a freshman heading off to college for the first time, you’re going to need a college packing list to make sure you have everything you need to survive your first semester away from home. From living on your own in the dorms, going to college classes for the first time, and figuring out how to navigate life on a new college campus, it’s clear there’s lots of things to remember to bring. It can definitely become overwhelming fast.

The whole college move-in process and the first semester can feel scary at first. Luckily, there are ways to minimize the freshman stress. Coming prepared and packing all the necessary college essentials with a college packing list is the first place to start!

This post includes exactly what to pack for college freshman year!

You’re probably asking, what do I actually need to pack for college? What’s absolutely essential? What do I need for my dorm and college life? You’re in the right place because we’re breaking down exactly what you should pack for college to survive living in a dorm and being on your own for the first time!

What should you pack when moving to college?

If you don’t know this big (obvious) secret, it’s that dorm rooms are SMALL. Like really small. I know, SCHOCKER (LOL). By the time you move all your dorm stuff in and your roommate moves all their stuff in, it’s really cozy. It’s a small space with not a lot of room for stuff or random items you may not need.

This means it’s time to learn what to pack for college that’s absolutely essential. Remember, you can’t pack up your whole bedroom. Sorry, it’s just not happening. It’s not all going to fit. But here’s what you should bring…

The Ultimate College Packing List for College Freshman

Sleeping Items

Comfy pillows
Twin sheet set
Throw blanket
Mattress topper
Mattress pad
Twin bedding set
Extra pillowcase
Bedside caddy (especially if you have a loft bed)
White noise machine if you have trouble sleeping

Laundry Items

Detergent
Dryer sheets or wool dryer balls
Hamper
Laundry bag
Lint roller
Hangers
Stain remover
Delicates bag
Small drying rack for delicates

Toiletries and Personal Care Items

Shower caddy
A few towels and washcloths
Conditioner
Shampoo
Body wash
Razor and extra razor blades
Shaving Cream
Robe
Shower shoes/flip-flops
First aid kit
Cosmetics
Makeup bag and organizer
Tooth brush
Tooth brush holder
Medicine (cold medicine, pain relievers, vitamins, prescriptions, cough drops, melatonin, etc.)
Personal hygiene products (deodorant, perfume, tampons/pads, etc.)
A couple hand towels
Hand sanitizer
Sunscreen
Hairdryer
Curling or straightening iron
Contact solution and glasses
Hairbrush or comb
Hair ties and scrunchies
Other hair products (e.g. detangling spray)
Lotion
Tissues
Small trash can and trash bags

Note: If you have a private bathroom instead of using the communal one, you’ll likely have to bring soap, toilet paper, a trash can, and a bath mat)

Cleaning Supplies

Air freshener
All purpose cleaner
Wipes
Microfiber cloths for wiping down surfaces
Paper towels
Paper towel holder
Small vacuum
Deodorizer balls for shoes

Dorm Organization and Decor

Command hooks
Shoe rack/organizer
Closet organizer (shelves or hanging depending on layout of your dorm closet/space)
Under-bed storage drawers or bins
Wall art and pictures to decorate
Full length mirror (if not provided)
Light up small desk mirror for doing makeup
Desk organizers
Hanging shelves for extra storage/organization
Storage ottoman
Rug
Bedside shelf

Clothing and Shoes

Bras
Underwear
Sweatshirt
Heavy coat (depending on climate)
A couple lightweight jackets
Light gloves
Sneakers
Shower shoes
Designated going out shoes (e.g. boots, converse, or air force ones are common)
Everyday clothing
Pajamas
Activewear if you like to workout
Sports gear if involved in athletics (e.g. varsity teams, club, or intramurals)
Slippers
A couple nicer outfits for presentations
Socks
Rain gear (boots, raincoat)
Swimsuit
Small dresser with many drawers for extra storage/organization space

Eating

Storage bins for snacks
Microwave (if not provided)
Keurig
Filtered water pitcher
Mini fridge (if not provided)
Chip clips
Tupperware (for leftovers and taking food home from dining hall)
A couple sets of reusable utensils (I suggest getting a plastic kitchen set to make cleaning easier and prevent things from breaking)
Water bottle
Snacks (e.g. chips, granola bars, popcorn, cereal, microwaveable meals)
Zip-lock bags

School Supplies

Backpack
Laptop and case
Pens
Pencils
Stapler
5 Subject notebook
3 Ring binder
White-out
Scissors
Stapler
Highlighters
Calculator
Tape
Sticky notes
Hole puncher
Folders for each subject or file organizer
Whiteboard

Electronics

iPad
Charging cords
Extension cord
Surge protector
Desk lamp
Nightstand lamp
Printer + ink + toner (more for convenience, not absolutely necessary)
Flash drive or hard drive
TV and cords
Batteries
Speaker
Headphones
Gaming console/monitor
Mousepad if you have a desktop computer (more for gaming)
Fan (e.g. tower, standing, or clip on fan)

Other Helpful Items

Copies of important documents required by college
Umbrella
Small personal tool kit
Overnight bag
Alarm Clock

What should you avoid when packing for college?

When it comes to packing for college, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is overpacking. Yeah, who thought you could have too many things to survive all on your own during your freshman year of college? I thought I’d need every last dorm essential you could possibly think of when I went back to school. I’m also the girl who goes on vacation and packs three extra outfits “just in case.” You know the type.

But when it comes to packing for college, stick to your college packing list to avoid overpacking and crowding your small dorm space with unnecessary college and dorm items. There’s clearly enough stuff to bring already.

Also, remember to relax. College move-in is stressful but you’re going to get through it. Soon enough, with the help of this packing list and some trusted people to help move you in, you’ll be settled in your dorm and ready to take on college life!