Extensive Off To College Packing Checklist

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This post gives you an extensive off-to-college packing checklist for college students.

Use this college packing checklist as a guide to help you pack for college.

Receive Free Printable College Packing Checklist

First off, congratulations and welcome to college life!

Now if you are worried about what to pack for college, don’t worry, we got you!

Packing For College Is An Event

Packing for college can be a stress-free event or a disaster – a  disaster that slowly unfolds in your dorm once you begin to realize what you really need but didn’t pack.

Why Do I Need A College Packing Checklist?

You need a college packing checklist to help you remember important items you might otherwise forget or didn’t even think about packing.

Related Post: 22 Dorm Room Kitchen Essentials For College

Do I Need Everything Listed On A College Packing Checklist?

You don’t need to get everything on this college packing checklist – I sure as heck didn’t and still survived college.

In essence, this college packing checklist serves as a helpful reminder and reference of things most college students find useful during their first year in college.

Once again, congratulations on embarking on this exciting new journey!


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What’s The Extensive Off To College Packing Checklist About

This college packing checklist covers everything on average new college students use during their first year in college.

College Packing List 2 of 12

Best Way To Use A College Packing Checklist

Place a checkmark next to the items as you pack to avoid double packing similar items twice.

Read: 5 Solid Reasons College Students Should Start A Blog in College

Also, remember to use the notes section to add any items you really need but plan to purchase later on.

College Packing Checklist #1: Toiletry Essentials

  • Bath towels
  • Bathrobe
  • Bathroom cup
  • Brush and comb
  • Cosmetics
  • Curling iron
  • Dental floss
  • Deodorant
  • Hairdryer
  • Hand towels
  • Hand lotion
  • Mirror
  • Mouthwash
  • Nail clippers
  • Razor
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower caddy
  • Shower flip-flops
  • Soap
  • Tissues
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Washcloths

College Packing List #2: Bedding Essentials

Related Post: Comforter vs Duvet What’s the Difference

Related Post: 11 Dorm Room Bedding Essentials For College

College Packing Checklist #3: Cleaning Essentials

  • Dishtowel
  • Portable vacuum
  • Duster
  • Dish detergent
  • Garbage bags
  • Room freshener
  • Disinfecting cleaner

College Packing List #4: Clothing

  • Sweaters
  • Socks
  • Sneakers
  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Shoes
  • Summer hat
  • Winter hat
  • Sweatshirts
  • Underwear
  • Robe
  • Gloves
  • Shirts
  • Spring jackets
  • Workout clothes
  • Dress clothes
  • Swimsuit
  • Winter jackets
  • Fall jackets
  • Belts
  • Trench coat
  • Jeans
  • Watch
  • Pajamas
  • Purse
  • Professional wear
  • Professional shoes

College Packing Checklist #5: Dorm Organization Essentials

  • Alarm clock radio with snooze
  • Telephone
  • TV
  • Storage trunk with lock
  • Snap-on lamp
  • Full-length mirror
  • Posters
  • Photos of your family, friends, pets
  • Paper shredder
  • Night light
  • Corkboard and stick pins
  • Erasable memo board & pens
  • Area rug
  • Tapestry

College Packing List #6: Food

  • Bottled water
  • Ramen noodles
  • Cup noodles
  • Popcorn
  • Canned food
  • Salt and pepper
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Soup
  • Juice boxes
  • Condiments
  • Cereal and milk
  • Snacks
  • Mac and cheese

College Packing Checklist #7: Kitchen Essentials

  • Dorm refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Juicer
  • Waffle maker
  • Sandwich maker
  • Paper towels
  • Mug
  • Bottle opener
  • Plastic bags
  • Coffee maker
  • Ziploc bags
  • Plastic food containers
  • Corkscrew
  • Plastic glasses
  • Plastic plates and bowls
  • Portable water filter
  • Utensils

Related Post: 22 Dorm Room Kitchen Essentials For College

College Packing List #8: Laundry Essentials

  • Laundry bag
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • Dryer sheets
  • Clothes hangers
  • Quarters
  • Detergent
  • Drying rack
  • Stain remover
  • Fabric softener

College Packing Checklist #9: Medical

  • Acne cream
  • Antacid
  • Aspirin
  • Antibiotic cream
  • Band-aids
  • Cough syrup
  • Contact lens solution
  • Cotton balls
  • Cotton swabs
  • Pepto Bismal
  • Decongestants
  • Eyeglasses
  • Sanitary items
  • Eye drops
  • Peroxide
  • Hot and cold packs
  • Pain reliever
  • Prescriptions
  • Vitamins

Related Post:  College Dorm Room First Aid Kit

College Packing List #10: Paperwork

  • Registration information
  • Financial aid forms
  • Social security card
  • Renter’s insurance
  • Student ID
  • Medical insurance card
  • Driver’s license
  • Bank info or checks
  • Debit or prepaid card

College Packing Checklist #11: Studying Essentials

  • Index cards
  • Highlighters
  • Markers
  • Paper clips
  • Paper shredder
  • Notebooks
  • Ruler
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Rubber bands
  • Reference books
  • Pens and pencils
  • Wastebasket
  • Postage stamps
  • Staple
  • Staples
  • Staple remover
  • Scissors
  • White-out
  • Tape
  • Binder
  • Three-hole punch
  • Filler Paper
  • Labels
  • Notepads
  • File Cabinet
  • Calculator
  • Folders
  • Desk lamp
  • Glue
  • Envelopes
  • Calendar
  • Planner
  • Erasers
  • Sharpeners
  • Backpack

Related Post: School Supplies College Students Actually Need

College Packing List #12: Tech Essentials

  • Computer
  • Word processing software
  • Cables
  • Surge protector
  • Mouse and pad
  • Laptop
  • Laptop case or bag
  • Speakers
  • Phone cord
  • Software documentation
  • Keyboard
  • CDs, DVDs, flash drive
  • Cell phone
  • Cell phone charger

College Packing Checklist #13: Miscellaneous

  • Sleep mask
  • Extension cords
  • Earplugs
  • Pepper spray
  • Board games and cards
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Sunglasses
  • Fan
  • Duct tape
  • Outlet strips
  • Umbrella
  • Repair kit
  • Safety pins
  • Sewing kit
  • Safety whistle
  • Camera
  • Bug spray

Special Notes

Check with the college for the size of bedsheets. Usually, it’s twin size, but to be sure, check with the college first.

If you have a roommate, decide on room decor with your roommate because it’s really a great way to get to know your roommate better and develop comradeship.

College fairs and seminars are great for collecting supplies like highlighters, pens, pencils, sticky notes, erasers, sharpeners, note pads, paper clips, markers, stick glue, staplers, and so on.

Therefore, pack the basics for the first few weeks to avoid going overboard.

Want to read more on packing for college? Well, check out this article by Moving.com!

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