Are you starting college this fall? Congratulations are in order. While heading off to college can be an exciting time – it can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re moving far away from home. What do you bring with you? What’s not allowed in college dormitories? How do you pack all your stuff for college? What to do if you’re flying?
Yes, we get it – moving to college can be tricky, overwhelming and frustrating. No worries! We’ve got your back. Here’s a complete checklist of items you need to take to your freshman year.
A Quick Side Note: If you’re struggling to cope with your academics in your freshman year, it’s okay to get some extra help. Reach out to online class takers and ask, “Can you take my online class?” Take it easy the first few months; once you’ve settled in, you can return to your lessons with zeal and energy.
Fortunately, most schools and universities publish a list of approved and prohibited dorm items. Make sure to print this checklist to help you with your packing. With that out of the way, here are a few items organized in different sections that you’ve got to pack for college.
Most dorms provide the essentials. This includes the bed frame, desk, chair and closets. You have to carry the following with you:
If you’re flying internationally or traveling out of state, you might not be able to carry all these items with you. In such cases, you can purchase the essential bedding from the nearest Target or other big-box stores near your university campus.
We’ve divided this list into two categories: essentials and optional. Depending on the space available in your car or luggage, you can skip the optional items.
| Essential | Optional |
| Floor lamp | Alarm clock |
| Desk lamp | Posters |
| Hangers | Wall art |
| Area rugs | Step up ladder |
| Trash can | Shoe rack |
| Closet organizer | Air freshener |
| Over-the-door storage unit | Lint roller |
| Curtains | Sewing kit |
| Wall mirror | Stain remover |
| Iron/ironing board |
Check if you’ll be using a communal bathroom shared with all residents or if your room has a private toilet cum bathroom attached. Here are a few items that you need to include in your toiletry kit:
You can pack a separate toiletry bag containing all your essentials. This includes:
Check if your dorm room has a community kitchen where you can cook. Even if your dorm room has no dedicated kitchen, you can take a few basic cooking supplies to cure your late-night hunger pangs.
You can keep a stack of non-perishable snacks in your dorm room for those nights when you don’t feel like going to the cafeteria or cooking in the kitchen. It can also satiate your hunger pangs if you want something quick to munch between classes. Besides these everyday utility items, you must pack your school supplies, tech and electronics and essential documents.
Finally, include a couple of items that have sentimental value – like your family photo or a souvenir – to soothe your anxieties and homesickness. Print out this list and cross off each item as you pack it!
