Simple college dorm move-in checklist

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What should I pack for college?

Track everything you need for your dorm room or first apartment.

Make a copy, then start checking things off! Want a more comprehensive, full-featured checklist with Shopping Lists, see the

College move-in checklist⁠

Make a copy

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🧳 Packing List

Bedding

Pillows

Pillow cases

Extra blanket

Comforter or duvet

Sheet set

Mattress pad/topper

Bathroom / Shower

Towels

Washcloths

Bathrobe

Shower shoes

Shower caddy

Toiletries

Bath mat

Hairdryer and other styling tools

Biodegradable soap

Organic shampoo & conditioner

Organic or bamboo towels

Tech

Computer, laptop, tablet

Mobile phone

Headphones

Charging cords, cables, and adapters

Gaming console

UL-listed extension cords / surge protectors

Alarm clock

Laptop lock

Cable clip / organizers

Portable bluetooth speaker

Smart powerstrip

Health / Personal care

Personal prescriptions

Glasses and contact lens supplies

Preferred over-the-counter medications

First aid kit

Reusable face coverings/masks

Hand sanitizer

Thermometer

Tissues

Sunscreen

Organic chapstick

Aluminum-free deodorant

Cleaning / Laundry

Laundry basket/bag or pop-up hamper

High-Efficiency detergent (check school policies)

Laundry detergent (check school for policies)

Clothes hangers

Collapsible drying rack

Clothes iron, ironing board / mat

Cleaning supplies

Trash bags

Biodegradable laundry detergent

Biodegradable all-purpose cleaner

Recycled content paper towels

Kitchen/Appliances

Reusable bowl, plate, cup/mug, and utensils

Reusable food-storage containers

Reusable water bottle and travel mug

Drip coffee maker, electric kettle (check school policies)

Mini Blender (check school for policies)

Mini-fridge (check school policies)

Microwave (check school policies)

Seasonal

Umbrella

Winter coat, hat, gloves

Waterproof / resistant shoes or boots

Sport gear (check school policies)

Other

Academic supplies (backpack, pens, highlighters, notebooks, etc.)

Photo ID, U Card, credit/debit card, insurance cards, emergency contact information

Desk / bedside lamps with LED or CFL light bulbs

Fan (for air circulation and white noise)

Room decor: area rugs, art, throw pillows (check school policies)

Board games, books, or other entertainment

Yoga mat or other wellness/workout items

Bike, helmet, headlight, and U bike lock

Over-door mirrors

Storage cart / bins

Under-bed storage

Wall-safe adhesives

Door stop

Dry erase board

Desk or paper organizers

Lap desk for laptop or tablet

Step stool

Odor eliminator

Reusable shopping bags

Recycled-content notebooks

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🏡 What to leave at home

✔ Provided Items

Typical list, but check with your school or landlord:

Extra-long twin bed—80 inches (student housing)

Closet or wardrobe and dresser (student housing)

Desk and chair (student housing)

TV and internet connections

Window coverings (blinds or drapes)

Smoke detectors & sprinklers

Trash and recycling containers

𝙓 Prohibited Items

Typical list, but check with your school or landlord:

Alcohol or alcohol containers (student housing)

Illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and hookahs

Tobacco and electronic cigarettes (student housing)

Firearms, weapons, fireworks/explosives

Candles, incense, and electric fireplace

Pets—fish sometimes permitted (student housing)

Wireless routers (student housing)

Air conditioners (student housing)

Space heaters and electric dryer (student housing)

Halogen lamps (student housing)

Hoverboards (student housing)

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✔ More packing lists

Items from this

packing list⁠

have been pulled in directly from multiple current college move-in lists.

Other great resources for ideas on what to bring:

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https://www.nitrocollege.com/blog/pack-for-college-dorm-checklist⁠

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https://www.neighbor.com/storage-blog/ultimate-college-packing-list/⁠

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https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/registry/campuschecklist⁠

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