Moving to college can be an exciting period. But this is also a transitionary period that involves pulling up stakes, and with that comes the question of what to take with you.
Most people are aware of some of the essentials a freshman needs when heading off to college – a laptop has to be there, as does bedding, clothing and some personal items from home. For the most part.
However, it’s not easy to remember everything off the top of your head, and this is why it makes sense to have a college packing list that covers every single item you’ll need.
Before you can start the buying and packing, it’s important to check what your school allows and doesn’t allow. Health and safety regulations is something most schools are particular about, and you’ll find the requirements differing from one institution to the next.
For example, some may have an issue with microwaves, others might be specific about the size of the refrigerator allowed, and so on.
Mississippi movers, If you’re moving to a college out of state, it might seem like a good idea to pack your entire wardrobe, but in essence you’ll only need stuff for that particular weather season.
Out of state students might also want to hold off on some of the buys and pack only the essentials. Then you can buy what you need when you get there. This not only gives you more room to pack other things you might want to carry, but also saves you money on shipping or college moving expenses.
Below is a complete checklist of the things you’ll need when moving to college that should help you plan for your move.
School Supplies
- Start off on the right footing by getting yourself some office essentials. Here is a full list of the office supplies that will make your life easier.
- Durable backpack or book bag for everyday use
- Calendar or planner
- Pens
- Pencils (and sharpener)
- Notebooks
- Paper
- Calculator
- Ruler
- Sticky notes
- Highlighter pens or markers
- Binders
- Paperclips
- Stapler
- Extension cord
- Tape
- Desk Storage
- Whiteout
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Index cards
Bath & Bedding
Twin XL mattresses, with their characteristic discomfort, are always a reminder that you’re a dorm resident. But with a mattress topper or comforter or, you shouldn’t have to worry.
Your dorm room will typically come with some furnishings, but some essentials are always best brought with you.
- Comforter and/or quilts (items that easy-to-wash and sturdy are ideal)
- Throw blanket
- Bedsheets (Confirm size, although typically Twin XL)
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- Mattress pad
- Towels – bath towel, hand towels, and washcloths
- Reading pillow
- Shower bucket/basket
- Shower shoes
- Tissue
- Paper towels
- Alarm clock
Closet
- Clothes
- Weather-appropriate outer clothing – think jacket, coat (including winter coat), sweaters, raincoat, and fleeces
- Dressy, semi-formal outfits
- Jeans
- T-shirts
- Pants
- Shorts
- Tops
- Athletic clothing
- Sweats
- Leggings
- Socks
- Scarf and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Watch
- Belts
- Bathing suits
- Shoes for all occasions
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- Professional clothing for internships and class presentations
- Clothing hangers
- Shoe rack
Laundry
- Under-bed storage
- Laundry basket
- Laundry detergent
- Iron or steamer
- Ironing board
- Fabric softeners
- Lint brush
- Stain removing spray or pen
- Dryer sheets
Health & Grooming
- Bath soap or shower gel
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower cap
- Hair grooming gear (brush, combs, hair dryer)
- Lotion/skin cosmetics
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Q-tips
- Cotton balls
- Bathroom cleaning products
- Bathrobe (might come in handy especially if your showers are down the hall)
- Travel soap container
- Nail clippers
- Shaving kit
- Tweezers
- Handheld mirror
- Dental floss
- Portable makeup kit/box for women who wear makeup
- Face wash
- Makeup remover
- Prescription medicines and copies of each prescription
- First Aid kit with all the basics, including aspirin, Advil, vitamins, cough drops, Band-Aids, thermometer, antiseptic wipes etc.
- Heating pad
- Air Freshener
- Bath mat
Food & Snacks
- Tea kettle for boiling water
- Coffee pot
- Ice bucket
- Can opener
- Clips for potato chip bags, etc.
- Instant coffee
- Creamer
- Cereal
- Bread
- Bottled water or water filter
- Peanut butter & jelly
- Granola bars
- Chips
- Sandwich meat
- Fruit snacks
- Sodas
- Soup
- Condiments
- Juice boxes
- Canned foods
- Ramen
- Snacks
- Paper towels or napkins
- Disinfecting wipes and spray
- Cups
- Mugs
- Plates and bowls
- Utensils
- Tupperware
- Frying pan
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Cooking and baking sheets
- Oven mitt
- Dishwashing soap
- Sponge
- Mini-fridge (if allowed)
- Microwave (if allowed)
- Trash bags
Decor
- Curtains and spring rod – if allowed and if you like this touch in your room
- Curtains
- Rugs or carpet in the case of vinyl floors to ward off the cold and discomfort. Find out if they are allowed by your school
- Decorative area rug
- Will probably get them on campus
- Removable adhesive hooks and sticky wall mounts. Will come in handy if you have décor you want to hang as most schools do not allow nails in the walls
- Clock
- Desk chair
- Desk lamp
- Bedside table
- Fan
- Bulletin board
- Closet organizer
- Bed risers
Tech Essentials
- Laptop/computer – Check whether your institution provides computers, printers and other electronics, and/or offer discounts on them before purchasing
- TV
- Tablet
- Printer
- Power strip
- Adapter
- Headphones
- Batteries
- All chargers
Miscellaneous
All important documents – student ID, financial aid cards, AAA cards, medical insurance card, social security card etc.
- Flashlight
- Extension cord
- Ink for printer
- Printer paper
- Scissors
- Sewing kit
- White noise machine
- Games and books
- Sleep mask
- Ear plugs
- Umbrella
- Rain boots
- Jewelry box
- Broom and dust pan
- Hand-held vacuum for cleaning
- Workout equipment and yoga mat
- Luggage
- Space-saving storage bags (vacuum-sealed)
- Space heater
- Bike or moped
- Bike helmet
Conclusion
Obviously, this is plenty of stuff to carry with you. A standard car (or even a minivan) might not be suited for the job.
For this reason, you might find that the most viable option is to hire a college moving company not just for the truck, but also to do the hard work for you. The alternative is to rent a moving truck or trailer, but this will mean doing the heavy lifting yourself.
Whichever option you choose to haul your stuff to college, at least now you have a good idea of the magnitude of the task at hand.
