Safeload Coverage
It can be overwhelming creating a college packing list, which is why we created the ultimate checklist for you. Our checklist includes all the essential items along with belongings you might consider bringing with you.
You might not need or want everything in each category, and that’s OK because at the end of the day, you’ll know you didn’t forget anything important.
Bedroom
- Mattress pad or topper
- Bed sheets (Twin XL fits most dorm room mattresses)
- Bedding
- Alarm clock
- Pillows (For sleeping)
- Extra pillows (For reading, for company, or for decoration)
- Blankets
- Throw blankets
- Mirror
- Under bed storage containers
Bathroom
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes
- Towels (Bath, hand towels, washcloths)
- Vanity mirror
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Paper towels
- Cleaning supplies
Health and Personal Care Products
- Body wash soap
- Shampoo soap
- Conditioner soap
- Hair gel or hair styling products
- Deodorant
- Combs
- Hairbrush
- Hair dryer
- Lotion
- Makeup (If applicable)
- Cotton rounds for face (If applicable)
- Feminine hygiene products (If applicable)
- Skin cosmetics
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Floss
- Cotton swabs
- Nail clippers
- First-aid kit
- Thermometer
- Shower mat
- Prescriptions
- Shaving razor
- Shaving cream
- Scale
- Bathrobe
- Handheld mirror
- Travel container for soap
- Eye mask
- Eye drops (If applicable)
- Contact lens supplies (If applicable)
- Retainer (If applicable)
- Tweezers
- Nail polish
- Nail file
- Polish remover
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Sewing kit
Clothes and Accessories
- Underwear
- Bras
- Sports bras
- Socks
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Collared shirts
- Dresses
- Shorts
- Jeans
- Sweatpants
- Pajamas
- Sports wear
- Business wear
- Swim wear
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Sweaters
- Sweatshirts
- Jackets
- Coats
- Belts
- Watches
- Jewelry
- Ear plugs
- Ties
- Sneakers
- Dress shoes
- High heels
- Sandals
- Flip flops
- Boots
- Hiking shoes
- Shoe rack
- Suitcase/luggage
- Umbrella
Laundry
- Laundry basket
- Stain remover
- Hangers
- Lint brush remover
- Ironing board and iron
- Steamer
- Bleach
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener
- Quarters for laundry (If needed)
Kitchen Supplies, Food, Beverages, and Snacks
Everyone has their own food, beverages, and snack preferences. What’s important to keep in mind is to only buy a few of your favorite items. You can always go back to the grocery store or order online for more food or beverages.
- Mini fridge (If allowed)
- Microwave (If allowed)
- Toaster (If allowed)
- Coffee maker (If allowed)
- Trash can
- Cups
- Plastic plates and bowls or microwavable plates and bowls
- Plastic silverware
- Water bottles (Reusable and disposable)
- Water filter pitcher
- Tupperware
- Dish soap
- Dish scrubber
- Dish towel
- Paper or linen napkins
- Plastic bags
- Foil
- Can opener
- Popcorn
- Chips
- Soda
- Cereal
- Granola bars
- Protein bars
- Soups
- Condiments
- Juice
- Fruit snacks
- Milk
- Bread
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Sandwich meat
- Canned soup
- Oatmeal
- Easy-to-prepare meals (Instant noodles, macaroni and cheese, or frozen meals)
Electronics
- Computer
- TV
- Game consoles, controllers, headsets, and video games
- Tablet or iPad
- Headphones
- Long charging cord for phones
- Portable chargers
- Extension cord
- Power strip
- HDMI cord
- Printer (Only if you plan to print a lot and want to avoid the school’s printing fee)
- Ink cartridges
School Supplies
- Backpack
- Pencils
- Mechanical pencils and lead
- Pens
- Pencil sharpener
- Sharpies
- Markers
- Highlighters
- Binders
- Folders
- Notebooks
- Paper
- Calculator
- Ruler
- Sticky notes
- Stapler
- Staples
- Index cards
- Scissors
- Tape
- Hole punch
- Planner/Calendar
- Paper clips
- Rubber bands
- White out
- Masks
- Mouse and mouse pad
- Desk storage
Decor and Room Furnishings
- Storage bins
- Rug
- Removable hooks
- Decorations
- Desk lamp
- Humidifier or dehumidifier
- Posters
- Pictures
- Sticky wall mounts or removable adhesive hooks (Your college probably won’t allow nails at all)
- Curtains (If necessary)
- Desk chair
- Gaming chair
- Seating for guests (Bean bags are an option)
- Bulletin board or whiteboard
- Dry-erase markers
- Fan
- Space heater (If allowed)
- Closet organizer
- Over the door hook hanger (For coats, jackets, etc.)
- Fake plants
- Light bulbs
- Vacuum
Miscellaneous
- Sports gym bag
- Sports equipment
- Books
- Yoga mat
- Duffle bag
- Journal
- Music instruments
- Playing cards
- Bicycle (Helmet, air pump, and lock)
- Skateboard
- Scooter
- Flashlight
- Safety whistle
- Wallet
- Debit cards, credit cards, and insurance cards
- Social security card and forms for financial aid
What’s Allowed in the Dorms?
Every college and university are different, so you should make sure you know what your school allows and doesn’t allow in the rooms. One school might not allow microwaves, one college might not allow hot plates, one university might not allow space heaters, and one school might only allow a certain mini fridge size.
You don’t want to start buying everything off your college packing list only to realize you can’t bring it.
How to Pack for School When Going out of State?
You might consider only buying your items once you arrive at your school’s college town. It’ll be easier to buy and move your items into the dorm room vs. bringing everything with you from home.
Another possibility to keep in mind when packing is to pack for the seasons. For the fall semester, you might pack your fall and winter clothes with a few summer clothes for August. For the spring semester, you could pack your spring and summer clothes with a few winter clothes for January or February.
This will help keep you from overpacking clothes but still making sure you still have all the essentials needed for the semester.
What to Pack for College?
Packing for college can be difficult without a list. That’s why our college packing list is so comprehensive, so you can make sure you’re not forgetting anything but also not buying items that you feel isn’t necessary.
Whether you try to take a minimalistic or comprehensive approach, our guide will set you up for success.
