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College Packing List - Freshman and beyond
40
items As a mom of 2 young adults, I have been through it all. My advice is don't overpack because you have to move out of your dorms after your first year and repeat the process the following year and so on: meaning you need to pack up everything again and...
Sections
5
Tech
Bed and Bath
Kitchen/Appliances
Laundry/Cleaning
Miscellaneous
Tech
15.6" HD touch screen, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11. the HP 15". Laptop allows RAM upgrades - 2RAM slots up to 16GB memory. Good battery llife. Well-around laptop for college use and decent price
HP 2022 Newest Touch-Screen Laptops for College Student & Business, 15.6 inch HD Computer, Intel 11th Core i5-1135G7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Fast Charge, HDMI, Webcam, Wi-Fi, Windows 11, LIONEYE MP
If you are an Apple user, the 13" Macbook has Apple Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU for powerful performance and 8GB of unified memory to ensure a fast response time, faster graphics, quiet operation, and all-day battery life compared to similar com... Beautiful and sleek design is a big selling point too!
Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip, 13" Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID. Works with iPhone/iPad; Space Gray
Laptop is an investment and is probably the most expensive item a college student brings to the dorm so a lock is necessary to prevent theft. Yes, theft happens in the drom.
Kensington N17 Dell Laptop Computer Lock, Combination Security Locking Cable (K68008WW) Black
Smart Power strip - surge Protector with 3 Individually Controlled Outlets and 2 USB Ports, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Works with Alexa if you have one
Amazon Basics Rectangle Smart Plug Power Strip, Surge Protector with 3 Individually Controlled Outlets and 2 USB Ports, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Works with Alexa, White
Laptop is an investment so a surge protector is a must. protects your electrical appliances from lightning, power surges and spikes. The illuminated power switch with a 10A circuit breaker signifies your devices are protected from power surges, over-...
Surge Protector Power Strip with USB Ports, 10ft Extension Cord, 6 Outlets and 4 USB Ports, AUOPLUS Mountable Power Strip Flat Plug with Overload Protection, ETL Listed
You probably have these already but I just wanted to put this on the list so you don't forget.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) with Charging Case
As part of the packing list
3 Pack Apple MFi Certified Charger Cable 6ft, Lightning to USB Cable Cord 6 Foot, 2.4A Fast Charging,Apple Phone Long Chargers for iPhone 13/12/11/11Pro/11Max/ X/XS/XR/XS Max/8/7/6
Compact and powerful. Waterproof. Easy to travel with. Really worth it for the price. Extra coupon on Amazon right now
Upgraded, Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker with IPX5 Waterproof, Stereo Sound, 24H Playtime, Portable Wireless Speaker for iPhone, Samsung and More
Extension cord sometimes comes in handy. Check out your dorm room layout
GE Pro 3-Outlet Power Strip with Surge Protection, 8 Ft Designer Braided Extension Cord, Grounded, Flat Plug, 250 Joules, Warranty, UL Listed, Gray/White, 38433
Fast Portable Charge. Highly rated. Compatible with multiple devices
INIU Portable Charger, 22.5W 20000mAh USB C in & Out Power Bank Fast Charging, PD 3.0+QC 4.0 LED Display Phone Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone 14 13 12 Pro Samsung S21 Google LG iPad Tablet, etc.
Bed and Bath
You need good night sleep espeically the mattress provided by the universities are often not very comfortable. It is definitely part of the drom essentials for modern day college living if you have extra budget
Linenspa 2 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper, Gel Infused Twin XL Mattress Topper, CertiPUR-US Certified, Dorm Room Essentials
Tons of color or pattern to choose from. Soft and fuzzy. Keep you warm and cozy
Alexander Del Rossa Women's Fuzzy Plush Fleece Bathrobe with Hood, Soft Warm Hooded Lounge Robe
Shorter version robe. Tons of pattern to choose from. Size inclusive
Vera Bradley Women's Plush Fleece Robe (Extended Size Range)
I like to get towels with patterns so It won't be easily mixed with your roomates
Guethary Bath Towel, 30 x 54
Highly rated and also really good price right now!
Logo 2-Pack Pillows, Standard/Queen
Get twin XL set. Do not wrinkle as much as the other sheets,. Leave the flat sheets home. Get a duvet and duvet cover set. It is a lot easier to keep the duvet clean and just wash the duvet cover. A lot easier to make your bed. Trust me!
Easy Care Solid Sheet Set - Room Essentials™
Really good price right now. Limited time offer at Macy's. You don't want to get a heavy weight comforter because most dorm room are temperature regulated especially for heating. It is better to layer with an extra blanket on really cold days
White Down Lightweight Comforter, Twin ON SALE
Unbelievable price! Good looking duvet cover set
Pike Plaid Reversible Duvet Cover Set, Twin/Twin XL ON SALE
You definitely need a mattress cover for the dorm bed for hygiene sake
Simply Clean Triple Action Waterproof Mattress Pad - Twin XL
lot of color selection. Great price. On sale now!
Dorm Room 4-Piece Sheet Sets, Twin XL ON SALE
A must if you live in the dorm to put all the bath essentials
Shower Caddy - Room Essentials™
Don't miss your chance. This UO beautiful duvet set is on sale!!
Myla Floral Duvet Set
how cute! Retro vintage vibe for the boho college girl. On sale!
Mushroom Flower Duvet Set ON SALE
Shower slides for the shower or at the gym. Come in all sort of colors
Joomra Pillow Slippers for Women and Men Non Slip Quick Drying Shower Slides Bathroom Sandals | Ultra Cushion | Thick Sole
Kitchen/Appliances
MIni-fridge for dorm. 17.68"D x 18.5"W x 32.8"H
RCA RFR321-FR320/8 IGLOO Mini Refrigerator, 3.2 Cu Ft Fridge
18.5"D x 17.5"W x 19.7"H. Good size for a dorm room
BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer, 1.7 Cubic Ft., White
undestructible water bottle. My daughter loves it! Always keep hydrated and keep water cold. Many color to choose from
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Straw Lid
You will be surprised that sometimes water is hard to find. The Brita is actually useful to have.
Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher for Tap and Drinking Water with SmartLight Filter Change Indicator + 1 Standard Filter, Lasts 2 Months, 10-Cup Capacity
Laundry/Cleaning
Small Vaccum for dorm room
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum With Crevice Tool, 2033, One Size Fits All, Blue
Broom and Dustpan Set with 52" Long Handle for Home Kitchen Room Office Lobby Floor Use Upright Stand Up Stand Up Broom and Dustpan Combo
a quick dab on stains before putting into the washer
Tide Stain Remover for Clothes, Pocket Size, 3 Count
My tip is to bring clothes that are dryer friendly. However, it comes in handy if you have wool sweaters or want to save money to pay for dryer
Amazon Basics Foldable Laundry Rack for Air Drying Clothing - 41.8" x 29.5" x 14.5", White
Good size laundry hamper with foam handle for carrying. Comes in different colors to match with your dorm decor
EpicTotes 75L Large Laundry Basket, Freestanding Waterproof Laundry Hamper, Collapsible Folding Tall Clothes Hamper, Easy Carry with Foam Protected Aluminum Handles for Dorm, Family and Travel
Miscellaneous
I have included a variety pack for every hanging solutions in the dorm
Command Variety Pack, Picture Hanging Strips, Wire Hooks and Utility Hooks, Damage Free Hanging Variety Pack for Up to 19 Back to School Dorm Organizers
This has been around for a while and for good reason. I love this for hanging posters
Loctite Fun-Tak Mounting Putty, 2 oz
Something people don't think about to bring this to colllege. You will need it if your college happens to be in the rainy region
Repel Umbrella The Original Portable Travel Umbrella - Umbrellas for Rain Windproof, Strong Compact Umbrella for Wind and Rain, Perfect Car Umbrella, Golf Umbrella, Backpack, and On-the-Go
You want to maximize storage for your drom room. Underbed container is one of the solutions. My tip is to get container that has wheels. It will save you a lot of trouble
Under Bed Storage, Under the Bed Storage Containers with Wheels, Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer Drawer, Tool-free Assembly Metal Underbed Storage Containers for Bedroom Clothes Shoes Blankets -2PCK
Rolling cart is useful because you can roll it where ever you want and it is great for organization
SimpleHouseware Heavy Duty 3-Tier Metal Utility Rolling Cart, White
This is a good organizer to have if you have a bunk bed.
Bunk Bed Organizer, Bedside Storage Caddy Bed Storage Pocket Bedside Organizer Hanging Bunk Organizer for Camp Dorm Room Hospital Bed Rail and More (Grey)
Task desk lamp with built in USB cord for charging. Very useful feature
Eden Task Lamp with USB | Pottery Barn Teen