woman folding clothes

What to Pack for College

You’re set to start college and move into your new place, which can be bittersweet, but there’s nothing as exciting as starting a new chapter in your life! One of the first things you’ll need to do is start packing; however, don’t get overwhelmed! Here’s a comprehensive list of what you need to pack for college.

Personal Care And Toiletries

  • Shower caddy (for all your bathroom essentials)
  • First-aid kit
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shaving kit
  • Mouthwash
  • Comb/brush
  • Nail clippers
  • Vitamins
  • Dental floss
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Cotton swabs
  • Bathroom cleaning supplies (if you have a personal bathroom)

School Supplies

  • Your personal school bags
  • Binders
  • Pens, paper, and pencils
  • Sticky notes
  • Markers
  • White-out
  • Hole puncher
  • Index cards
  • Calculator
  • School planner or calendar
  • Stapler and staples
  • Highlighters
  • Scissors
  • Notebooks

Legal Documents

  • Car registration and insurance
  • Driver’s license
  • Student ID
  • Debit and credit cards
  • Social Security card
  • Financial aid forms
  • Health insurance card and documents
  • List of emergency contacts

Linens And Laundry Supplies

  • Pillows
  • Towels for your bath, hands, and face
  • Bedspread and comforter
  • Mattress, if not provided
  • Sheets and pillowcases
  • Clothes hangers
  • Laundry bag and basket
  • Laundry essentials, including detergent, stain remover, and fabric softener

Electronics and Equipment

  • Laptop
  • Cords (such as HDMI and Ethernet)
  • Camera
  • Smartphone
  • Extension cords
  • MP3 player
  • Headphones
  • Surge protector

Packed and Ready to Go

Give yourself a good amount of time to finalize your checklist for what to pack for college. Remember to not overpack, but also think ahead of what you might need. Feel free to add or remove items from this list as you see fit; we just want to help get you started with some standard suggestions. Once you’re all packed up and ready to go, enjoy your first semester — it’s sure to be a great one!