Getting ready to move to university this fall and feeling a little overwhelmed as you begin to pack for the big move? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! As many first-year students begin to prepare for their home away from home, deciding what to bring or leave behind becomes stressful, to say the least. You know not to over pack, but you also don’t want to forget any essentials, as you will now be living on your own. Of course, you’re on top of all the school supplies needed, but how about other necessities? To help you stay organized and pack for your needs, we have created an ultimate college packing checklist. Continue reading below to learn more about packing for school: Ultimate college packing checklist.
Although it may be tempting to pack up your entire life when packing for the first year of college, you must restrain yourself. Your school should provide you with a list of items that are permitted, restricted, and provided on campus. Be sure to follow this list to avoid buying something you won’t be allowed to bring, or need in the first place. Depending on the school, dorms will come equipped with basic furniture, such as a bed, desk and chair. Find out what furniture will be provided for your dorm life.
Packing for school: Ultimate college packing checklist
ESSENTIALS
Always begin your packing checklist with the essentials, as these items will make your first year of college much more comfortable, to say the least. To simplify this process even further, break it down based on specific area, such as bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and school supplies.
- Bedroom
- Invest in a mattress cover, as you will be sleeping on the same mattress someone else slept on the year before.
- Few comfy pillows are a must, not only to sleep on, but use as back support when studying or lounging around.
- Stack up on sheets, and pillowcases, as you may not have the time to do laundry as often as you like.
- Extra blankets won’t only keep you warm but can also be used to provide extra cushion to sleep on, as most school mattresses are not very comfortable.
- Under-bed storage bins are perfect for storing out of season clothing, extra bedding, or whatever else you need to be out of your way on a day-to-day basis. They can be used for packing as well.
- Hanging organizers are perfect for dorm life, as you won’t have too much space all to yourself.
- Pop-up hampers are great, as they serve the exact same purpose as a regular one, but take up way less space when folded. Which is a huge plus during transport.
- You won’t be able to rely on the few outlets in your room to power all of your electronics, that’s why power strips prove to be very useful. Bring a few just in case.
- Don’t forget your TV! Even if you won’t spend much time watching it, it is a great option to have for entertainment. May not necessarily need to be on an essentials list, but then again that depends on the person!
- Closet
- It’s so easy to over pack when it comes to our clothes! Don’t bring something you haven’t worn in a while. Chances are you won’t be wearing it at school either. The majority of your wardrobe should consist of the type of clothes you wear on a day-to-day basis. But remember, comfort is key!
- Don’t skimp on your undergarments! It is something you definitely won’t want to run out of.
- An extra tension rod will turn your tiny closet into a little less tinier one.
- Hangers for clothes may be common sense to some, but many still tend to overlook this essential packing item.
- Umbrella is crucial because it is bound to rain at some point.
- Bathroom
- Three words ““ Shower flip-flops!!! You may have never experienced a communal bathroom before, but certain routines that you’re used to at home, just won’t work when you’re sharing a bathroom with so many strangers! Like going into the bathroom barefoot!
- Buy a handful of towels, as you may not always have time for laundry.
- A plastic shower caddy will make your every day shower sessions that much more convenient, and even sanitary. Definitely a must have item when packing for college!
- Avoid soap bars, and instead opt for liquid soap. Not only will the bottle fit nicely in your caddy, but also if you happen to drop it on the floor, you won’t have to worry about contamination, as you would with a bar of soap.
- Make sure to stack up on all of your need-to-have products, such as shampoo, conditioner, shaving creams, etc. Try to either buy in bulk or value size to avoid running out a week after your arrival.
- Don’t forget the razor!
- Kitchenware
- Find out if your campus will provide a fridge and microwave because these are two essentials that you definitely cannot live without. If you’re buying your own, consider a mini conventional oven as a healthier alternative to microwave.
- Reusable, microwave safe dinnerware, and utensils. Bring a few of each.
- Stainless steel travel mugs are not only healthier than plastic or paper cups, but they’re also great when you’re on the go, and don’t have the time to sit down and have your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Which is likely to be ALL THE TIME!
- Miscellaneous
- A lightweight full-length mirror is a great way to stay on top of your appearance and it can be hanged on your door and out of the way.
- Don’t forget your medication! Even if you’re not on any particular regimen, over the counter pain medication can be a lifesaver for headaches, etc. With that said, be sure to also bring a first aid kit because it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Bikes not only make for easier transportation but a great workout as well.
- Earplugs may not be something that you would even think about packing, but you will definitely be glad you came across our college packing checklist, as they will be ultimate lifesavers for the next four years! You will really appreciate them when its time for a ten minute power nap between classes, or when your roommate is just not on the same timeline as you.