Moving into a dorm this fall? Before you get started with the packing, take a look at our helpful list of what to bring when moving into a college dorm.
Bedding
- Mattress pad
- At least two sets of twin sheet sets (be sure to check whether the dorm bed requires extra long twin sheets)
- Pillowcases
- Pillows
- Quilt or bedspread
- Extra blankets
- Backrest pillow for sitting up
- Throw pillows
- Reading light that can attach to bed
Laundry
- Laundry hamper for dirty laundry
- Coins for laundry (if needed)
- Iron
- Foldable ironing board
- Laundry detergent
- Dryer sheets
- Lint brush
- Stain removing spray or pen
- Drying rack for clothes that can’t be put in the dryer
Closet
- Shoe rack or over the door storage
- Clothing hangers
- Clothing for all seasons
- Umbrella
- Raincoat
- Winter coat, sweaters and fleeces
- Rainboots
- Sneakers
- Shoes for all occasions
- Dressy, semi-formal outfits
- T-shirts
- Athletic clothing
- Jeans
- Leggings
- Shorts
- Pants
- Tops
- Socks
- Bathing suits
- Sunglasses
- Professional clothing for internships and class presentations
Bathroom & Toiletries
- Soap and/or body wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Towels and washcloths
- Portable shower caddy
- Waterproof flip flops for showering (if sharing a hallway bathroom with others)
- Changing robe
- Bathroom cleaning supplies
- Hairbrush
- Hair gel or mousse
- Hairspray
- Moisturizer
- Razor
- Shaving kit
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mirror
- Tweezers
- Bobby pins
- Hair ties
- Comb
- Contact solution and eyeglass cleaner
- Toilet paper
- Mouthwash
- Sunscreen
- Makeup
- Chapstick
- Qtips
- Cotton balls
- Makeup remover
- Facewash
- Hairdryer
- Hair curling iron
- Hair straightening iron
- Bath mats
Kitchen
Tech necessities
Decor
- Floor lamp
- Curtains
- Curtain rods
- TV stand
- Comfortable chair, couch or futon for lounging
- Desk chair
- Decor pillows
- Nightstand
- Table lamp, lampshade and extra bulbs
- Coffee table or ottoman
- Small dining room table and chairs (if room)
- Extra blankets
- Wall art
- Mirrors
- Shelving
- Bookcase
- Books
- Picture frames
- Bulletin boards
- Plants
- Extra baskets for holding things
Miscellaneous
- Alarm clock or clock radio, if not using phone
- White noise machine
- Extra fan
- Broom and dust pan
- Waste basket
- Coat hanger
- Scissors
- Sports equipment
- Sewing kit
- Storage boxes for under the bed
- Space saving vacuum sealed storage bags
- Space heater
- Jewelry box
- All important documents including health insurance cards, AAA cards and passport
- First-aid kit with thermometer, advil, band-aids, neosporin, decongestant and antiseptic wipes
- Vitamins and prescription medicine
- Sleep mask
- Ear plugs
- Workout equipment and yoga mat
- Luggage
- Games and books
- Bike or moped
- Bike helmet
- Hand-held vacuum for cleaning
- Car