Here’s a list broken down by area from shared items to optional. We’re sure your and your parents have probably made a list already, but if you’re shipping items and want to save money, maybe look for coupons online for stores in the area you are going to be living near to make those purchases.
If you’re going home on holiday weekends or between semesters, you can always stock up on warmer clothes then or items you may need when you go home.
Remember, most of us use about 25% of the items we have – so less is more.
Shared Items — Check with roommate(s) before buying to save money or bring from home
- Audio equipment
- TV and DVD player
- Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed
- Small refrigerator (if one isn’t provided)
- Area rug
- Posters/art to decorate walls with picture hangars
Room Needs/Storage
- Bed and Desk lamp
- Alarm clock/clock radio: unless you use your phone
- Trash can
- Storage bins for closet / under bed
- Fan (unless you have AC)
- Bulletin board and push pins or Dry-erase wall calendar/board
- Mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench)
Electronics
- Laptop (printer is optional; there are usually computer labs where you can print)
- Portable speakers and/or headphones (if you want to play music from laptop/MP3 player)
- HDMI cord, Ethernet cord for computer (check if your room has wireless)
- Surge protector and extension cords
- Cell phone charger(s)
Office/Desk Supplies
- Electronic storage media such as memory cards and USB flash drives
- Stapler, staples, ruler
- Printer paper (if you decide to bring a printer)
- Pens and pencils / sharpener
- Notebooks or folders
- 3 × 5 index cards
- Sticky notes and labels
- Paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands and tape
- Scissors
- Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
- Stamps and envelopes
Household, Bathroom and Kitchen Items
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Lightbulbs
- All-purpose cleaner
- Plastic storage bags
- Food-storage containers
- Dish soap
- Wet wipes
- Tissues
- Bowl, plate and cup
- Coffee mug
- Water bottle
- Silverware
- Can/bottle opener
- Vacuum cleaner
- Toilet / shower cleaning items
Linens/Laundry Supplies
- Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets. Check with college for size needed — some college twin beds are extra long.)
- Towels (3 each of bath, hand, and face)
- Pillows (2)
- Mattress pad (check with college for size needed)
- Blankets (2)
- Comforter/bedspread
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry bag/basket
- Laundry detergent, fabric softener, and stain remover
- Lint brush
- Mini sewing kit
Toiletries
- Antacid
- Aspirin or other pain relievers
- Vitamins
- Antidiarrheal medicine
- Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment
- Cough drops
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes (flip-flops)
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairstyling products
- Bath and face soap
- Travel soap container(s)
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Comb/brush
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
- Razor and shaving cream
- Lotion and/or facial moisturizer
- Cotton swabs
Clothing
- Underwear
- Socks
- Pants/jeans
- Shirts/blouses
- Sweats
- Pajamas
- Slippers and/or flip-flops
- Sweaters
- Light/heavy jackets
- Gloves/scarf/hat (and other foul-weather gear as needed)
- 1 pair of boots
- 2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable/walking shoes
- 1 set of business-casual clothes
- 1 pair of dress shoes
- 1 swimsuit
Miscellaneous
- Umbrella
- Backpack
- Sports equipment
Other items you will need – important documents
- Proof of Health Insurance
- Accident / Theft Insurance
- Immunization Records
- Emergency Contact Card – share with your roommate and BFF
- Set up a Bank Account / Get a Bank Card
- Register your bicycle
- Establish a Monthly Budget