42 Best Things to Bring to College + Dorm Packing Checklist

On move-in day, having heavy-duty moving bags can make a world of difference.

Andrea Walker, Certified Professional Organizer®️, owner of Smartly Organized, LLC and mother to a recent college graduate and current student, "loves these for packing almost anything - they are large, easy to carry, fit nicely in the trunk of the car, and flatten for under bed storage saving valuable space in the dorm room."

These multi-use durable bags are great for transporting clothes, bedding, books, and electronics. Afterward, they can be used as under-the-bed storage bags, a clothes hamper, or a laundry bag. Plus if you are flying to college, these double as luggage.

This twin XL duvet cover set is 100% cotton, lightweight, breathable, super soft and comes with one matching pillowcase. It has corner ties to keep your insert in place and a button closure so you don't have to worry about it slipping off. Available in a variety of colors.

Pottery Barn Teen also has a good selection of Twin XL bedding.

Duck Tape's Duck Nano Grab Gel Tape is the perfect solution for college dorms. Its adhesive gel backing provides an easy and efficient way to hang posters, photos, and light strings on walls without damaging them.

It has amazing holding power and can hold up to 20 pounds on a variety of surfaces; tiles, wood, glass, metal, and painted drywall. So it It's also removable, making it easy to take down posters or decorations after a move-out day or when your student wants a new look in their room.

This 39-piece tool kit from Apollo comes in a compact carrying case and includes all the basics like pliers, a screwdriver base with interchangeable bits, Allen wrenches for all the Ikea-style furniture on move-in day, a hammer, measuring tape, and more. It's perfect to keep tucked away until needed.

Michelle Marine of SimplifyLiveLove.com had a college freshman this year and a small tool kit was one of her recommendations for dorm room essentials. "My daughter actually received two small tool kits as graduation gifts. "The tools came in handy for measuring things, taking command strips off the wall, and loaning out to friends in need."

Many colleges provide dorm beds, but their mattresses tend to be thin and not very comfortable. Invest in a good-quality mattress pad to ensure a good night's sleep.

This cooling bed topper for a twin XL dorm bed is made from 40% bamboo-derived rayon and 60% brushed microfiber. It's hypoallergenic and can keep you cool all night long. Plus, it's machine washable for easy care on the go.

One of the most important items to bring to college is comfortable bedding. Start with the basics and make sure you have the correct size to fit the dorm beds which are usually extra-long twin sheets.

These doubled brushed microfiber sheets are soft and breathable to keep your student comfortable at night. They won the Good Housekeeping Award 2023 for Best Bedding.

Use code MELLANNI1 for 10% off all bed sheet sets through July 18, 2023.

You can also find a wide selection of twin XL sheet sets at Walmart, Target, and Zulily too.

Additionally, make sure to bring at least two pillows as well as a few pillowcases for those weekend study sessions.

To stay warm and cozy, choose a comforter or duvet cover with a down alternative blanket for your bedding. Trish B found "While living in my dorm, washing a duvet cover was better than having a comforter. I could easily throw it in the wash, which was so much easier than dealing with a bulky comforter!"

This twin/twin XL down alternative insert is perfect for dorm beds. It has a super soft microfiber fill and is breathable, hypoallergenic, lightweight, and machine washable. This insert is ideal for year around comfort.

Without a good quality rug, dorm floors can be cold and uncomfortable. This washable carpet is great for dorms since it's easily washable and comes in a variety of sizes. It adds style to any room and can help control the noise level when friends come over.

Mackenzie Scott suggests, "Washable rugs are great for college. I didn't have a vacuum, so they're easy to clean and keep my room looking nice."

In an 11x16 dorm room, a 5x7 rug can be just the thing to make it feel like home. Yet an 8x10 will fit under the bed and add a bit of extra warmth resembling wall-to-wall carpet.

For some college students, it's easier to meet people when there's an activity to do. This collapsible corn hole game is perfect to take outdoors or play indoors in a large common area.

It also packs up easily so you can take it anywhere, making it perfect for dorm life, tailgating, or camping trips.

Space in dorm rooms is limited and according to Garrett Yamasaki, founder of WeLoveDoodles, "it forces {students] to make the most out of the tiny space they have available any way they can." 

This over-the-door organizer is a great way to save space and store shoes, school supplies, towels, or even food items. It has 6 compartments for ultimate organization and the best part - it won't take up any floor space!
This simple solution will help make dorm life a little easier and more organized.

Find similar over-the-door hangers at the Container Store, Walmart, and Target.

A college dorm essential, especially in southern states with high humidity, has to be DampRid which will help absorb moisture and excess humidity in poorly ventilated dorm rooms to help prevent mold. Kirsten Maxwell, editor of Kidsareatrip.com and mother of two boys in college says, "We found this product to be essential for students and helps in both their bedroom and bath."

Place a moisture-absorbing bucket in the bathroom and/or dorm room and also a hanging bag in the closet. Tip: Plan to change the product every 5-7 weeks will maintain a comfortable and healthy humidity level.

This rolling three-drawer cart provides much-needed organizing and can be used to store extra clothes, towels, bedding, bathroom supplies, cleaning supplies, or it could be a rolling junk drawer. The top surface is great for holding snacks and other items you want to keep handy. Best part the wheels allow you to move it around the dorm as needed!

A doorstop has two purposes. It can be utilized to hold open a door when you want to be friendly with your neighbors. Second, it can be used to stop intruders from entering a room. The SABRE Wedge Door Stop Security Alarm is perfect for college dorms and provides an extra layer of security with its loud 120 dB alarm that sounds when anyone attempts to enter the door. It's easy to use and provides peace of mind for students and their parents alike.

Also see prices at Amazon.com

If the college doesn't offer a fridge/microwave rental option, a mini-fridge can be a great investment for your college-bound child. It's estimated that college students spend on average $410 a month eating off-campus and having easy-to-grab foods and snacks can help ofset that cost. Having a mini-fridge offers a perfect solution for storing snacks, drinks, and leftovers.

This 32.8" tall compact refrigerator and freeze is the perfect solution offering 0.9 cu foot of freezer space and a 2.2 cubic foot of refrigerator space. Together with a microwave, this duo can provide your student with a mini kitchen in their dorm room.

Also check Walmart for this 3.2cu ft Costway model.

Space in any dorm room is usually at a premium, so having something like the Suprima Extra Height Mini Shelf can be really helpful for extra storage above the mini fridge and microwave. Its slim design is 77.48" tall and fits in any corner. It has four adjustable shelves that let you customize your space as needed for a kitchen area, book storage, or a combination of both.

One of the most popular items for college dorm rooms is a microwave. Even if college students have a meal plan, they can often rely on quick and easy meals to hold them over until their next meal and a microwave is essential for that.

The Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel 0.9 Cu. Ft. Black Microwave Oven is a great option for college students because it has plenty of space to fit dinner plates, is easy to clean, and has a simple design that will fit with just about any dorm room decor.

Plus, it's energy-efficient and comes equipped with 10 power levels so you can find the perfect setting for your food. It even includes 6 pre-programmed options like popcorn and pizza!

The Blendjet 2 is perfect for dorm life allowing college freshmen to easily make nutritious smoothies and shakes. Designed with convenience in mind, this portable blender is compact, powerful, and an essential addition to any college student's dorm. Use it to make healthy smoothies, protein shakes, juices, and more.

It's also USB rechargeable so you can take it to class with you or bring it along on a camping trip.

Many residence halls now have community kitchens that allow for basic meal preparation. A quality cookware set is essential for cooking up healthy meals. The Hexclad Starter Bundle includes a versatile 8-inch frying pan and a 1qt hybrid pot. This set is perfect for college freshmen who are just starting to live on their own.

The patented hexagonal surface of the pans is scratch-resistant and nonstick making them easy to use and clean after every meal. Plus, they’re oven safe up to 500°F and induction ready, so your student can make anything from breakfast omelets to dinner entrees without having to worry about warping or burning the pan. Best of all you can use metal utensils without fear of scratching the surface.

For a more sustainable solution to plastic bags, Stasher silicone bags are a great option. This 9-piece starter set is made from 100% food-grade silicone and comes in various sizes for whatever needs arise.

It's perfect for packing snacks or prepping meals ahead of time and it can also be used as an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic ziplock bags. Plus, it's microwave safe so your college student will be able to use these bags time and time again!

Also check prices at Amazon and the Container Store.

A portable Electric Kettle is a must for college students. Making tea, coffee, and hot chocolate has never been easier with this compact and convenient model from JOULLE. Plus you can make pasta, soups, and more. Its stainless steel design is built to last and can be plugged in anywhere there's an outlet nearby.

Unlike hot plates, its auto shut-off feature makes it the safest option for college dorm rooms. And its compact design is perfect for small spaces, so your student can still enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee while studying in their room.

It's important to stay hydrated, especially while attending college and running around campus all day. A good water filter pitcher like the Brita UltraMax Water Dispenser can help provide clean drinking water without having to buy bottled water.

The filter reduces chlorine (taste and odor), copper, mercury, and cadmium impurities that might be found in tap water. It's also BPA free and has a large capacity of 18 cups so your student won't have to worry about constantly refilling it.

Also check prices at Amazon and Target

Yes, you can use disposable plates or cheap plastic dinnerware, but why not get something more durable and eco-friendly? This MALACASA Amelia Porcelain Dinnerware Set is perfect for dorm life and comes with dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, and cereal bowls.

Made of premium porcelain with a classic white design that will look great in any dorm room. Microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Note: This set has 6 place settings. So I sent two with my child to school and keep the extra 4 at home for us.

No matter how filthy the shared bathroom floors are, you can protect your feet with confidence if you have these shower slides. These lightweight slides are comfy to wear and easy to slip on and off. They’re also super affordable, so you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank for a decent shower experience. Also available at Zappos.com

College students should have a good set of quick-drying towels to prevent the growth of bacteria and mildew. These Terra XL Turkish towels are designed to absorb moisture faster and dry quicker than thicker bath towels.

Made with 100% Turkish organic cotton, they are extremely soft to the touch and offer superior absorbency. With a lightweight design, these towels are perfect for students on-the-go. They come in a variety of colors to complement any college dorm room. Plus, the compact size makes them ideal for tight spaces.

Also check prices on quick dry Turkish towels on Amazon.

A desk lamp is an essential item to bring to college. Not only does proper lighting creates a conducive environment for studying, but you can also charge your electronics with it. The Dormify Charging Catch All Desk Lamp is the perfect desk lamp for dorm life. It provides lots of warm ambient light while providing a USB port and 2-prong outlet so you can charge devices while studying. Plus, it comes with two small storage areas that are perfect for holding small items.

Also check prices at Amazon.

Staying organized is key to success in college. Academic Planner has weekly and monthly layouts as well as plenty of room for notes and trackers.

A personal fan is perfect for those hot days when the AC isn’t cutting it. This rechargeable fan can be easily moved around the dorm room, or taken to the gym or the library. It has three adjustable speeds and offers a refreshing breeze that will keep you cool during long study sessions. It can be recharged via USB and run from 3.5 to 17 hours or run continuously with included AC adapter.

A good tumbler is a must-have. This 26-ounce double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel tumbler from Klean Kanteen keeps your drinks cold for up to 34 hours and hot for 7 hours. Plus it's made with 90% recycled stainless steel for a more sustainable choice. The unique lid design eliminates splashes and spills with its Flip lid, meaning no more messes!

Dorm rooms are not typically equipped with an abundance of outlets, and those available are not always conveniently located. Invest in a power strip that has multiple outlets to power all the necessary electronics.

Larry Snider, VP of Operations of Redwood Vacation Rentals and father of a college sophomore recommends "a surge protector power strip as it can protect expensive electronic devices from potential damage caused by voltage spikes or electrical storms. This small investment could save them from the high costs of replacing damaged electronics."

This power strip offers a 10ft extension cord with multiple outlets in one unit and can be moved around for convenience. It includes AC plugs as well as USB ports to charge any device. It's also UL approved, so you can be sure that your items are safe and protected.

Carry your textbooks and laptop with ease using the Knack Series 2 backpack. This expandable backpack fits a 15” laptop and has plenty of storage compartments to organize your supplies. The padded shoulder straps provide more comfort for long treks across campus while also getting the job done for commuting students.

When not in class, this bag makes a great carry-on when traveling because it is able to expand from 24L to 35L in size. When expanded, to hold an extended weekend's worth of clothes.

Note: This is the backpack I use when I travel and I love it. It's durable, comes in great colors, and has the perfect combination of features. Highly recommend!
I have also used this for a day hike and it served its purpose. It was comfortable to carry all day and had plenty of room for snacks, water, and other essentials. I love that it is lightweight yet durable enough to withstand whatever nature or I throw at it.

Laundry can pile up quickly in college, and having a laundry basket makes it easier to keep it organized. Choose a basket that's easy to carry.

Ann Pogson's daughter just returned from her first year in college. She said the one thing her daughter wished she had was "a rolling laundry basket because the laundry room was so far from my room. It would have saved me a lot of trips carrying heavy loads of laundry down the hall."

This slim laundry basket with wheels is ideal for a college dorm room or other small space. This basket is 25" tall and only 7.8" wide making it easy to slide into the tightest of spaces. The durable construction and reinforced handle mean you can trust it to take your laundry back and forth to the laundry facilities. 

You will also want to add laundry detergent & dryer sheets, basic cleaning supplies, and a trash can to your dorm packing list for guys and girls.

A good friend's son never used any of the cleaning supplies she sent with him, but he DID use this cordless handheld vacuum.

This BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuum is perfect for quick clean-ups or spot cleaning. With its strong suction and lightweight design, this cordless vacuum makes cleaning up spills and messes a breeze. The battery lasts up to 10 minutes so you can easily clean up the entire dorm room in a matter of minutes.

College dorms can be so noisy, with roommates, neighbors, and various activities happening around you. Barbara Hartman, CMO at BookScouter.com and parent of a child in college says, "Headphones can be a lifesaver when you need to study, focus, or simply relax."

These in-ear noise-canceling headphones from Bose offer a great combination of comfort and sound quality. The active noise canceling technology will keep you focused on your work or listening pleasure, while the ear tips come in three sizes for a custom fit. They’re also sweat-resistant so you can take them to the gym with no worries.

Also check prices at Amazon and Best Buy.

Whether it’s hanging coats, hats or pictures, 3M Command Hooks offer a simple and clean way to hang items without nails or screws. Along with the hooks, also pick up some of the strips for added peace of mind that items will stay neatly in place.

Most first-aid kits include band-aids, alcohol wipes, gauze pads, pain relievers, and cold medication. If your college student has allergies or other health concerns then add items accordingly. It’s also good to have a thermometer and instant ice packs on hand.

You can never rely on your dorm room to have enough storage or for the shelves to be deep enough. This Beside Caddy is perfect for creating more storage space without taking up too much real estate. The adjustable shelving allows you store items of all different shapes and sizes. It's also great for mounting devices like a mini-fridge, printer, or TV.

Tamara Gruber, owner of YourTimetoFly.com created this packing list for guys. She said that her daughter, "really liked having a bedside organizer that slid under the mattress and offered pockets for storage of things like her journal, whatever book she was reading, lip balm, hand cream, tissues, and chargers. The nightstand provided by her school didn’t have drawers so didn’t offer much in the way of easy to access from the bed storage."