Getting ready to pack for your college adventure abroad but not sure what to bring and what to buy on-site? Well here is the ultimate college packing list!
When I moved into college a few months ago, I got to experience what I really need in my dorm and what I should only buy when I need it.
This list will help you get organized and plan your move-in better while giving you an overview of what you need to pack, and what is enough to buy later on.
NEW: Wanna have this packing list as a physical checklist to have an even better overview and be more organized? There is a college packing list printable available! Check it out here!
So, let’s go through this college packing list and get excited for another great semester!
Important Documents
Let’s start with the most important thing, which is your documents!
There are quite a few things you need to think of. Here is a list of what you need (and keep them in your personal bag!):
- Your passport/ID
- Student ID
- Flight tickets if you’re flying
- Health insurance
- Social Security card
- Vaccination records
- Driving license
- Contact information of your family and your best friends
What I did is I scanned all my important documents onto my laptop, and also copied them to have them with me in a different location. That way, even if you lose something, you still have a copy of it.
Basics
Here are some basic items that you should not forget to bring!
- Water bottle
- Travel adapter
- Wallet
- Pictures from home
- Tools
- Command strips
- Sewing kit
- First-aid kit
Clothes
We all know that our styles might change in a new environment; we might not do it on purpose, but we adapt to our friends and our environment. So only bring clothes that you LOVE and wear on a regular basis.
Also, keep the climate and weather in mind, and take clothes that fit in with that. You can also switch for the next season when you go home for Christmas for example.
Here is a list of clothes you might want to take with you from the start:
- Your favorite dress
- Nice shoes (especially if you study business or plan on rushing)
- Sneakers
- One set of nice clothes
- A swimsuit (I think they are hard to buy)
- Underwear (or at least the basics)
- Your favorite pair of jeans
- Favorite shorts
- A good jacket (check the climate first!)
- Good boots (check the climate here as well!)
- A backpack
- A small bag for going out
- Weekend bag (for any short trips)
- Jewelry
- Belt
- Hat/cap
- If you have space: a robe, but you can also just buy that when you get there
You can always buy more clothes in the local thrift store that’s near your college.
Related posts:
- The Ultimate College Application Guide for International Students
- The College Bucket List
- A college student’s guide to zero waste
Electronics
This section is probably the most obvious, so just take the items you use daily or on a regular basis. Those can include:
- Your phone
- Phone charger
- Laptop
- Laptop charger
- iPad
- Kindle
- iPod
- Earphones
- Camera
- Camera charger
- Power strip
- Extension cord
- Batteries (if you have fairy lights for example)
- External drives or flash drives you use
Bathroom Essentials
You might not need all of these from day 1, so I divided this section into 2 parts: take from home and buy there. But of course it’s all up to you!
To take with you:
- Makeup bag with what you use daily
- Special skincare products if you need them
- Shampoo and conditioner bars (if that’s what you use- if not, I can only recommend them!)
- Makeup remover (I just use coconut oil personally but this is up to you)
- Your favorite special makeup products (those for special occasions)
- Toothbrush and paste
- A small first- aid kit
- Your razor (I have a safety razor (no plastic!) and love it!)
- Birth control or any other prescription medicine
What to buy later
These are things you can buy on site if you have no space in your car or suitcases.
- Shower caddy (if you have a community bathroom)
- Shower robe
- Flipflops/shower shoes
- Hairdryer/ straightener/ curler
- Towels (big and small)
- Soap
- Basic medicine
Organization & Decor
These are things you might need for your dorm, school life, or in general. You can either bring these things if you got them and have space or just buy them later on.
- Sheets
- Comforter
- Pillow
- Pillowcase
- Decor pillows
- Folders and other school-related products (pens, highlighters, rubber, calculator, stapler…)
- Hangers
- Mirror
- Scissors/pins
- Tape
- Storage bins
- Trash can
- Recycling box
- Laundry basket
- Laundry detergent
- Extension cords
- Desk lamp
- Lights
- Rug
- Posters/pictures
Kitchen essentials
If you are lucky and you have a little kitchen in your dorm or apartment, here are some items you could use:
- Cleaning products
- Brita water pitcher
- basic kitchen utensils (to cook with)
- Plates
- Cups/glasses
- Silverware
- Pots and pans
- Tupperware
- Beeswax wrap (instead of plastic)
- Kitchen towels
- Indoor compost bin (if you cook a lot with veggies and fruits)
Shared items
Here some items that you could share with your roommate:
- Microwave
- Mini fridge
- Water kettle
- Coffee machine
- Toaster
- Vacuum
- DVD player
Related posts:
- The Ultimate College Application Guide for International Students
- The College Bucket List
- A college student’s guide to zero waste
Want the Ultimate College Packing List Printable?
Did you like this packing list but it’s not enough to help you check off everything as you pack for college? No problem!
The college packing list printable is perfect for you if you want to organize your move-in more and wanna avoid leaving anything important behind!
The checklist includes all these items (and more) all organized with a cute design, to make it easy for you and let you check off as you pack.
With that being said, I hope you enjoyed this college packing list and check out the printable checklist!
Until soon,
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