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Some things that came in very handy for me in college dorms (and keep in mind every college as different requirements regarding some of these):

-I wish I had a single serve coffee maker (they have very small mini ones)

-bean bags/soft chairs

-travel mugs

-comfy work out style clothes (i love yoga style stuff)

-comfy flip flops (I love love love love under armour ones. I have a pair I've been wearing almost daily for 3 years and are just starting to get worn)

-electric toothbrush

-mini-fridge

-computer/tablet pc

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This list is from the school district where my niece attends school, but my sister-in-law has added some items. It is VERY complete!

 

Belmont (MA) High School’s College Supply Listing*You will not need verything on this list, but you will find good suggestions from which to pick and choose.

 

Category Item

Banking

 

SUGGESTION: Plan ahead so that the following accounts are ready for use

before heading off to college

Checking account

Savings account

ATM/debit card

Credit card/ traveler’s checks (for travel in case of emergency)

 

BathBath

Shower caddy

Shower shoes

Bathrobe

Slippers

Towels

Wash cloths

Soap dish

Facial soap

Body soap

Drinking cup (shatterproof)

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Floss

Shower cap

Shampoo, conditioner

Shaving items

Deodorant

 

Clothing

Underwear/bras/socks

Pajamas

Bathrobe

Belts

Formal outfits

Pants/skirts

Shorts

Shirts

Beach towel/swim suit

Sweaters/sweatshirts

Athletic shoes

Casual Shoes

Dress shoes

Computer

SUGGESTION: Check with college before purchasing

Laptop or hard drive, monitor & keyboard

Printer & cables

Ethernet cables

Surge protectors (6 plug outlet recommended)

Extra print cartridges

software (CDs)

Extension cords

Gel wrist rest

Desk

Backpack

Student planner

Desk lamp

Clip on lamp

Floor lamp

Bulletin board

Dry erase board and markers (for the door)

Calendar (hard copy or computer program)

Dictionary (hard copy or computer program)

Thesaurus (hard copy or computer program)

Supplies SUGGESTION: use Ziploc bags to create small packets of paper clips, rubber bands, push pins, etc.

Pens

Sharpie pen

Pencils

Eraser

Correction fluid

Highlighters

Paper clips (small & large)

Push pins

Sticky tack

Scotch tape/removable mounting tape (double sided tape)

Glue

Packing tape

Rubber bands

Tab dividers/pockets for binders

Hole punch protectors

File folders

Hanging folders/tabs

3x5 note cards

Binders

Binder filler paper

Spiral notebook

Computer printer paper

Post-it notes

Stapler/staples

Scissors

3 hole punch

Ruler

Pencil sharpener

Pencil cup/holder

Letter opener

Flash Drives/CD’s/Diskettes and storage box

Magic markers, colored pencils

Clipboard

Calculator & batteries

Book ends

Lap desk

Note pads

 

Electronic

Cell phone or Telephone (some colleges supply telephones)

Telephone extension cord

Telephone calling card (great for emergencies or if no power)

Alarm clock or CD player/alarm (w/ battery back up)

CD’s & storage box

MP3 player/headphones

TV (VCR or DVD)

Movies & DVDs

Extension cords (some colleges only allow plug strips)

Plug strips (including 15 ft. extra long)

Tape recorder

 

First Aid

SUGGESTION: Use sample sizes of toiletries from a store like a Target/Walmart

to create a first aid kit. Use small Ziploc bags to store items within the kit.

Buy generic products as they will be much more economical.

Antihistamine/decongestant

Advil (ibuprofen)

Alka-Seltzer or similar product

Antibiotic ointment

Band-Aids (assorted sizes)

Cough drops

Cough syrup

Dramamine

Hydrocortisone cream/Neosporin

Kaopectate

Scissors/tweezers

Thermometer

Tylenol (acetominiphen)

Benadryl

Vaseline

Vitamins

Aspirin

Any prescription medicines

Rubbing alcohol

 

Kitchen

SUGGESTION: You know what you will use. Buy accordingly.

Ice cube trays

Refrigerator

Microwave

Flat plate, cereal bowl

Mug

Drinking glass

Knife, fork, spoon

Potholders

Dish towel

Dish detergent

Scouring wand (for detergent)

Scouring pad/SOS

Small pad & lid

Fry pan/sauce pan

Cookie sheet

Serving utensils

Measuring cup

Measuring spoons

Paring knife

Cutting board (small)

Peeler

Can/bottle opener

Chip clips

Sports bottle

Ziploc bags/plastic bags

Paper plates/cups/napkins

Plastic wrap/aluminum foil

Water, soda, juice, hot chocolate

Snacks, microwave popcorn, etc.

Broom

 

Laundry

Laundry bag or small laundry basket

Mesh lingerie bag

Roll of quarters

Detergent/bleach

Fabric softener sheets

Stain removers

Drying rack

Hangers, pants/skirt hangers

Laundry marker

Iron

Ironing boards (dorms often have these)

Static guard

Linens

Zippered mattress protector (plastic-XL Twin)

Mattress foam/egg crate pad (really helps with older mattresses)

Cotton mattress pad (XL twin)

Pillow

Pillow protector

Pillowcases (good to have an extra set in case sheets do not get washed on a

regular basis)

Sheets (2 sets-XL Twin)

Flannel sheets—XL Twin (depending on the climate)

Blanket

Comforter

Bedrest

Bed reading pillow

Bed light

 

Miscellaneous

Door mirror

Dust pan/brush

Waste basket (some colleges require metal)

Vacuum (dorms often have these)

Floor rug

Light bulbs

Night light & bulbs

Fan—small size (even if the dorm is air conditioned)

Shelf liner for dresser & desk drawers

Sleeping bag w/ small pillow (for guests)

Cleaning products (Windex, Multipurpose spray cleaner)

Scrap paper

Trash bags

Rain coat/slicker

Winter coat/gloves/boots

Move-in Day

SUGGESTION: Pack the car so that these very important items are accessible

first when you unpack at the dorm.

Shelf liner

Scissors

Paper towels

Sponge

Spray cleaner/Windex

Tools (tape measure, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, etc.)

Surge protectors for computer, telephone, etc.

Ethernet cable

Plug strips (particularly 15 ft. in length for behind dressers, etc.)

Water, juice, snacks

WD-40

Self-stick hooks

 

Personal

Framed photographs

Photo albums

Posters

Address book

Yearbook

Umbrella

Camera/film

Deck of cards

Frisbee

Sunglasses

Hat

Cash

Wallet

Check book

Personal Care

Contact lenses and case, solutions, glasses

Air freshener

Suntan lotion

Hand sanitizer/wipes

Baby Powder

Hand mirror

Brushes/combs

Hair dryer

Q tips/cotton balls

Travel pouches & plastic pouches

Tissues

Nail clippers/scissors/brush/file

Sunscreen/Insect repellant

Toilet paper

Cosmetics/bag

Curling iron

Hair accessories

Nail polish/remover

Personal hygiene products

Sewing Kit

SUGGESTION: Put a few of the following items in a Ziploc bag

Assorted thread

Needles

Safety pins

Common pins

Buttons

Tape measure

Stationery Kit

SUGGESTION: Use a large Ziploc bag to create a bag of a few of

each of the less essential mailing items.

Address book (small size) that has extended family and neighbors’

addresses and phone numbers (helpful for traveling

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This is a list that I've cobbled together from several sources, including this board. I call it the

 

Over-the-Top College Packing List

 

because no one is ever going to buy all of this stuff for their child. I doubt it would all fit in a dorm room. Even so, it's nice to have it all in one place. If you think of anything that's not included, please post!

 

Clothing

Bathrobe

Business attire

Coat

Jackets

Heavy for cold weather

Waterproof/packable light for cool weather

Jeans/casual pants - 7

Khakis

Long underwear

Pajamas

Pantyhose and/or tights

Semiformal/formal attire

Shirts: long-sleeved - 14

Shirts: short-sleeved – 14

Shirts: dress

Shorts

Skirts

Snow/ski wear

Socks – 21 pairs (more if you play sports)

Sweaters – 2

Sweatpants – 2

Sweatshirts – 2 (buy at college bookstore)

Swim suit

Underwear – 21 pairs

 

 

Accessories & Footwear

Athletic shoes

Backpack (get a good, waterproof one!)

Baseball Cap

Boots (hiking and snow)

Casual shoes

Comfortable walking shoes

Dress shoes

Flip flops for shower

Gloves or mittens

Jewelry

Purse

Sandals

Scarf

Slippers

Sunglasses

Umbrella

Watch

Wet weather shoes

Winter Hat

 

Finances & Files

Bank account information (have duplicate copy in a safe place)

Bus/plane schedules

Campus map

Cash

Checkbook

Class schedule

Credit/debit/ATM cards

Driver’s license or ID

Hanging folders

Important people’s information: advisor, professors, roommate

Locking file box

Medical insurance card

Quarters for laundry

Wallet

Traveler’s checks (for trips or emergencies)

*Leave really important papers at home.

 

Cleaning & Laundry

Broom & dustpan

Cleaning wipes

Dryer sheets or fabric softener

Fabreeze/ air freshener

General purpose cleaner

Glass cleaner

Iron

Ironing board

Laundry detergent

Laundry marker

Lint brush

Mesh laundry bag

Mop (Swiffer –type, with extra pads)

Rubber gloves

Small bucket

Sponge

Stain stick

Static guard

Vacuum

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Page 2

 

Staying Organized

Address book

Adhesive hooks, tacky adhesive, & mounting tape (Command Strips are recommended)

Allergy or other health needs ID card

Area rug

Bicycle and bike lock

Birthday and thank you cards

Bookshelf for desk

Calendar

Clothes pins (multiple uses)

Closet organizer

Coat hangers

Daily planner

Desk organizer

Dry erase wall calendar/board (for door)

Drying rack for clothes

Envelopes

Garbage bags

Glue and/or super glue

Health care provider list

ID Holder (often given out at orientation)

Key chain (often given out at orientation)

Laundry bag or basket

Light bulbs

Loft bed (check with college/roommate)

Locking file box

Leather folder, paper pads, nice pen for interviews

Makeup holder/case

Padlock or combination lock (gym & dresser)

Paper clips

Pencil holder

Plastic crates, shelves, or bins for storage

Push pins

Shelf liner for dresser & desk drawers

Stationery and stamps

Stackable desk trays

Toolkit/screwdrivers/hammer

Underbed storage containers (not for loft bed)

Wastebasket

Whiteboard & dry erase pen for door

 

Personal Care

Brush and comb

Chapstick

Contact lens care products

Curling iron

Dental floss (Plackers)

Earplugs

Eye drops

Eyeglasses – regular and full-service spare pair

Feminine care products

First aid kit: bandages (latex free), Tylenol, aspirin, Neosporin, ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, cough drops, hydrocortisone, etc.

Fragrance or cologne

Hair dryer

Hairspray or gel

Hairbands, bobby pins

Hand sanitizer/wipes

Hand soap

Hydrogen peroxide

Insect repellant

Lotion

Makeup & makeup mirror

Nail clippers and file

Nail polish & remover

Pillow

Prescription medications

Q-tips/cotton balls

Razor

Rubbing alcohol

Safety pins

Sewing kit w/tape measure

Shampoo and conditioner

Shower Soap

Shower tote/caddy/basket

Soap box

Sunscreen

Thermometer & probe covers

Tissues

Toilet paper

Toothbrush & toothpaste

Travel pouches/plastic pouches

Tweezers

Vaseline

Vitamins

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Page 3

 

Study Aids/Desk Supplies

Binders

Bookends

Bookmarking flags

Calculator

Calendar

Clipboard

College how-to book(s)

Dictionary/thesaurus

Erasers

Folders

Goggles

Highlighter pens (multi-colored)

Hole punch protectors

Labcoat or apron

Lap desk

Letter opener

Markers or colored pencils

Mechanical pencils, lead, & erasers

Note cards

Note pads

Notebooks - spiral, composition, journal

Organizer or daily planner

Paper – looseleaf, printer, photo

Pencil sharpener

Pencils

Pens

Permanent marker

Post-it notes

Rubber bands

Ruler

Scissors

Scratch paper

Stapler

Staples

Staple remover

Tab dividers

Tape – Scotch, duct, & mailing

Three hole punch

Writer’s guide or grammar book

 

Electric/Electronic

Alarm Clock

Answering machine

Backup disk

Batteries & charger

Cable cord for television

Calculator

Camera: film or memory cards, batteries, cable

Cell phone

CD ROMs/DVDs

Clip-on lamp

Clock for desk

Compressed air for cleaning

Computer w/software installed

Computer lock (Kensington)

Computer stand or docking station

Cordless phone

Ethernet cable(s) or phone cord

Extension cords (may not be allowed)

Extra computer battery – keep in backpack

Extra computer power supply (for backpack)

Fan (window and/or mini)

Flashlight

Flash drives/memory sticks

Floor lamp

Gel wrist rest

Headphones (noise-canceling preferred)

ipod/MP3 player

Lamp for desk (with extra bulb)

Lamp for bed

Mouse & mousepad

Music CDs

Network cable

Network switch

Personal stereo

Phone (Check with college and roommate) Phone extension cord

Portable CD player

Printer & ink

Printer cable (check for other cables, too)

Printer paper

Radio

Router for computer (non-wireless)

Skype headset

Surge protector or power strips – UL listed

Tape recorder

Three-prong adaptors

TV/DVD player and movies

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Page 4, and the last :)

Furnishings

Area carpet

Bean bag or other comfy chair

Blankets – cotton and fleece/wool

Bookshelf (a desktop one is handy)

Comforter

Cork bulletin board

Duvet cover for comforter

Hangars

Headrest pillow

Light bulbs

Mattress pad

Mattress protector (quilted plastic)

Mattress foam topper

Message board & markers

Mirror

Night light

Photos of family and friends

Pillow cases - 2

Pillows – 2

Posters

Sheets – 2 sets

Sleeping bag & pillow for guests (check college policy first)

Throw blanket

Towels – 2+ hand, 2 bath, 1 beach

Washcloths – 7

Wraparound bed pillow (husband pillow)

 

 

 

Dishes & Food

Bottle opener

Bottled water

Bowls

Can opener

Chip clips

Coffee cup or mug

Coffee/tea

Coffee maker

Cookware: fry pan, sauce pan, cookie sheet

Cups

Cutting board (small)

Dishwashing liquid & sponge/brush

Dish towel

Food storage containers

Glasses

Hot pot/electric kettle

Ice cube trays

Knife (paring, check with college)

Measuring cups, spoons

Microwave < 1000 Watts

Mixes (cocoa, etc)

Napkins

Paper plates/cups/bowls

Paper towels

Peeler

Plastic wrap/aluminum foil

Plates

Refrigerator (check college for size)

Serving utensils

Silverware: knives, forks, spoons

Snacks

Toaster or toaster oven (check first)

Water bottle (Kleen canteen type)

Water pitcher (Brita type) & filters

Ziploc bags

 

Just for Fun

Light saber, Frisbee, Nerf ball or gun, playing cards, chess set, board games such as Balderdash or Risk

 

 

Personal Safety

Mace or hot pepper spray

Very bright flashlight

 

Car

Extra car key

Ice scraper

Jumper cables

Oil

 

Apartment

Dishes

Pots & pans

Silverware

 

Notes:

Don’t panic! This list is just a collection of items from various sources. Most students will be just fine with much, much less.

 

Very important: Check with the college and major first before purchasing a computer, as there are often very specific requirements. This is especially important for engineering majors. Refrigerators and microwaves are usually restricted by power consumption. Extension cords are often not allowed, and dorms are sometimes old with few outlets, so buy surge protecting power strips. Curtains and other décor must be flameproof for most dorms, and candles are usually forbidden.

 

 

It is often best to move into a room before buying storage containers, especially those for the closet, under the bed, and under the sink.

 

Pack the car so snacks, cleaning supplies, paper towels (& tp if apartment), shelf liner, scissors, tools, computer items, and power strips are easily accessible. Many items are optional, and quite a few can be covered with a good cell phone and computer setup. Electronic organization is better than on paper. The student’s name should be written on items that can be borrowed (i.e. can opener, scissors, stapler, tape, etc.). The most borrowed item was a nice pair of scissors. All three kinds of tape were used. Students should know how to sew on a button. And finally, a fully functional spare pair of eyeglasses is an absolute must!

Edited by MomsintheGarden
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