The Must-Have College Packing List

Sending a child off to college is a stressful time for everyone involved. Why let packing add to your anxiety?  Most college towns have a big box store (or even a Bed Bath & Beyond) nearby, so buy the trashcans, lamps and hotpots when you get there and save room in the trunk for the true essentials.

Bring From Home:

• 2 weeks worth of underwear and socks
• Clothes that will carry you through fall temperatures (you can bring your winter gear at Thanksgiving)
• Pajamas (you might be hanging around the dorm in them, so skip the skimpy ones)
• Raincoat & boots
• Fall jacket
• Hat & gloves (if climate-appropriate)
• At least one cocktail dress or jacket & tie (for semiformal events, particularly if you’re planning to rush a fraternity or sorority)
• At least one pair of dress shoes
• Sneakers
• Everyday shoes
• Hiking boots if you plan to explore the outdoors
• At least one bathing suit
• Flip-flops
• Bathrobe
• 2 sets of towels & a beach towel or two (if you don’t have extras, buy them there)
• 2 sets of sheets and pillowcases (or buy them there)
• Your favorite pillow
• Under-the-bed storage bins (if you’re driving, use them to pack clothes or supplies)
• Cell phone (and charger!)
• iPod (and headphones!)
• Camera
• Laptop computer (don’t forget the power cords!)
• Printer
• Sports equipment (if you really think you’ll use it)
• Bike
• Vitamins
• Medications (plus your doctor’s phone number, any extra prescriptions, and something that indicates your blood type)
• Driver’s license, insurance card, social security card (or copy), birth certificate (or copy), ATM card, checkbook, credit card, passport (if you plan to travel)
• Receipts for anything you did buy at a big box store or BB&B, in case you want to exchange it

Buy at School:

• Bathroom caddy or toiletries bag (you may be toting it from your room to the bathroom daily)
• Your favorite toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer, facial soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, hairbrush, styling gel, baby powder, deodorant, razor, shaving cream, nail clippers, etc.
• Hair dryer
• Over the counter medications: Ibuprofen, antacid, cold reliever, band-aids, antibacterial gel, etc.
• Earplugs (you may be bunking with a snorer)
• Cleaning supplies: Surface spray or wipes, laundry detergent, dish soap, aromatic room spray, stain remover, etc.
• Air freshener
• Hand-held vacuum
• Small iron & ironing pad (if you think you’ll use them)
• Drying rack
• Hangers
• Wall hooks & picture hangers
• Over-the-door hooks
• Shoe bag or organizer
• Mirror
• Message board
• Bulletin board or magnetic board
• Pushpins or magnets
• Posters and/or picture frames
• Area rug
• Storage boxes & bins
• Laundry bag or basket
• Small safe for valuables
• Alarm clock
• Portable tool kit
• Duct tape (you never know when you’ll need it)
• Water pitcher & purifier (like a Brita filter, to cut down on buying bottled water)
• At least one good coffee mug, bowl and travel mug
• Disposable dishes & silverware (or just collect when you order take out)
• Adapters, power strips & extension cords
• Desk and/or reading lamp (check to see if your dorm provides these first)
• Trashcan (dorms usually provide these too)
• Desk supplies: stapler, staples, tape dispenser & tape, pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, scissors, white-out, printer ink, printer paper, etc.
• USB flash drive (or two)
• Batteries
• Microwave & mini-fridge (you can often rent these in your dorm for the school year)
• Coffee maker (if you can’t even make it to the dining hall without caffeine)

Sources: usnews.com, thecollegeplanninggroup.com, collegeandfinance.com, hercampus.com