College Packing List

It is an exciting day for some and sad for others: the day your homeschool graduate moves from home to college! Before they head out to that new adventure though, they need to pack! When you consider how small the typical dorm room is, developing a reasonable college packing list can be challenging. On the one hand, they need to avoid borrowing everything from their neighbors. But you also don’t want to arrive with a pod full of stuff that won’t fit in a tiny dorm room. Space is usually at a premium, so think efficiency as you plan.

The following college packing list contains items that will likely be needed during the year. Some items may be restricted by your university, so check their policy before buying electrical equipment such as microwaves, refrigerators, and toaster ovens.

If possible, try to have your child contact their future roommate(s) prior to arrival. They can coordinate supplies together so they don’t have two of everything cluttering up the space. If one roommate buys the microwave and the other gets the refrigerator, they both save money. And young women particularly seem to like to coordinate decor.

You won't be able to purchase everything on this college packing list. But using this list, your child should have what they need most - except for you, of course. They will still need you and need to know you love them!

Bedding and Decor

• Dorm Bedding Set (Tip: Get reversible quilts, because they get really dirty. Dorm sets like these are often cheaper. Remember, these don't have to be high quality, they only need to last 4 years.)
• 2 sets of bath and hand towels, wash cloths
• 1 or 2 sets of extra-long twin sheets and pillow cases
• Twin size extra-long mattress pad
• Blankets
• Pillow
• Bedspread or comforter
• Cozy throw blanket (Both of my children loved this one!)
• Closet shoe organizer or under-bed storage box
• Over-the-door coat rack
• Posters, photos, artwork
• Calendar
• Message board for door if not provided
• Dry-erase marker
• Magnets for message board
• Small area rug
• Floor pillow or beanbag chair
• Lamps or clip-on lights
• Pictures of family, friends and/or pets
• Decorative shower curtain if needed
• Anything to decorate your room and make you feel at home

Technology

• Laptop computer (Tip: Even techie teens may not know how to maintain and care for technology, so service protection is a good idea.)
• Printer with ink
• Surge protector
• 3-prong extension cords
• Ethernet cord and/or wireless router
• Television
• DVD or Blu-Ray player if you have a TV
• Netflix, Hulu Plus, or Amazon membership (student must be mature enough to not abuse this)
• Stereo or radio
• Wireless headphones
• Compact speaker system or Bluetooth speaker
• Streaming service for music
• Flash drive for portable file storage
• Digital camera (if not using their smartphone)
• Rechargeable batteries with charger
• Smartphone or cell phone (and charger) with good service/coverage at the college

School Supplies

• Textbooks
• Pens
• Pencils, mechanical pencils
• Notebooks
• Binders
• Folders
• Highlighters
• Dry-erase marker
• Markers
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Printer paper
• Calculator
• Desk storage tools
• Dayplanner or calendar
• Rubber bands
• Paper clips
• Thumbtacks, push pins, or Sticky Tac to put up posters
• Sticky notes

School Supplies

• Textbooks
• Pens
• Pencils, mechanical pencils
• Notebooks
• Binders
• Folders
• Highlighters
• Dry-erase marker
• Markers
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Printer paper
• Calculator
• Desk storage tools
• Dayplanner or calendar
• Rubber bands
• Paper clips
• Thumbtacks, push pins, or Sticky Tac to put up posters
• Sticky notes

Kitchen Supplies

• Small refrigerator, or a micro-fridge combo unit (Tip: As with all electronics, make sure you check the university policy first. They may restrict the size of the refrigerator!)
• Microwave
• Coffee maker or espresso machine
• Can opener
• Toaster or toaster oven (if allowed)
• Hot pad (if allowed)
• Microwaveable plates
• Microwaveable cups or mugs
• Microwaveable bowls
• Glasses
• Forks, knives, spoons
• Cutting knife

Cleaning Supplies

• Hand soap
• Dish soap
• Disinfecting wipes
• Nonabrasive bathroom cleanser
• Dusting spray or cloths
• Sponges

Clothing

• Mark all clothing with a Sharpie
• Bath robe
• Slippers
• Shower shoes, flip flops, or Crocs
• Underwear - 1 month’s supply (really)
• Raincoat
• Light jacket
• Winter/heavy coat
• Mittens, scarf, hat
• Rain shoes or boots
• Swimsuit(s)
• Workout and/or sports clothes
• “Dress” clothes and shoes (for guys, this means a blazer, tie, or suit)
• “Grubby” clothes
• Comfortable clothes and shoes to go to class in

Toiletries

• Dorm Bedding Set (Tip: Get reversible quilts, because they get really dirty. Dorm sets like these are often cheaper. Remember, these don't have to be high quality, they only need to last 4 years.)
• 2 sets of bath and hand towels, wash cloths
• 1 or 2 sets of extra-long twin sheets and pillow cases
• Twin size extra-long mattress pad
• Blankets
• Pillow
• Bedspread or comforter
• Cozy throw blanket (Both of my children loved this one!)
• Closet shoe organizer or under-bed storage box
• Over-the-door coat rack
• Posters, photos, artwork
• Calendar
• Message board for door if not provided
• Dry-erase marker
• Magnets for message board
• Small area rug
• Floor pillow or beanbag chair
• Lamps or clip-on lights
• Pictures of family, friends and/or pets
• Decorative shower curtain if needed
• Anything to decorate your room and make you feel at home

Laundry

• Tote-able laundry basket or bag
• Laundry soap
• Iron
• Small ironing board
• Hangers
• Quarters for laundry
• Stain remover
• Knowledge of how to do laundry or money to pay someone else to do it

Documents

• Driver's license or state ID
• Health insurance card
• Social security card
• Health records
• Friends and family contact list
• Access to money (bank account, bank card, credit card, etc.)

Miscellaneous

• Alarm clock (Tip: Have your child use the new alarm clock before they leave, so they get used to it. Plug-ins are hard to find, so try to get a good battery operated alarm clock.)
• Backpack
• Battery-powered flashlight
• Sports/recreation equipment
• Umbrella
• Air freshener
• Duct tape
• Bottle opener
• Storage crates
• Full-length mirror
• Multi tool or hammer, screwdriver, pliers
• Sewing kit
• Electric fans
• Bike and bike lock
• Sleeping bag (for retreats)
• Small bookshelf
• Decorative storage boxes

What you should leave at home

Don’t bring anything your child does not or will not use. Don’t bring anything expensive they won’t use (like letterman jackets, for example). Leave behind firearms, even if they hunt or shoot for sport. Leave behind expensive clothes and jewelry that may be stolen. And sorry, they can’t bring pets. I do know plenty of college kids that bring a stuffed animal, though, and a cozy blanket can be very comforting during moments of homesickness or cold-sickness.