College Freshman Checklist — What to Pack?
Congratulations Graduate! What’s Next?
As high school draws to a close, it’s time to start preparing for the next adventure… College! To
best prepare, here are tried and true tips and tricks:
Memorize your social security number. You’ll need it.
Shop early and shop sales. Spread out the “inevitable” costs for the new things you will need
for college such as XL Twin Comforter Set, mattress topper, refrigerator and more.
Remember: Less is more. Although helpful to bring “stuff” from home, there isn’t anything
you can’t have shipped free in two days from companies such as Amazon or purchased at the
local stores such as Target, WalMart or Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Once your roommate is assigned be sure to coordinate “stuff”… the refrigerator, coffee maker,
microwave, rug, etc. Most dorm rooms do not have enough space for duplicates.
Pack seasonally. Bring what you need in August and swap out warmer clothes during Thanksgiving
and Winter Breaks.
Fans are a must…. To circulate the air!
Vacuum-sealed clothing bags are the greatest gift. Use these to pack clothes, sheets, comforters,
pillows and more. The amount of space in car saved is enormous.
Personal Items: Buy enough shampoo, toothpaste, and soap for a few months. No need to
store a year’s worth of shampoo.
Find retailers that have locations nearby campus and pre-order big items that you can pick up
locally, saving space in the car.
Once on campus, food shop for essentials. No need to stock pile.
When packing stuff in bins try to group by theme. For example, put toiletries in one bin; decorations
in another, school supplies in another, cleaning supplies in another, etc.
Command strips are a must. Get a variety pack to hang all sorts of stuff. They are oftentimes
cheaper to buy at home and bring with you.
Parents: bring a tool kit including a rubber mallet to help with lofting the bed. Be sure to take
tools back home with you.
Check your school emails often. Make sure all required forms are completed on time. If your
school has a local alumni chapter send-off attend to network with local students. Complete all
necessary health and immunization forms. Make sure you submit paperwork for AP and IB
credits if needed. Bring all health insurance cards with you.
Computer: check with university to see software requirements and make sure you have what
you need in terms of space and speed.
Engage Facebook: Look for a roommate or perhaps make new friends. Parents may search
for “parent” pages and use as a valuable resource for college information.
Book hotels for move-in dates, family weekend and possibly flights or other type of transportation
home for Thanksgiving. Planning ahead will save lots of money.
Off to College Checklist
Room Needs/Storage:
Mini Trash Can
Storage Bins
Under the Bed Storage
Desk Lamp
Fan
White Board for Door
Mini Toolkit
Picture Hangers (Command Strips)
Linens/Laundry Supplies:
Sheets/Pillowcases (Check to see if you need Twin XL)
Towels (3 of each bath, hand and face)
Pillows (2)
Bed Bug Protective Mattress Pad and Pillow Case Covers
Comforter
Foam Mattress Topper
Hangers
Laundry Bag
Laundry detergent/fabric softener
School Supplies:
Printer paper
Pens and pencils
Notebooks
Folder with pockets
3 Å~ 5 index cards
Sticky notes
Tape
Scissors
Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
Ruler
Electronics
Laptop (printer is optional; there are usually computer labs where you can print)
Cords for computer needs
Surge protector
Extension cords
3-2 prong adapters
Headphones
Toiletries:
Pain relievers/Cough Medicine
Vitamins
Adhesive bandages
Cough drops
Shower caddy
Shower shoes (flip-flops)
Shampoo and conditioner
Hairstyling products
Bath and face soap
Toothpaste and toothbrush; Dental floss
Comb/brush
Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
Razor and shaving cream
Lotion and/or facial moisturizer
Cotton swabs
Household and Kitchen Items:
Paper towels
Trash bags
All-purpose cleaner
Plastic storage bags
Food-storage containers
Dish soap
Wet wipes
Tissues
Bowl, plate and cup
Coffee mug
Water bottle
Silverware
Can/bottle opener
Miscellaneous:
Umbrella
Backpack
Sports equipment
Packable Rain Slicker
Waterproof Backpack
