When preparing to go to college, here is a comprehensive list of what to bring, covering essentials for your dorm room, personal care, clothes, academics, and more:

Dorm Room Essentials

• Bedding: XL twin sheets (2+ sets), pillowcases, pillows, comforter/blankets, mattress pad/protector, mattress topper for comfort

• Room basics: Desk lamp, waste basket, full-length mirror, fan, storage bins or cubes, power strip, adhesive hooks, rug, posters or wall decor, bean bag or futon if space allows

• Cleaning supplies: Paper towels, trash bags, all-purpose cleaner, disinfecting wipes, dish soap, sponge or dishwashing brush, laundry detergent, laundry basket, stain remover

Personal Hygiene and Health

• Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash/soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, Q-tips, nail clippers, shaving kit, lotion, hair grooming tools, shower caddy, shower shoes/flip-flops, bathrobe

• First aid kit: Band-aids, vitamins, aspirin, cough drops, prescription medicines with copies of prescriptions, thermometer, ice pack, rubbing alcohol

Clothing and Laundry

• Everyday clothes: Casual tops, pants, shorts, pajamas, workout clothes, weather-appropriate outerwear (raincoat, jacket, boots)

• Laundry supplies: Detergent (Tide recommended), fabric softener, wool dryer balls, laundry bag or basket, metal hangers

Academic Supplies

• Electronics: Laptop/tablet, chargers, external mouse, power strip, printer (optional), flash drives

• Desk supplies: Notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, stapler, tape, scissors, calculator, planner/calendar, bulletin or dry erase board

• Backpack for daily use

Kitchen and Food Items

• Mini fridge (under 3 cubic feet), microwave (under 700 watts), utensils, mugs, plates, bowls, can opener, paper plates, plastic bags, food storage containers, dish soap, sponge

Miscellaneous

• Important documents: Driver’s license, student ID, health insurance card, emergency contact list, prescription info, immunization records

• Campus gear: Water bottle, travel mug, bike and lock, walking shoes, sunscreen, swimsuit

• Room decor and comfort: Plants, photos of family and friends, small whiteboard, alarm clock (avoid phone alarms to reduce distractions)

• Entertainment: TV, Bluetooth speaker, headphones, game systems (optional)

Items to Leave at Home

• Toaster, toaster oven, hot pot, coffee maker (except pod-style), candles, pets (except small fish/hermit crabs), halogen lamps, ironing boards without auto shutoff

This list can be tailored based on your college’s specific rules and your personal needs, but it covers the essentials to get started comfortably and organized at college