Ultimate Packing List
Note: The following list is taken directly from my experience as an undergraduate in a dorm and a grad student in an apartment.
Clothing
See my College Wardrobe article for more tips!
- 14 casual shirts
- At least 7 pairs of casual trousers, shorts, and/or skirts
- 14 pairs of undies
- 14 pairs of socks
- 2 bras (if needed)
- Light hooded jacket/raincoat
- Heavy coat with hood (if needed)
- Gloves (if needed)
- Good, supportive walking shoes (preferably sneakers)
- Comfortable dress shoes (preferably flats)
- 2 business-professional suits/suit separates
- 1 fancy-date-night outfit
Hygiene
- 7 bath towels
- Microfiber hair towel (this saves time and towel laundry if you have long hair)
- 7 washcloths
- Bathrobe
- Necessary toiletries
- Plastic/rubber flip-flops (shower shoes)
Technology
- Computer
- Computer charger
- Printer & cords
- Cell phone
- Flash drive and/or external hard drive
Bedding
- 2 fitted sheets
- 2 flat sheets
- Blanket, comforter, or duvet, whatever you prefer
- 2 pillowcase sets
- Pillow(s) as appropriate
Dorm Outfitting
- Trash can and bags
- Clothes hangers
- Clothes hamper/laundry bag
- Lingerie/delicates bag (if needed)
- Small lamp and bulbs (if needed)
- Decor items
Apartment Outfitting
- Set of microwavable, unbreakable dishes
- Dishwasher-safe cups and mugs
- Set of dishwasher-safe silverware
- Sponges or scrubber cloths
- Dish soap
- Dishwasher liquid (if needed)
- Dish/tea towels (not decorative, but the actual absorbent kind)
- Kitchen implements (big spoons, pizza cutter, tongs, chopping knives, rolling pin, etc.)
- Toilet brush and old shampoo (cheap toilet cleaner)
- Plunger
- Tub and tile cleaner
- Rubber bath mat for outside the tub
- Old toothbrush for scrubbing
- Decor items
School Supplies
- Durable school bag
- Textbooks
- Pens, pencils, and highlighters
- Three-ring binders or folders
- Printer paper and notebook paper
- Paper clips and binder clips
- Post-It notes
Cleaning Supplies
- Broom and dustpan, or small vacuum
- Disinfecting spray or wet wipes
- Paper towels
- Duster or dusting cloths
- Air freshener
- Laundry detergent
- Stain fighter (here's my recommendation)
Optional/Situational Items
- Mini-fridge
- Microwave
- Bulletin board and tacks/pushpins
- Fan and space heater (if room has no A/C and heat)
- Drawer dividers/organizers
- Over-the-door hangers
- Bed risers