Free Printable College Packing List

If you are about to send your kiddos out the door as a new college freshman or a college transfer – here is a HUGE checklist of everything you might need to bring to college! Posted is a printable list of everything you need for your new(or returning) college student. Grab this free Printable College Packing List, so you do not forget anything!

My oldest child is heading out to a college campus this Fall as a transfer student now that Covid restrictions have mostly cleared college campuses. Today I’m sharing the College Packing List I have created to help send my son out into the world. (well, he’s only an hour away, so not too far).

College Packing List For Living In A Dorm or Apartment Housing

One important note, my son, a college junior transfer student, will be living in apartment housing, so my list is geared toward college life in general. Universities and colleges provide information on their websites regarding what items are allowed or prohibited in dorm rooms. Colleges and universities will also provide lists of available items on site. In addition, most universities and colleges will send out their own college packing lists for students as a guide. We received ours, and it was a starting point for my son.

Residence Hall Linens Delivery

My son’s university sent a special letter to the parents notifying us that the beds in the dorms and the apartment housing were not regular-sized twin beds. They sold the sheet sets for their beds specifically, so that was an item that I didn’t need to go out and purchase. We simply ordered them online through the university and they were delivered. There are other specialty services that do the same. Most university and college dorm room beds are XL twin-size mattresses.

Basic Office Supplies For College Students

Not much changes over the course of high school days when a student transitions to college life in the dorms or apartment housing. School and office supplies are the same throughout. Most students will tailor their office and school supplies needed based on their class courses and the teacher’s syllabuses. College students will want basic office supplies like pencils, paper, notebooks, and pens. Some students use binders and folders, and some do not. Students may need their own staplers, white-out stripes, post-it notes, etc when they leave home versus simply using home office supplies.

Personal Supplies For College Students

Whether your child is going to be living in the dorms or apartment housing, there are some basic necessities they will need as well. Those are included on the printable College Packing List. While this list isn’t one size fits all, it does cover the basics. If a child had allergies, obviously, they will need special food items for their diet. If a student has medical restrictions, they will have their own specialty items as well. I told my son to not bring every single pair of sneakers that he owns because he really didn’t need them all. however, there was not negotiating with him. So all they tennis shoes are packed up and ready to move too.

College students should connect with their roommates to coordinate who is beginning what so they don’t have double microwaves, mirrors, blenders, fridges and coffee makers. In addition, it’s a great idea to connect ahead of time to coordinate decor as well. Perhaps schedule a shopping day in the near future together!

DORM ROOM

• PILLOW

• COMFORTER/DUVET

• Sheets/Pillowcase

• BLANKET

• Mattress Pad/Cover

• Under Bed Storage

• Door Storage

• DESK LAMP

• SMALL TRASH BIN

• LOCK BOX

• Rolling Cart

• Laundry Basket

• HANGERS

ELECTRONICS

• Computer

• Charger

• Mouse

• Phone + Charger Flash Drive

• Power Surge Protector Headphones Extension Cord

• Portable Charger

MISC ITEMS

• Bed Riser

• Sewing Kit

• Iron/Ironing Board

• Alarm Clock

• Printer/Supplies

• Kleenex

• Duffel Bag

• Umbrella

• Electric Kettle

• Brita Filter Water Pitcher

• Can Opener

• HDMI Cable

• Router

• 6 ft Charging Cable

• Batteries

CLEANING SUPPLIES

• Dish Soap

• All Purpose Spray

• Disinfectant Wipes

• Paper Towels

• Laundry Detergent

• Fabric Softener

• Trash Bags

• Small Vacuum/Broom

MEDICAL

• Prescription Meds

• Pain Relievers

• Band Aids

• Ointment

• Cough Syrup/Drops

• First Aide Kit

DOCUMENTS

• Passport

• Driver's License

• Cash

• Credit Card/Debit Card

• Student ID

• Banking Info Insurance Card(s)

• Social Security Card

BATHROOM

• TOWELS/Bath Mat

• SHOWER FLIP FLOPS

• SHOWER CADDY/Curtain/Rod

• Soap/Shampoo/Conditioner

• Personal Misc Toiletries

• Toilet Paper

KITCHEN

• Water Bottle

• Coffe Mug(s)

• Ziploc Bogs

• Plate/Bowl/Silverware

• Plastic Containers

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

• Backpack

• Notebooks/Paper

• Pencils/Pens/Highlighters

• Misc School Supply Needs

CLOTHING/SHOES/PERSONAL ACCESSORIES

• Underwear/Bras etc

• Socks

• Pajamas

• Jeans/Pants (Casual & Dress)

• Casual Shirts/Long & Short

• Shoes/Boots/Slippers/Sandals

• Dress Shirts/Long & Short

• Sweats/Pullovers/Work Out Clothing

• Jackets/Winter Coat/Hats/Gloves

• Personal Clothing Selections

SHARED ITEMS

• COFFEE MAKER

• FULL-LENGTH MIRROR

• RUG(S)

• Curtains/Rod/Blackout

• TV/Streaming Device

• MINI FRIDGE

• MICROWAVE

• TOASTER

• FAN

This list is not all-inclusive and will not fit every single new or returning college student. But, it is a starting point for sure. Since each college student’s experience differs, no two college packing lists will be the same.