Heading off to college can be exciting but intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to bring with you. Before you shop for college supplies or pack for school, you’ll need a plan. See below for twelve tips that can help you pack and prepare for college.

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1. Take a Minimalist Approach

Dorms are often more compact than new students realize, and bringing too many belongings can turn your cozy room into a cluttered maze. Space is at a premium, so you must adopt a minimalist approach to packing and focus on quality over quantity.

Envision your daily routine and the necessities associated with it. Essentials like bedding, toiletries, and school supplies should take precedence. Approach clothing strategically, packing a few weeks’ worth of versatile outfits. You can always swap out clothing and other items during visits home.

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2. Check Your Room and Furniture Dimensions

Most universities provide detailed information about room dimensions on their housing website. Contact the housing department by phone or email if you can’t find the information or have questions not addressed on the website. You should also find out what is in your room already and what you need to buy.

Start by identifying the size of your bed and any other included furniture. Then, turn your attention to the room’s layout and the dimensions of potential storage spaces, such as the closet and under the bed. Knowing this information will help you purchase under-bed storage containers and other solutions that maximize available space.

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3. Get Multi-Purpose Items

Make efficiency your mantra and embrace multi-purpose items for your freshman year. Not only do they save space, but they can make your life easier and more comfortable. Here are a few examples to consider:

• All-purpose cleaner: Streamline your cleaning routine with an all-purpose cleaner that works for all or most of the surfaces in your dorm room.
• Convertible furniture: Choose furniture that transforms or serves two functions, such as a futon or storage bench.
• Cordless or multi-arm lamp: Choose a lamp that doubles as a desk lamp and bedside lighting. This could be a small, rechargeable LED lamp or a floor lamp with two or more adjustable arms.
• Desk with built-in shelves: Combine your study area and storage with a desk with built-in shelves, or upgrade an existing workspace with desktop shelves.

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4. Don’t Pack Your Entire Wardrobe

Consider the climate and pack a few weeks’ worth of seasonally appropriate clothing. For instance, leave bulky winter coats and heavy sweaters at home if you move in during summer. You can use visits home to swap out seasonal clothing and keep your wardrobe fresh.
Another clever strategy is to pack versatile pieces you can mix and match to create multiple outfits. Packing clothes for college also presents the perfect opportunity to try a capsule wardrobe.

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5. Bring Two Sets of Sheets

Equipping yourself with two sets of sheets and pillowcases is a game changer. Imagine spilling a drink on your bed in the middle of finals week when you don’t have time to wash your sheets. You can make your bed with the extra set while the first set is in the wash or awaiting laundry day.

You should confirm the size of the dorm beds before purchasing sheets. Most college dorms have twin XL beds, which are the same width as regular twin beds but slightly longer. However, some have full-sized beds. In addition to sheets, you might want to purchase a mattress pad—but we recommend holding off on that until you’ve tried out the mattress.

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6. Leave Valuables at Home

Dorm rooms are communal living spaces, which means the risk of loss or damage to your belongings is higher there than at home. So, it’s best to leave behind items that are irreplaceable, as well as items with high monetary or sentimental value. This includes expensive jewelry, important documents, and high-end electronics.

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7. Don’t Forget Toiletries

Toiletries are surprisingly easy to overlook when packing for college. Here’s a quick list to get you started:

• Bath towels
• Body wash or soap
• Deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
• First aid kit
• Hair dryer and styling tools
• Makeup, lotion, and skincare products
• Razor and shaving cream
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Shower shoes or flip-flops
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Washcloth or loofah

You should also bring a shower caddy to keep your toiletries organized and easy to carry. This is especially important if your dorm has a communal bathroom.

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8. Bring Cleaning Supplies

Maintaining a clean and organized living space is not just a matter of preference—it’s a vital aspect of dorm life. Here’s a checklist of cleaning supplies that will help you clean more efficiently:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant wipes
• Laundry bag or laundry basket
• Laundry detergent
• Microfiber cloths or sponges
• Mini vacuum
• Paper towels
• Stain remover
• Trash bags and trash can

Work with your roommate to develop a cleaning routine. Some tasks, such as vacuuming and wiping down surfaces, should be done daily or several times a week. Others, such as taking out the trash and cleaning the window, can be done as needed.

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9. Only Bring Necessary Electronics

Identify which electronics are necessary for your coursework, and leave others behind. Your phone, a laptop, and a power strip or surge protector are usually sufficient. Be sure to bring the chargers for your devices, and consider investing in a power bank and extension cord, just in case. Bring a tablet or e-reader, such as the Amazon Kindle or Fire, rather than packing books.

Take a moment to research your college’s printing policies. Many universities offer cost-effective printing services at the campus library, making it unnecessary to bring a printer.

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10. Be Practical About Decor

You may be eager to transform your room into a warm and welcoming space, but as you do, it’s important to take a practical approach. Start with the basics:

• A magnetic dry-erase board or corkboard
• Bedding that reflects your personality and adds a pop of color
• Command strips to hang posters, photos, and other lightweight decor
• Decorative baskets and stylish, color-coordinated storage bins
• Functional decor, such as storage ottomans or wall-mounted organizers

Look for ways to personalize your room without adding unnecessary clutter.

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11. Check the Rules for In-Room Appliances

Check your school’s policies to determine which appliances you can have in your room. Coffee makers, microwaves, and mini-fridges are usually OK, while toasters and electric burners are typically prohibited. You should also find out which, if any, appliances are available in communal spaces or included in your room. Be sure to coordinate with your roommate, too, so you don’t end up with two of the same item.

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12. Pack All Items Smartly

Here are our top packing tips to make the process smoother:

• Keep hanging garments on their hangers and cover them with trash bags.
• Pack heavy items in the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top.
• Reinforce the bottoms of boxes with a double layer of tape.
• Replace cardboard boxes with plastic storage bins that you can use in your dorm room.
• Use smaller boxes for heavier items.

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Our Conclusion

Ensure a seamless college packing experience by embracing minimalism, investing in multi-purpose items, researching university policies, and coordinating with your roommate. A balance of practical items and personal touches will also help make your dorm room feel like home.

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FAQ About Packing for College

How far in advance should I pack for college?

You should pack for college at least a week or two before your move-in day. Packing a few weeks ahead gives you ample time to organize, strategize, shop, and pack without any last-minute stress.

How much is too much to pack for college?

It’s easy to pack too much for college. Avoid the temptation to bring your entire life with you. Pack light and focus on essentials and versatile items with a few personal touches.

Should I pack winter clothes for college?

Whether you should pack winter clothes for college depends on where you’re going, when you’re moving in, and how often you’ll go home. For example, starting school in August or September won’t require you to have winter clothes until later in the semester. You can leave your winter clothes at home and swap your wardrobe during Thanksgiving break.

Should I bring my own sheets to college?

Yes, you should bring your own sheets to college. Check with your housing department to determine what size sheets you need. We recommend bringing two sets to ensure that you always have clean bedding.

Should I pack toiletries, clothes, food, or all of the above?

Yes, you should pack toiletries and clothes. It may also be wise to bring snacks and a few nonperishable food items, even if you have a dining plan.

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