If you’re looking for a college packing list for freshman year, you’re in the right place. We’re including all the dorm room essentials and dorm items every college freshman needs to add to their college packing list to survive their first year away from home!
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![college dorm room with two beds on either side of the room with white bedspreads and pink wall decor above one bed and green wall decor above other bed.](https://i0.wp.com/easylikemonday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_4559.jpg?resize=828%2C995&ssl=1)
This post is a college packing list for college freshmen and sophomores living in the dorms!
In this post, I’m breaking down everything you need to add to your college packing list to make the most of living in a college dorm. Dorm rooms are SMALL. We all know this. But, it’s easy to overpack when headed off to college. The thing is though, you simply don’t have enough space in your college dorm to pack anything but the dorm essentials.
I know being a freshman in college and living on your own for the first time in your life is a bit scary. You’re probably unsure of where to start packing and what is absolutely necessary to add to your college packing list. You’re in the right place though. I’m listing everything you need to stay organized, maximize your dorm storage space, and make living on your own in a small college dorm room, way easier!
Packing for college shouldn’t be too stressful. It should be fun and exciting. Yeah, change is scary and it’s a major transition you’re going to have to make in your life, but college is a lot of fun too. Remember that. Once you get past college move-in day and you settle in, you’re going to have some of the best years of your life.
Let’s get past the hard part of packing for college together with this college packing list. This way, you won’t forget any of those dorm essentials and you can minimize those overwhelming feelings of going back to school!
The Ultimate College Packing List — Everything You Need for Your Freshman Year of College Living in the Dorms
Dorm Bed Items
- Twin comforter set or duvet and duvet cover
- Twin xl sheet set
- 2 pillows
- Throw pillows
- Mattress topper
- Mattress protector
- Bedside Shelf or Bedside Caddy
- Throw Blanket
- Ottoman (if your bed is high)
Dorm Bathroom Must-Haves
- Shower caddy
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Towel set
- Towel wrap or bathrobe
- Shower shoes
- Razors
- If you have a bathroom suit you may need: a bath mat, shower curtain and liner, soap, toilet paper
- Hair dryer + flat iron/curling iron
- Toiletries
- Hair products
- Lotion
- Medications
- Hair brush
- Hair ties and headbands
- First aid kit
- Shower cap
Laundry Essentials
- Hamper
- Laundry bag
- Detergent
- Stain Remover
- Dryer sheets or wool dryer balls
- Delicates bag
- Drying rack
- Lint roller
- Small emergency sewing kit
Desk Essentials
- College school supplies
- Desk organizers
- Desk hutch
- Chair cushion or desk chair
- Lap Desk
- Desk Lamp
Dorm Room Electronics
- Extension cord + Surge protector
- Chargers
- Laptop
- Desktop computer + monitor + mouse pad + keyboard (for gaming)
- Printer + paper + ink + toner (not absolutely necessary, more for convenience)
- Bluetooth Speaker
- Headphones
- TV + cables
- Microwave (if your dorm doesn’t come with one)
- Mini fridge
- Tower fan or clip on fan
Clothing
- Shoes
- Going out shoes and every day shoes
- Short sleeved shirts
- Long sleeved shirts
- Jeans, leggings, dress pants
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Workout Wear
- Jacket
- Formal dress
- Bathing suit
- Dress shirt
- Pajamas
Dorm Storage Items
- Underbed bins or drawers
- Food storage containers
- Reusable utensil set
- Trash can
- Trash bags
- Ziploc bags
- Shoe rack or over-the-door hanging shoe rack
- Non-slip hangers
- Nightstand (if your dorm doesn’t have a dresser in between the beds)
- Command hooks
- Hanging shelves
- Small supply cart
- Closet organizers (hanging or containers…will depend on your closet layout)
Dorm Cleaning Supplies
- Small vacuum
- Broom and dust pan
- Windex
- All-purpose cleaner
- Air freshner
- Shoe deodorizer balls
- Microfiber cloths
- Paper towels
- Swiffer (if you have wood floors)
- Wipes
Find a Full List of Dorm Room Essentials Here
Let us know if you think of any other helpful dorm room items to add to your college packing list!
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