Summer might have just started, but the fall semester of college will be rolling around before you know it. Start planning your packing list early with these 32 must-have items.
From saving space to staying safe, there’s a lot to consider when shopping and packing for school. I created this list based on what I actually used in undergrad and grad school. It covers everything from the mattress topper I loved to the backpack I carried to the snow scraper I (unfortunately) had to use a lot.
Read on for all the items that- based on my own experience- I think are college essentials!
32 Items You Need to Add to Your College Packing List:
1. Moving Bags
Trust me on this one- these bags make moving so much easier! They keep your clothes, towels, and anything else you pack in them clean and organized while you move. Plus, they’re a lot easier to store than bins when you’re not using them.
You’ll likely be packing up these bags multiple times throughout college for moves between dorms and apartments and houses, so stock up now!
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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TICONN 6 Pack Extra Large Moving Bags with Zippers & Carrying Handles, Heavy-Duty Storage Tote... |
$39.99
$32.95 |
Buy on Amazon |
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2. Coffee Maker
In case you don’t want to go to Starbucks or Dunkin every single day, having a coffee maker of your own can be super handy. The Keurig one below is very compact, making it perfect for small dorms and tiny apartment kitchens. I had a similar one and loved mine in college!
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3. Foldable Mirror
College dorms and apartments aren’t exactly known for their spaciousness, so it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll have room for a desk and a vanity in your room. I used a foldable mirror like the one below to do my makeup at my desk. It was so easy to fold up and move to the side, so I could use my desk to study for the rest of the day.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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deweisn Dresser Mount Tri-Fold Lighted Vanity Mirror with 21 LED Lights, Touch Screen and 3X/2X/1X... |
$49.99
$23.98 |
Buy on Amazon |
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4. Personal Safety Alarm
You can never be too safe! These Birdie alarms come in a ton of different colors and emit a high-pitched siren noise when the pin is pulled. Just insert the pin again to stop the siren.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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She’s Birdie–The Original Personal Safety Alarm for Women by Women–LOUD Siren, Strobe Light... |
$29.95 |
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5. ID/Key Card Holder
There’s a good chance you’ll regularly need access to your college key card, especially if you live and dine on campus. I used a Coach ID holder like the one below and loved it. It held up so well considering the amount I used it, plus it’s super cute!
Vera Bradley has a ton of options if you prefer a bit more color. They also have a whole collection of ID holders designed for different universities, like the University of Michigan one below.
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6. Portable Chargers
The last thing you need is a dead phone when you’re on the go all the time. Limitless portable chargers are compact, cute, and charge your phone quickly. I have two of the TotalBoost Mini ones by the brand (seen below) and LOVE them- there’s always one in my purse.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
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Limitless TotalBoost Mini 4,000mAh Universal Power Bank with Interchangeable Adapters (Paradise Pink... | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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7. Planner
Between lectures, homework, group projects, sports games, trips back home, and other extracurriculars, there can be a lot to juggle as a college student. Thus, a planner is definitely a must-have.
I use a Lilly Pulitzer planner similar to the new 2024-2025 version below. I love the designs, the horizontal weekly format, and the fact that it has a hard cover (so there are no accidentally folded pages from being jostled around in my backpack).
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lilly Pulitzer Large Planner August 2024 - December 2025, Weekly Agenda & Monthly Calendar,... |
$29.95 |
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8. Pencil Case
Keep all your pens, pencils, highlighters, and other supplies organized in a pencil case like the one below. It comes in a ton of different colors, but I love the pink one.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case Large Pencil Pouch Stationery Pen Bag for Teen Girls-Pink |
$15.99
$11.99 |
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9. A GOOD Backpack
Emphasis on the GOOD part- and by that I mean 1) high quality and will hold up to carrying heavy books, notebooks, planners, and more all around campus 2) isn’t ugly or too utilitarian looking 3) can fit a lot of stuff.
This Vera Bradley backpack below fits the bill, which I know because I used this exact style throughout college and grad school. It held up so well and is still in great condition- that’s a winner in my book!
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Vera Bradley Women's Microfiber Campus Backpack, Classic Black, One Size |
$150.00
$120.43 |
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10. Travel Cup
I have talked before on the blog about my very favorite Stanley Cup alternative, which is a Corkcicle travel cup. I love the 30 oz. tumbler in their hot pink color, but they also have a ton of cute colors in their 40 oz. “Cruiser” style.
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11. Weighted Blanket
You don’t have to be a college student to love a good weighted blanket, but I used mine a ton over the years.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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yescool Weighted Blanket for Adults (20 lbs, 60” x 80”, Grey) Cooling Heavy Blanket for Sleeping... |
$45.99
$41.79 |
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12. A COMFY
A wearable blanket? With a hood?! Sign me up. Speaking from experience, these are super warm and, yes, very comfy for cozy nights spent in your dorm or apartment.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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THE COMFY Original | Oversized Microfiber & Sherpa Wearable Blanket, Seen On Shark Tank, One Size... |
$49.99
$42.49 |
Buy on Amazon |
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13. Fire TV Stick
I love that a Fire TV Stick gives you one home for all streaming content and services. Plus, you can make any TV a Smart TV with one of these little guys. That’s what I did with one of the TVs in my college apartment.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device (newest model) supports Wi-Fi 6E, free & live TV... |
$59.99
$32.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
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14. Mattress Topper
The super thin Twin XL mattresses provided in on-campus housing definitely leave a little something to be desired, so make sure you’re prepared with a good mattress topper. This is the exact one I used and loved- it’s super comfy!
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Sure2Sleep Twin XL Size, 3-Inch, Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper Made in USA. |
$84.99 |
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15. Twin XL Sheets
I highly recommend having at least two sets of sheets, just in case the laundry facilities are too busy for you to wash your bedding right away. These sheets are 100% cotton with deep pockets, so they’d be perfect to use with a mattress topper.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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California Design Den Soft 100% Cotton Sheets Twin-XL Bed Sheet Set with Deep Pockets, Extra Long... |
$32.49
$27.49 |
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16. Wedge Pillow
A large wedge-shaped pillow, like the one below, is a great alternative to a headboard for a Twin XL bed. With one of these you can sit up comfortably in bed, making it easier to work on homework, study, etc.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Activance Large Triangular Headboard Wedge Bed Rest Reading Pillow Backrest Positioning Support... |
$109.97 |
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17. Shower Caddy
Of course, this one is only relevant if you will be living in a dorm. This mesh shower caddy should dry more quickly than a plastic one and has room for all your shower essentials.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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EUDELE Mesh Shower Caddy Portable |
$13.99
$9.99 |
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18. Fan
In my experience, a lot of on-campus housing units don’t allow AC units. So, it can get very hot, very quickly! Make sure you pack a fan to at least keep the air moving as summer winds down.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Dreo Fan for Bedroom, 12 Inches, 70ft Powerful Airflow, 28db Quiet Table Air Circulator Fans for... |
$39.99 |
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19. Laundry Bag or Basket
You’ll definitely need something to help carry your dirty clothes, towels, and bedding to the laundry room. The bag below also has a pocket, so you can easily carry your detergent, dryer sheets, etc.
I also love collapsible laundry baskets. You might not have room for a bunch of normal laundry baskets in your dorm, but these fold down so you can tuck them away when not in use.
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20. SCOUT Bins
If you need a storage bin, consider SCOUT bins. You can actually sit on them, so they can serve another purpose in your dorm room. Plus, they’re pretty heavy duty so you can move around books or other heavy items in them while moving.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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SCOUT Rump Roost LG - Large Lidded Storage Bin with Handles, Collapsible, Stackable, Doubles as Seat... |
$69.50 |
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21. Trash Can
Trash cans may not be the first thing on your mind when decorating your college dorm or apartment, but they’re a necessity! I really recommend getting one with a lid, especially for kitchen or bathroom trash.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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TrashAid Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage... |
$26.99 |
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22. First Aid Kit
You might not even think about a first aid kit until the first time you need a Bandaid, so make sure to add one to your list now.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit for Minor Cuts, Scrapes, Sprains &... |
$24.47
$18.09 |
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23. Tool Kit
Some basic tools can be useful for the little things that need fixing in your dorm or apartment. Or you may need a screwdriver to build furniture, put batteries in things, etc., so it’s always good to have a basic tool kit!
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Amazon Basics DIY Household Tool Set With Storage Case, 142 Piece, Pink, 13.39 x 9.25 x 2.95 inch |
$28.49 |
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24. Flashlight
Your power might go out in your dorm/apartment (speaking from experience on this one), so pack a flashlight! And, no, your phone flashlight isn’t good enough.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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BUYSIGHT Rechargeable Spotlight,Spot Lights Hand held Large Flashlight 1000,000 lumens Handheld... |
$35.96 |
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25. Snow Scraper
These next few items will only be relevant for you if you’re attending a school where you get harsh winters. Where I live, winter is long and snowy, so it is always best to be prepared for the weather beforehand.
A snow scraper is an absolute must-have in colder climates. There’s nothing worse than having to try to wipe snow and ice off your car with just your hands and arms.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Snow Joe SJBLZD-LED 4-in-1 Telescoping Scracth-Free Snow Broom + Ice Scraper, 18-Inch Foam Head,... |
$19.99 |
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26. Warm Boots
Tennis shoes just aren’t going to cut it in the middle of a snowstorm, so make sure you have some sort of warm boots to walk to class in when it’s chilly. Sorel boots are amazing quality and will last you far beyond your college years. Plus, they’re super warm.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Sorel Women's Winter Boots, Black Black X Stone, 9 |
$99.95 |
Buy on Amazon |
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27. Warm Jacket
A light jacket isn’t going to work when you’re walking across campus in a blizzard. Make sure you’re prepared by picking up an actual warm jacket before snow strikes.
I’ve worn Canada Weather Gear jackets for years and their heavier styles will definitely keep you warm. Plus, they’re a bit more affordable than other winter gear brands.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Canada Weather Gear Women's Heavyweight Long Puffer Jacket, Black, Large | Buy on Amazon |
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28. Snow Shovel
Again, it’s always best to be prepared. While parking lots may be plowed regularly on your campus, no one is going to shovel the snow that piles up right behind your vehicle… except you. Having a portable shovel like this one will be very helpful in those situations.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Snow Shovel for Driveway Car Home Garage - Portable Folding Snow Shovel with Retractable Ergonomical... |
$39.99 |
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29. Storage Cart
Moving away from winter necessities, this little storage cart can be used for so many things- from books to bathroom essentials. It’s super easy to move around as well.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Simple Houseware Heavy Duty 3-Tier Metal Utility Rolling Cart, White |
$49.99
$37.87 |
Buy on Amazon |
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30. Water Filter
I highly recommend buying your own water filter so you can just refill a reusable cup instead of buying cases of individual plastic water bottles. I, personally, prefer Zerowater pitchers!
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher 0 TDS for Improved Tap Water Taste - IAPMO... |
$37.99
$34.99 |
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31. Ice Cube Trays
Speaking of water, if you want ice you may need to make it yourself, so pack some ice cube trays! I love the big ice cubes these make.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Excnorm Silicone Ice Cube Trays 3 Pack - Large Size Silicone Ice Cube Molds with Leak Proof... |
$16.99 |
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32. Lamps
I am NOT a fan of having only overhead lights on all the time, so lamps were an absolute must-have for me. This little lamp is super cute and even has a place to plug in your phone!
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Yarra-Decor Bedside Table Lamp with USB Port - Touch Control for Bedroom Wood 3 Way Dimmable... |
$19.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
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That's all for this list of college must-haves!
There’s so much to consider when packing for college, especially for your first year on campus. Hopefully, this list was helpful and gave you some inspiration for your own packing list!
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2 Responses
Good list, thank you for this…helpful for when our college girl goes away when the time comes.
What about a personal fridge/freezer? I did pick one up for her so she would have her own for her bedroom
Absolutely! A fridge is definitely great for dorms. 🙂