The Ultimate College Packing List | For All College Students
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It is the summer before college begins and with it comes the big responsibility of packing everything you need. For freshmen, it means finding the perfect bedspread and figuring out how to fit all your belongings into 3 or 4 boxes. For upperclassmen, it might mean shopping for furniture or cooking appliances to add to the new apartment. I have compiled a master list of everything from basics to decor that will help you pack for college. Click on this link to download the printable PDF for free!
*= for apartment or suite-style living only
Shower Caddy
A shower caddy is a dorm must-have, especially for freshmen. This shower caddy from Amazon is very affordable, sturdy, and has many pockets.
Shower Shoes
It’s important to wear shower shoes into communal bathrooms for health and safety reasons. These shower shoes from Amazon are also a dorm must-have. They have holes that keep water from pooling and a non-slip bottom.
Bathroom Rug*
Bathroom rugs are essential for upperclassmen moving into a suite-style or apartment-style living space. I recommend this bathroom rug. It comes with two, plus the rugs stay put well and are soft and thick.
Clothes Steamer
Although I included an iron and iron board in the packing list, ironing clothes with a traditional iron can be a huge hassle. A clothes steamer, like this one from Amazon, is considerably more convenient and quick. It is also small which makes it easier to pack for college.
Clorox Toilet Wand*
My roommate in my off-campus apartment introduced me to this Clorox Toilet Wand as a quicker and easier alternative to cleaning the toilet bowl and it was a game-changer. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the gross and drippy toilet brush. All you have to do is pop the cleaning pad on and once you’re done, you press the button that will eject the pad into the trashcan. While it doesn’t completely substitute for deep cleaning, it’s so nice for busy college students who want a clean bathroom but don’t have the time or want to get into full scrubbing mode.
Workout Bag
For those looking for a reliable bag to bring to the gym, I recommend this workout bag. It holds so many things and even has its own wet pocket and shoe compartment! It can also double as an overnight bag.
Tupperware*
This food storage set from Amazon serves the purpose. The price is very affordable for the amount of Tupperware pieces you get. I forgot to buy Tupperware before starting the new school year at my off-campus apartment and found that I had to buy some immediately for meal prepping/storage.
Bluetooth Speaker
I have this Bluetooth speaker and I personally love it. It’s lightweight, small and portable and has good sound quality.
I found a lot of other things on this list by shopping at Marshalls, Target, Walmart, and Bed Bath & Beyond. For apartment furniture, I mainly shopped at Ikea. My roommates were able to find decent, affordable used furniture by using Facebook Marketplace. Best of luck shopping!
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Good tips for moving into my first apartment!
Thanks Emily! I’m going to keep these tips in mind.
Aw I hope they were helpful! Also we have to do something with you & Tony before you guys move!