It’s everything you need to pack for college move in day this year.
NOTE: I wrote this blog post in August 2021 but edited it with links to fit the 2023 back to school season. You can shop for many of the products listed in this blog post on my Amazon Storefront here.
The time is finally here. After four years of high school and another year of online school, it’s finally time to pack up my stuff for college and move into my dorm.
I’m super excited to move to D.C and experience the city’s culture to its fullest. These past few years, the idea of attending Howard University, my dream school, has always been a thought or a daydream to pass the time while I was in Arkansas. Now that it’s time to go to Howard, everything feels surreal.
^ A visual representation of what it was like moving from Arkansas to DC for college.
Of course, the feelings of excitement and wonder don’t come without the stress of planning, packing, moving, and setting up my dorm. Moving long distance is more difficult than you think and it takes a lot more effort than I had even realized.
That’s why I’m here to give you your new go-to list of what to pack for college. Whether you want to pack it all or buy supplies when you arrive, refer to this anytime you need to make sure you have all your essentials ready to go for move-in day.
Bedding
- Comforter
- Twin XL bed sheets
- Twin XL fitted sheets
- Twin XL bed skirt
- Pillows
- Pillow covers
- Decorative pillows
- Mattress topper
- Mattress pad
- Blanket/Throw
- Underbed storage
- Sleeping bag
Bathroom
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush holder
- Mouthwash
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Perfume
- Air Freshener
- Body wash
- Body scrub
- Hand soap
- Bar soap
- Bathroom caddy
- Shower puff
- Body scrubber
- Bath towels
- Bathroom cleaner (Comet, Bleach Spray, Toilet Cleaner, etc.)
- Bathroom rug
- Razer
- Shaving cream
- Toilet paper
- Lysol (Spray and Wipes)
- Bathroom sponges
- Plunger
- Cotton balls
- Face towels
- Bathrobe
- Shower shoes
- Scale
Emergency Kit
- Band-Aids
- Alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Overnight pads
- Panty liners
- Tampons
- Condoms
- Birth Control
- Prescriptions
- Cold Medicine
- Allergy Medicine
- Thermometer
- Vitamins
- Preparation H
- Umbrella
- Flashlight
- Masks
- Hand Sanitizer
- Batteries
- Tool Kit
- Lightbulbs
Electronic + Tech
- Airpods/Earbuds/Headphones
- Echo Dot
- Portable charger
- Phone
- Charger for phone
- Charger for laptop
- Surge protector
- TV
- TV stand
- Google Chromecast
- HDMI cable
- Printer
- Printer Ink
- Printer Paper
- Laptop
- Mouse
- Mouse pad
- iPad/Tablet
- Fan
- Heater
- Bluetooth Speakers
- Flash drive
- Ring Light
- Camera
School Supplies
- Backpack
- Tote
- Calendar
- Binder
- Binder dividers
- Notebooks
- Folders
- Stapler
- Paper
- Pencils
- Pens
- White out
- Sharpies
- Highlighters
- Tape
- Scissors
- Sticky notes
- Glue
- Paper Clips
- Calculator
- Envelope
- Stamps
- Planner
- Resume and Portfolio
- Dry Erase Board
Hair
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hair Oil
- Moisturizer
- Hair gel
- Edge control
- Hair spray
- Hair brushes
- Combs (Detangling, Rat Tail, etc.)
- Lace Spray
- Wig glue
- Wig
- Wig caps
- Hair ties
- Bobby pins
- Duckbill clips
- Headbands
- Curling iron
- Blow dryer
- Diffuser
- Straightener
Health/Beauty/Makeup
- Makeup brushes
- Makeup storage
- Makeup mirror
- Beauty blenders
- Tweezers
- Nail file
- Facial cleanser
- Toner
- Serum
- Face and body moisturizer
- Acne treatment
- Sunscreen
- Primer
- Eye Primer
- Eyebrow pencil or pomade
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Eyeshadow Palettes
- Eye liner
- Mascara
- Lashes
- Contour
- Bronzer
- Blush
- Highlighter
- Lipstick
- Lip gloss
- Lip balm
- Setting Spray
Packing + Storage
- Shoe organizer
- Command strips
- Jewelry box organizer
- Double closet rod
- Hooks/hook racks
- Stacking drawers
- Space-saving hangers
- Step Stool
- Trunk
- Safe
- Storage Tubs
- Ziploc Space bags
- Vacuum
Kitchen + Dining
- Paper towels
- Napkins
- Plates
- Cutlery
- Cups
- Pots
- Pans
- Kitchen Utensils (Spatula, Ladle, Wooden Spoon)
- Food containers
- Aluminum foil
- Saran wrap
- Air Fryer
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Blender
- Seasonings/Spices
- Dish Soap
- Sponges
- Dish rags
- Microwave
- Mini Fridge
- Can opener
- Chip clips
- Reusable straws
Clothes + Accessories
- Bras
- Underwear
- Socks
- Shirts
- Sweaters
- Camis
- Coats
- Jackets
- Pants
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Business attire (suits, blazers, etc.)
- Sneakers
- Boots
- Heels
- Booties
- Flats
- Slides
- Belts
- Purses (Formal, Everyday, Going Out)
- Fanny packs
- Leggings
- Shorts
- Workout gear
- Necklaces
- Earrings
- Anklets
- Bathing Suits
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Watch
- Hats
Laundry
- Clean Laundry Bag
- Dirty Laundry Bag
- Laundry Detergent
- Dryer Sheets
- Bleach
- Fabric Softener
- Iron
- Ironing Board
- Lint Roller
- Stain Remover
Décor
- Vanity mirror
- Desk lamp
- Wall art
- Tapestry
- Led lights
- Rugs
- Vinyl Records
- Bedside table
- Wall clock
- Bedside lamp
- Overhead light
- Posters
- Neon Lights
- Wall art
- Photos
- Picture frames
- Trashcan
- Plants
Absolute Essentials
- ID
- Driver’s License
- Passport
- Credit Card/Debit Card
- Copy of SSN
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Financial Aid Documents
- Student ID
- Car Registration
- Emergency Contact List
- Covid Vaccine Card
College move-in day can be stressful, but with this list you’ll know exactly what you’ll need for college. What are your college essentials? Let me know in the comments below.
