College packing list spreadsheet
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165.0K shares All the things you might ever possibly want to bring with you to collegeFind out exactly what to bring to college and grab a FREE college packing list PDF! You and I both know why youre here, so Im going to cut right to the chase What I have for you today in this post is a college freshman checklist. Both over and under packing are a worry for most new students, but this list will show you exactly what to bring to college. Plus, Ill clue you in on the stuff you can leave at home and just not bring all together. Now: I want to point out that this a GENERAL college dorm packing list. The list includes a broad selection of items. Which is why its a great a starting point for ideas! To minimize the risk of anyone accidentally forgetting something important on move-in day, I went over EVERYTHING (room, bathroom, kitchen, clothing, etc.). I made it versatile enough to work as a college packing list for guys and girls. But, we all have our own personal preferences. Tweak it as needed to make it work for you. Download the college packing list PDF version by clicking below. ⟶ FREE printable college dorm checklist for girls and for guys! What to Bring to CollegeReal quick there are two things I want to explain. Key:1. * Ive marked items with an asterisk to indicate that I think its a better idea to get these things after moving into your dorm room. Because those items are either
2. If something is highlighted that just means that its an item that I wouldnt consider to be absolutely necessary or essential to college living. They are nice to have, but theyre totally optional items to add to a college packing checklist. These items can make a dorm room more comfortable or make your life a little easier. Table of Contents
College Packing ListWhat to bring to collegean all inclusive list for freshman! First things first, when youre putting together your own college packing list (girl or guy version): Make sure you know what is and isnt allowed in your dorm, BEFORE you start packing. Each school has specific residence hall guidelines and provides different things (like a trash can or mini fridge) in rooms. Check your schools website for their recommended packing list as it should tell you what NOT to bring, as well. Dorm Room Pillow/s Hold off until you check with your roommate Rug Clothing/Shoes/AccessoriesWhich clothing youll bring with you to college will depend on different factors. Like where your campus is located, which seasons youll be attending classes, and how you generally like to dress. Just use your best judgment for your final college packing list decision. Underwear College packing list girl specific clothing Bras Desk/School ItemsFor college school supplies, your class syllabi will give you a more in-depth look at what you need. But: Ive included some general items that are used in most courses. To get the lowest prices on this stuff be sure to take advantage of back-school-sales! Backpack Documents/IDs Birth certificate Bathroom Bath towels (2) For rooms with a separate bathroom, you may also want Note that most of these are things that youll want to chat with your roommate about first. Wait to buy them until after you talk so you can avoid having doubles and save some money. Hand towels (2) Toiletries Toothbrush & toothpaste College packing list girl specific things to bring Hair straightener (Download the FREE College packing list PDF at the end of this post!) Electronics/Tech Stuff Laptop, charger, and/or carrying case Shared items (coordinate with your roomie) Roku/streaming device Cleaning & Laundry Supplies Laundry detergent* Kitchen Stuff Water bottle Discuss these with your roommate before buying Electric kettle* Miscellaneous Items for Your College Packing List Kleenex What NOT to Bring to College (And Why)Now you know what to bring to college, but what about what not to bring? This is all: Stuff to bring to college that you can get along just fine without. Or at the very least, I suggest waiting until youre moved in to get these things. Now, of course: What not to bring to college is a subjective topic. I strove for my ultimate college packing list to be inclusive, but everyone is different. This list is just here to give you some general guidelines. Here are items that students often dont end up needing/using, or even cant have at college: Textbooks Some of what to bring to college was listed in earlier sections and thats because some items are debatable. Some students might want to have them and some will find them completely unnecessary. It all just depends on preferences and lifestyle. If you want to know WHY Im suggesting leaving these things off of your college freshman checklist, read on below. The reasoning for skipping this stuffTextbooksOf all the freshman mistakes there are to make, buying textbooks ahead of time is the biggest one youll want to avoid. Textbooks are not required on the first day of class. Go to class first to find out which ones youll actually need for each course. And at all costs, DONT pay full sticker price at the campus bookstore. Textbooks can always be found for cheaper elsewhere. Window AC UnitsPlain and simple, these are almost always not permitted in dorms. Bed RisersDorm room beds sit pretty high off of the ground, to begin with, so chances are that you wont even need these. But if you do want the extra height, its easy enough to get a set from a local retailer (like Target). Sewing KitThe likelihood of actually needing to use this item is low. If a button does end up coming off, box stores have mini-sewing kits for cheap. Iron & Ironing BoardIf youre like me, you never iron your clothing anyway. Plus, a wrinkle releaser spray will do the trick for less effort. Alarm ClockWhile its important to make it to class on time, buying an alarm clock can be an unneeded expense when your phone already has an alarm function. Light BulbsThese can break in the college move-in day process, but mainly I think you should hold off on buying light bulbs until you need them. Theres no reason to keep some lying around when you can pick a pack of light bulbs at most stores. TV & DVD playerWith limited dorm space, a TV can make your small room feel cramped. Instead of bringing a TV, stream your favorite shows on your laptop, table, or phone. But if you still end up wanting one, you do you! Because theyre bulky to pack, its a good idea to pick one up after youve moved in. Printer & Printer SuppliesOn campus, there will be places where you can print. Plus, some colleges let you print out a certain number of pages for free as a student. Find out your schools printing policy before making up your mind! PetsSadly, unless youre lucky enough to be attending a pet-friendly college, furry friends are banned from campus housing. Too many decorative pillowsJust try to not go overboard, you still need a place to sleep! Dishes & UtensilsIf you have a meal plan everything you need for eating will be in the cafeteria. Keeping around some paper or plastic ones makes clean up quicker anyway. Final thoughts on what stuff to bring to collegeI believe that solves the mystery of what to bring to college! I covered just about everything that should be considered when creating your own college freshman checklist, and even what not to bring college. But, if youre worried about forgetting something important when move-in day rolls around I made a printable version to help keep it all fresh in your mind. Download the college pack list PDF below! Free printable dorm checklists
Did I miss any big stuff for this ultimate college packing list? Are there any things to bring to college that wish you had or hadnt brought? More helpful articles for college freshmen:
Exactly What to Bring to College as a Freshman Girl & Guy165.0K shares |