By now, you've probably started to think about packing for college. While it's easy to get overwhelmed, remember that you're just going to college - not Mars.
With a detailed checklist and an ample amount of time, you’ll feel more at ease about completing the tasks at hand and preparing for your home away from home.
Follow this list to help ensure you've packed all the essentials without overpacking. You can also download the college apartment checklist PDF.
Always Ask First! Before bringing any of the following items, contact your school's housing office and ask about the rules and regulations within the residence halls. Same applies to students who may be living off-campus. Ask your landlord which items may be prohibited.
With a detailed checklist and an ample amount of time, you’ll feel more at ease about completing the tasks at hand and preparing for your home away from home.
What Should You Pack for Your College Apartment?
Every school year, students pack too many items in fear that they won't be prepared. Your move back to school shouldn't require moving trucks, let alone a moving company! When box packing, remember if you do forget an essential, you can always ask someone to send it, bring it whenever they visit, or pick it up the next time you head home.College Apartment Packing Checklist:
- Comforter/Bedspread
- Pillows
- Sheets (Check to see if they need to be a special size)
- Bed risers (If your bed isn't a loft)
- Book light
- Hangers
- Crates or stacking storage containers
- Fan
- Shelving
- Facial Tissues
Bedroom Items
Many of your bedroom items can be used to showcase your personality. Have fun with your bedding and décor. If you’re sharing an apartment with friends, this may be the only space that is truly yours – don’t be afraid to express yourself!- Shower caddy
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Soap/body wash
- Towels (Bath, face, washcloths)
- Shower shoes
- Bathrobe
- Deodorant
- Shaving Cream / Razors
- Make-up
- First-aid kit
- Feminine Products
- Cold and pain medicine
- Hair dryer (Straightener, Curling Iron)
- Hairbrush/comb
- Cotton swabs, cotton balls, etc.
- Shower/bath mat
- Shower curtain
- Shower tension rod
- Shower curtain hooks
- Towel hooks
- Shelves
- Full-length mirror
- Air freshener
- Toilet brush
- Toilet cleaner
- Plunger
Bathroom Supplies
Personal care items for college extend beyond just your hygiene and skin care regimen necessities, especially if you'll be living in an apartment. You’ll need items for injuries, illness, and more.- Pots and skillets
- Cooking utensils
- Colander
- Oven mitts
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plates
- Bowls
- Silverware
- Dish towels
- Microwave
- Reusable water bottle and coffee mug
- Plastic containers with lids
- Small appliances, like a blender, toaster, food processor, etc.
Kitchen Supplies
Even if you’re on the school meal plan, you’ll still need a few items for your kitchen. However, if you plan to cook most of your meals at home, your kitchen supply list will be extensive. If you have roommates, it’s best to go through this list with them. Each of you can determine who will be responsible for bringing different items, which will help split the cost of these purchases. Also, consider doing your shopping at second-hand stores or Facebook marketplace. Remember that you’re a college student shopping on a student budget. Your items don’t need to be brand new; they just need to last through the school year.- Futon/sofa
- Accent chair(s)
- Media stand
- End table(s)
- Pillows
- Throws
- Décor
Living Room Items
Unlike your dorm room, your college apartment will have plenty of space to sleep, eat, and relax. Make your living room a comfortable space to unwind after a long day of classes, extracurriculars, and study time. Check your college’s second-hand furniture Facebook marketplace. This is an especially great idea at the end of the school year, when graduating seniors are trying to get rid of their college belongings.- Laundry basket/bag
- Laundry detergent
- Stain remover
- Fabric softener
- Rolls of quarters (If necessary for laundry)
- Dryer sheets
- Sewing kit (with safety pins)
- Lint brush
- Wrinkle release
Laundry Supplies
If your college apartment comes with a washer and dryer, count yourself lucky. Most students, however, will need to do their laundry in a community room of the building or make visits to a laundromat. If you’ll have to travel to do your laundry, think about how you’ll get your laundry and supplies to and from the laundromat. Buy a caddy or rollable laundry hamper to make this process easier.- Computer/laptop
- Computer/laptop case
- Wireless mouse
- Keyboard
- Lap desk
- Smart home devices (i.e. Alexa, HomePod, etc.)
- Tablet or E-reader
- Printer
- Printer and ink cartridges
- Printer paper
- Calculator
- Extra Phone Charger(s)
- Television
Electronics & Technology Items
Your college apartment will be a hub for your schoolwork. As such, you’ll need any electronics and technological items that will help you in and outside of the classroom. You’ll also need any electronic items that you may use in the home. That might look different in a college apartment versus a dorm room.- Rags, sponges, scrub-brushes
- Swiffer/Swiffer pads
- Plunger(s)
- Mini Vacuum
- Dish soap/brush
- Dish rack/drying mat
- Cleaning products
Cleaning Supplies
You’re not living in the dorms anymore, which means you’re in charge of keeping your space clean. You’ll need to have the necessary supplies on hand to keep your common spaces, bedroom, and bathroom clean.- Video Games and Gaming Console
- Posters/art
- Framed photos with family, friends, roommates
- Dry erase board (For messages from friends)
- Deck of cards, Board Games
- Safe with a lock (For valuables)
- Flashlight
- Toolbox/Basic tool set
- Batteries
- Weekend bag/small suitcase
- Extra Power strip(s)
- Poster putty or Command Strips for hanging decorations
- Stepladder
Nice to Have
Ultimately, all you really need for college apartment living are the bare necessities. However, it’s nice to have entertainment, décor, and handy items in the event you need to fix something. Remember, these aren’t things that you have to have. Rather, they’re nice to have, making your college apartment feel more like home.
College Moving Tips
Moving into a college apartment is different than moving into a dorm room. For one, you have much more space, meaning you may need to purchase furniture and kitchen appliances. If that’s the case, work with your roommates to split costs and bring different items. You’ll also require more of the basics, like an extra set of bed sheets for laundry day and cleaning supplies. One of the perks of living in the dorms is that you have a cleaning crew who regularly cleans bathrooms and community spaces. In an apartment, this will be your responsibility, so make sure you’re stocked up on the necessary supplies.Scholarships for Off Campus Housing
While you’re packing for college, whether it’s your first year or last, remember to keep up the scholarship search and application process. The scholarships you win could pay for your off-campus housing. While some scholarship providers will stipulate that their award can only be used to cover tuition, room and board, or textbooks, others leave it up to the student to decide where to spend their money. As you search for scholarships, this is something that you can check for in the “Terms and Conditions” on the scholarship provider’s site. If it’s unclear where and how you can spend a scholarship, you can always email the scholarship committee and ask.You Might Also Like
Shawna Newman
Managing Editor, Contributing Writer
Shawna Newman covers various topics related to post-secondary education, including trade schools, the military, and college. She details strategies for paying for school, such as scholarships, financial ai...
