Student Life

Back to School 2024: College Apartment Packing Checklist

Get your back to school college apartment checklist and don't pack too much.

Shawna Newman

July 15, 2024

Back to School 2024: College Apartment Packing Checklist
Use this list to ensure you pack all the college apartment essentials!
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. College Apartment Checklist: Download PDF 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 or 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.
Follow this list to help ensure you've packed all the essentials without over-packing. 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.

College Apartment Packing Checklist:

Bedroom Items

Many of your bedroom items can be used to showcase your personality. Have fun with your bedding and décor to make the room truly feel like it’s yours. 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!
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

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.
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

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. Als 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.
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.

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.
Futon/sofa
Accent chair(s)
Media stand
End table(s)
Pillows
Throws
Décor

Laundry Supplies

If your college apartment comes with a washer and dryer, count yourself lucky. Most students, however, will need to do their laundry mat 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.
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

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.
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

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.
Rags, sponges, scrub-brushes
Swiffer/Swiffer pads
Plunger(s)
Mini Vacuum
Dish soap/brush
Dish rack/drying mat
Cleaning products

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.
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
College Apartment Checklist: Download PDF

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.

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Shawna Newman

Managing Editor, Contributing Writer

Shawna Newman is the Managing Editor and a writer at Fastweb. She has over 10 years of experience in higher education. Her direct work with college admissions teams, financial aid officers, college deans, ...

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