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With my role on campus as a peer advisor (orientation leader), I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of amazing incoming freshman and transfer students. As move-in day approaches, my students are most concerned about what to bring to college and what not to bring to college. Instead of making a long list and forwarding it to every student that ask, I felt like providing a printable checklist will be perfect. so here it is.
I also provided links to some of the things listed click each item to see an example of where to purchase.
Bedroom
- Mattress Foam Topper
- 2 Sheet Sets ( Recommendation- Ross, Tjmaxx, Marhsalls..)
- Comforter or Duvet
- 2 Pillow Inserts
- Throw pillow & Throw Blanket (optional)
- Carpet
- Lamp
- Trashcan
- Mirror ( small and full length)
- Hangers
- Hamper ( preferably one with wheels)
Bathroom
- Shower Caddy
- 4 Body Towels
- 4 Wash Cloths
- 3 Hand Towels
- Bathrobe
- Shower shoes
Electronics & Appliances
- Bluetooth speaker
- Headphones
- Power Strips
- TV *
- Laptop & Charger
- Fan
- Batteries
- Mini Fridge
- Microwave *
- Toaster oven*
- Printer
Personal needs & Organizers
Tips #1: before you move in, pay attention to your day-to-day activities, look at what you use, eat and wear on a regular basis and you might want to consider bringing those things.
- Shoe holder
- Bins
- Hair dryer
- Curling iron
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Face Wash
- Makeup remover
- Shaving cream
- Razors
- Body wash & Loofah
- Q-tips & cotton balls
- Toothbrush
- Lotion
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Toilet paper
- Paper toilets
- Tweezers
- First aid kit
- Deodorant
- Clorox wipes
- Air freshener
- Laundry detergent
- Hand soap
- Iron & mini ironing board
Dining
Tip #2: If you are a freshman staying in a typical freshman housing, you might not have a full kitchen, so these are basic things you might keep in your room.
- Mugs/Cups
- Keurig/ basic coffee maker ( if you are a coffee drinker)
- Electronic water heater ( if you are a tea person)
- Brita water filter ( instead of water bottles)
- Paper plates
- Ziploc bags
- Tupperware
- Silverware
- Water bottles
- Snacks
Decoration
Tips #3: follow my Pinterest board where I share tons of room decor ideas HERE.
Also check out my room tour post here, for more ideas.
- String Lights
- Tapestry
- Corkboard
- Large calendar
- Family & friends pictures
- Wall quotes
* These are things that are super optional or might want to talk to a roommate first. Also, might want to check housing policy to see if it’s okay to have certain things like a toaster oven.
