Sarah Frank of TikTok college tips account Frank Advice has put together her ultimate college packing list for everyone starting their first semester in 2022!
In order to avoid needing to spend more than the unavoidable product and moving costs, let’s talk about what you need to bring– the obvious and the non-obvious.
The easiest way to make a college packing list is by category. The ones I use are clothing, comfort, food, organization, social, stationary, technology, toiletries, and miscellaneous.
Clothing
Clothing depends very much on your style and where your college is. A packing list for New England looks very different than SoCal. Write your own to fit your vibe and destination but here’s a list to get you started.
Clothing
Bathrobe
Fuzzy socks
Sweats
Hoodie
Short sleeve shirts
Long sleeve shirts
Athletic shorts
Jeans
Leggings
Regular socks
Bras
Underwear
Dresses
Blouses
Jumpsuit
Accessories
Scrunchies
Hair ties
Necklaces
Rings
Bracelets
Sunglasses
Blue light glasses
Prescription glasses
Glasses case/cleaner
Cardigan
Light sweater
Scarf
Coat
Winter socks
Gloves
Winter pants
Rain coat
Rain boots
Snow boots
Beanie
Shoes
Slippers
Sandals/birks
Dress shoes
Sneakers
shower shoes
Swimsuits
Bathing suit cover up
Pyjama tops
Pyjama bottoms
Baseball cap
Brown University Freshman dorm tour by Sarah Frank
Comfort
Comfort items are the things that make your dorm feel more like home and help give you a comfortable night’s rest.
Comfort bits and pieces
Weighted blanket and/or heated blanket
Throw blanket
Reading light
Mattress topper
Fan
Back pillow
Essential oil diffuser
Essential oils
Heating pad
Eye mask
Throw pillows
Stuffed animals
Blackout curtains
Sleeping pillows
Sheets
Comforter
Food
All things food and kitchen. Dining varies by college but no matter where you go, there might be times you don’t want to go to a dining hall. Have sustenance available in your dorm!
Cooking / dining essentials
Microwave cover
Britta
Kettle
Microwave
Mini-fridge
Mugs
Saran wrap
Water bottle
Ice cube tray
Paper plates
Paper bowls
Reusable plates+bowls
Plastic utensils
Reusable utensils
Organization
One of the most important things you can do when you move in is set yourself up to be organized. Space is limited so you have to make the most of it.
Organisation helpers
Hangers
Shoe holder
Closet organizer
Drawer organizers
Desk mirror
Phone stand
Desk container
Power tower
Cable holder
Storage cubes
Storage ottoman
Command hooks
Storage cart
Collapsible bins
Fairy lights
Full length mirror
Pictures
Stickers
Trash bags
Chip clips
Ziploc bags
Yoga mat
Bedside pocket/shelf
Seat cushion
Bedside lamp
Bulletin /dry erase board
Social
Social is the category I use to encapsulate all the things you need for leaving your dorm. But of course, those things have to be kept in your dorm and need to have a place (use the above organization category!).
Social essentials
Phone wallet
Small umbrella
Speaker
Picnic blanket
Invisiwear
Safety keychain
Nightcap
Cards
Wallet
Actual backpack
Casual bag/backpack
Purse
Lanyard
Sunglasses
Stationary
Office Depot-type of things. Stationary is all the supplies you’ll need for class. If you are an iPad/laptop user you might not need all of this, but some classes require hand-writing things, so consider these regardless.
Stationary essentials
Superglue
Lap desk
Screwdriver
Tape
Scissors
Pens
Mechanical pencils
Pencil lead
Highlighters
Paper
Mildliners
Sticky notes
Index cards
Notebooks
Clipboard
Tape measure
Folder
Technology
No college student can go without technology, but it’s one of the things most frequently forgotten. Very few people remember flashlights and batteries, for instance. Also, make sure to check your school’s guidelines on power strips and surge protectors. Some dorm RAs are unfortunately strict with enforcing those rules.
Tech essentials
iPhone charger
Surge protectors
Power strips
Conair fabric shaver
Clock
Portable charger
Lamp
Mini vacuum
iPad/tablet
Desk mirror with lights
Batteries
Computer
Computer charger
Flashlight
Flashdrives
Toiletries
One thing college has taught me is that having stuff is not just about you needing it– it’s about being there for your roommate, your friends, your hallmates. I even made a couple friends by having nail polish remover and ginger ale. Being helpful is an easy way to make friends, especially in the first couple weeks.
College toiletries
Toothbrush cover
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Efferdent
Vaseline
Floss/floss picks
Retainer case/retainer
Beach towel
Hand towels
Body towels
Face towels
Body wipes/baby wipes
Brush
Shampoo
Conditioner
Styling products
Bandaids
Benadryl spray
Essential skincare
Soap
Sunscreen
Shower caddy
Shower shoes
Deodorant
Razor
Pads/tampons/mc
Nail polish
First aid kit
Tissues
Tweezers
Hand sanitizer
Lysol
Ice pack
Perfume
Chapstick
Earplugs
Thermometer
Ibuprofen
Benadryl
Allergy medication
Flonase
Saline
Cough drops
Antacids
Ginger ale/something similar
Miscellanious
There are some things that simply don’t fit into a category but important nonetheless.
Important extras!
Laundry bag with handles
Doorstop
Detergent
Insurance card
Copy of birth certificate
Lint roller
Rubber mallet
Coasters
Toolkit
As I said in the beginning, tailor this to your needs: what products you use, where you are going to school, what your roommate wants you to bring, etc. Hopefully these lists can help you curate your own. And remember– it is better to have and not need, than to need and not have!