What to know:

College is a difficult process for most. It is a new stage of life for all students, and many move far away. If you aren’t commuting, you will need a lot of different supplies, materials, and objects to help make your college education and smooth and enjoyable as possible. So here are some essentials to pack for your first year at your university from the College Board:

Dorm Room Organization and Storage

• Bedside lamp
• Mini trash can
• Storage bins
• Under-the-bed storage trays
• Desk lamp
• Fan
• Drying rack for laundry
• Bulletin board and pushpins
• Dry-erase wall calendar/board
• Mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench)
• Picture hangers (double-sided tape for concrete walls)

College Linens and Laundry Supplies

• Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets. Check with college for size needed — some college twin beds are extra long.)
• Towels (3 each of bath, hand and face)
• Pillows (2)
• Mattress pad (Check with college for size needed)
• Blankets (2)
• Comforter/bedspread
• Clothes hangers
• Laundry bag/basket
• Laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain remover
• Lint brush
• Mini sewing kit

Desk Supplies

• Electronic storage media such as memory cards and USB flash drives
• Stapler and staples
• Printer paper (if you decide to bring a printer)
• Pens and pencils
• Pencil holder and sharpener
• Notebooks
• Folder with pockets
• Labels of various sizes
• 3 × 5 index cards
• Sticky notes
• Paper clips and binder clips
• Rubber bands
• Tape
• Scissors
• Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
• Ruler
• Stackable desk trays (at least 4)
• Stamps and envelopes
• Extra print cartridges (if you take a printer)
• Notecards or stationery

Electronics and Technology for First-Year Student

• Laptop (printer is optional; there are usually computer labs where you can print)
• Portable speakers (if you want to play music from laptop/MP3 player)
• HDMI cord, Ethernet cord for computer (check if your room has wireless)
• Surge protector
• Extension cords
• 3-2 prong adapters
• Headphones
• Camera
• Cell phone
• Charging cords

Shared-with-Roommate Items

• Audio equipment
• TV
• Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed
• Small refrigerator (if one isn’t provided)
• Area rug
• Posters/art

Toiletries, Beauty, and Hygiene

• Antacid
• Aspirin or other pain relievers
• Vitamins
• Antidiarrheal medicine
• Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment
• Cough drops
• Shower caddy
• Shower shoes (flip-flops)
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hairstyling products
• Bath and face soap
• Travel soap container(s)
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Dental floss
• Comb/brush
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
• Razor and shaving cream
• Lotion and/or facial moisturizer
• Cotton swabs
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contact lens supplies

Clothing

• Underwear
• Socks
• Pants/jeans/leggings
• T-shirts/blouses
• Sweats
• Pajamas
• Slippers and/or flip-flops
• Sweaters
• Light/heavy jackets
• Gloves/scarf/hat (and other foul-weather gear as needed)
• 1 pair of boots
• 2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable/walking shoes
• 1 set of business-casual clothes
• 1 pair of dress shoes
• 1 swimsuit
• Bathrobe
• Eye mask for sleeping

Household and Kitchen Items

• Paper towels
• Trash bags
• Lightbulbs
• All-purpose cleaner
• Plastic storage bags
• Food-storage containers
• Dish soap
• Wet wipes
• Tissues
• Bowl, plate and cup
• Coffee mug
• Water bottle
• Silverware
• Can/bottle opener

Miscellaneous

• Umbrella
• Backpack
• Sports equipment
• Backup pair of eyeglasses

A word from a senior in High School:

Prospective Penn State student Joe Holdren states, “You have to have a sense of direction, an open mind, and be willing to accept change (when going to college).” He also says you must bring “reminders of home, a computer or laptop, stuff to sleep with: blankets, pillows”. This is just one prepared student who has done his research for his future college experience.

It is important to have all of your essentials while still making room for favorable items. Although it isn’t good to have an overcrowded room, decorations can make your room more cozy. Make sure to check with your roommate about shared supplies and what they might be bringing! You can see more at ULTIMATE-COLLEGE-PACKING-LIST.