Hey y'all, today I'm sharing my packing list for college! This fall I'm going to be starting college, and let me tell you, I may be having too much fun with dorm shopping... Anyways! My roommate and I decided that we wanted a navy and coral color scheme, and I decided to throw in a lot of white and gold accents.
Now before you read through this, remember that this is just what I have decided I will need/want next year, so be sure if you too are packing for college to customize to your own needs. Also, I have linked nearly everything to exactly what I got and/or what I use!
In this picture is only what I have so far, I don't go to school for another month, so I have time to get the rest of the stuff! But don't worry! You'll still see it all in other college related blog posts in August and the fall.
In this picture is only what I have so far, I don't go to school for another month, so I have time to get the rest of the stuff! But don't worry! You'll still see it all in other college related blog posts in August and the fall.
Tips Before You Shop and Pack
Figure out what kind of room you'll be living in
While this may be obvious, this can drastically alter what you need to bring. You need to figure out whether you're living in a standard room with a community bathroom, a suite with a private bathroom, or whatever else your school offers. Mainly, if you're room has a bathroom within it you are also usually responsible for the bathroom items such as toilet paper, soap, floor mats, etc. Also, you need to take into account how many roommates you're going to have since that dictates how much room there will be for other stuff. For reference purposes, I am in a standard room with a community bathroom with one roommate.
Also, figure out what furniture your room comes with so you can plan storage and space. My room comes with a bed, desk, chair, closet, towel, and shared dresser.
Location
The location of your school is important to take into consideration when shopping and packing for college. If you're attending a school that is close to your home (I fall into this category) then that makes the moving process a lot easier. It would probably be easier for you to buy everything you can ahead of time, and if you forget anything your family can pick up whatever you need at a less picked over store and bring it or ship it to you. Also, you won't need to pack nearly as many clothes when you leave because it will be simpler for you to just switch out clothes from season to season as you visit.
Now if you live pretty far away from your school, you have two options: 1. you can still buy everything ahead of time and road trip to your school or 2. Fly and pack all you can in suitcases, have any big purchases delivered to your school, and then ship whatever else you need (which is expensive).
Also take into consideration what the weather is like where you're going to school to figure out if you need heavy winter clothes or not.
What's your style?
Whether your style is preppy, chic, boho, whatever was the cheapest, etc. embrace it! As I said before, the colors scheme of my room is navy, coral, white and gold. I am going for a kind of preppy and chic mix throughout my room. I also got more classic pieces so I can hopefully use them throughout the rest of college and potentially in my first apartment. I highly recommend investing in pieces you can use for many years!
Communicate with your roommate
Get to know each other, figure out each other's styles, decide if you want a matching color scheme or not, etc. Also, discuss who is getting which big items such as a mini fridge and a microwave since you'll both be using them. You also don't have room for two of everything!
Now, onto what I plan to bring to college, and remember, just about everything is linked to what I got!
Bathroom/Toiletries
- Acne medication
- Baby wipes
- Bandaids
- Blush
- I've had this blush for soooooo long that Amazon was the only place I could find it!
- Bobby pins
- Body towels (2)
- Mine are in the color "salmon".
- Body spray
- Bug spray
- Chapstick
- Comb
- Conditioner
- Cotton rounds
- Curling iron
- Deodorant
- Exfoliater
- Eyeshadow
- Eyeshadow primer
- Face powder
- I use the shades soft ivory in the winter and buff beige in the summer.
- Feminine products
- Face cleanser
- Floss
- Hair brush
- People have been raving about this brush lately!
- Hair clips
- Hairdryer
- Hairspray
- T.J. Maxx sometimes has this for cheaper.
- Hair ties
- Hair tool caddy
- This is on sale for $10 right now! $15 off!
- Hand sanitizer (3)
- I say get at least 3 of these so you have one for your purse, one for your backpack and one for you room. Also, they changed the shape of these!!
- Heat protectant spray
- I also use this to calm down my staticky or frizzy hair.
- Lipstick (one, two, three)
- The first lipstick I use for the spring and summer in the shade "pink me up", the second one I use in the fall and winter in the shade "sultry" and the third one is my go to red lipstick in the shade "enticing".
- Lotion
- Makeup brushes (one, two, three)
- Mascara
- Makeup bag
- I found mine randomly at Michael's one day, but here is a similar one.
- Medicine (Advil, Dayquil, Neosporin)
- Mouthwash
- Nail clippers
- Nail polish (one, two, three)
- I have the first one in the color "petal pusher", the second one in the color "eye popping poppy" and third one in the color "snow me white".
- Nail polish remover
- Perfume
- I prefer the rollerballs because you can take them to go, and I think they actually apply better!
- Q-tips
- Razor case
- I don't want my razor to just be floating around in my shower caddy, and I'm bound to lose the little cap that comes with it so I think this is the perfect solution to my problem!
- Razors
- Shampoo
- Shower caddy
- I think it's best to try to get a shower caddy with mesh or holes at the bottom so the water left over on all of your toiletries can drain.
- Shower cap
- For those days when you want to shower but don't want to wash your hair
- Shower shoes
- Trust me, you won't want to be having your bare feet all over the bottom of those filthy showers.
- Soap
- Soap case
- Straightener
- This one is the same brand as the one I own.
- Sunscreen
- Tanning lotion
- Tissue boxes
- Tissues to go
- I like to have these to throw into my purse and backpack.
- Toiletry holders
- One again, I don't want my toiletries such as my floss, Q-tips, cotton rounds and hair ties just floating about in my shower caddy, so I thought I would get each of them different colored little soap holder to organize them.
- Toothbrush
- Toothbrush holder
- I would try to find one that stands up, I just feel like it's more convenient.
- Toothpaste
- Tweezers
- Washcloths (2)
- Mine are in the color "salmon".
SHOP MY COLLEGE BATH ESSENTIALS
- Acne medication
- Baby wipes
- Bandaids
- Blush
- I've had this blush for soooooo long that Amazon was the only place I could find it!
- Bobby pins
- Body towels (2)
- Mine are in the color "salmon".
- Body spray
- Bug spray
- Chapstick
- Comb
- Conditioner
- Cotton rounds
- Curling iron
- Deodorant
- Exfoliater
- Eyeshadow
- Eyeshadow primer
- Face powder
- I use the shades soft ivory in the winter and buff beige in the summer.
- Feminine products
- Face cleanser
- Floss
- Hair brush
- People have been raving about this brush lately!
- Hair clips
- Hairdryer
- Hairspray
- T.J. Maxx sometimes has this for cheaper.
- Hair ties
- Hair tool caddy
- This is on sale for $10 right now! $15 off!
- Hand sanitizer (3)
- I say get at least 3 of these so you have one for your purse, one for your backpack and one for you room. Also, they changed the shape of these!!
- Heat protectant spray
- I also use this to calm down my staticky or frizzy hair.
- Lipstick (one, two, three)
- The first lipstick I use for the spring and summer in the shade "pink me up", the second one I use in the fall and winter in the shade "sultry" and the third one is my go to red lipstick in the shade "enticing".
- Lotion
- Makeup brushes (one, two, three)
- Mascara
- Makeup bag
- I found mine randomly at Michael's one day, but here is a similar one.
- Medicine (Advil, Dayquil, Neosporin)
- Mouthwash
- Nail clippers
- Nail polish (one, two, three)
- I have the first one in the color "petal pusher", the second one in the color "eye popping poppy" and third one in the color "snow me white".
- Nail polish remover
- Perfume
- I prefer the rollerballs because you can take them to go, and I think they actually apply better!
- Q-tips
- Razor case
- I don't want my razor to just be floating around in my shower caddy, and I'm bound to lose the little cap that comes with it so I think this is the perfect solution to my problem!
- Razors
- Shampoo
- Shower caddy
- I think it's best to try to get a shower caddy with mesh or holes at the bottom so the water left over on all of your toiletries can drain.
- Shower cap
- For those days when you want to shower but don't want to wash your hair
- Shower shoes
- Trust me, you won't want to be having your bare feet all over the bottom of those filthy showers.
- Soap
- Soap case
- Straightener
- This one is the same brand as the one I own.
- Sunscreen
- Tanning lotion
- Tissue boxes
- Tissues to go
- I like to have these to throw into my purse and backpack.
- Toiletry holders
- One again, I don't want my toiletries such as my floss, Q-tips, cotton rounds and hair ties just floating about in my shower caddy, so I thought I would get each of them different colored little soap holder to organize them.
- Toothbrush
- Toothbrush holder
- I would try to find one that stands up, I just feel like it's more convenient.
- Toothpaste
- Tweezers
- Washcloths (2)
- Mine are in the color "salmon".
SHOP MY COLLEGE BATH ESSENTIALS
Bed
- Bed rest pillow
- Sometimes stacking up throw pillows behind your back doesn't cut it and no one wants to lean their back up against a hard wall, so this pillow is the perfect solution whenever you just want to sit on your bed.
- Body pillow
- Body pillow cover
- Duvet cover
- I chose to get mine in the full size so I can use it after college, because let's be honest, you're never going to have a twin XL bed except for when you're in college.
- Duvet insert
- I have owned one of these for as long as I can remember so I have no idea where mine is from, and as I said above, I'm using a full size one.
- Headboard
- I'm going to DIY this, but here are the instructions I'm going off of, and I plan on covering mine in coral fabric.
- Mattress pad
- Make sure to check what size bed you have in your dorm, most are twin XL, but you don't want to mess with the size of things that go on your mattress.
- Mattress topper
- As I said above, be sure to get the correct size, probably twin XL.
- Pillowcases (2-4)
- I say have 2-4 so you if you're doing laundry you can always put other pillowcases on your pillows while they're being washed.
- Pillows (2)
- Sheets (2)
- Just like the pillowcases try to have two sets so you still have something on your bed while you're doing laundry, and make sure they're the right size for your mattress, probably twin XL.
- Throw blanket
- Throw pillows (3) one, two, three
- I think throw pillows make your bed and entire room look a lot more put together, plus it's always fun to mix and match the fun patterns and textures.
Cleaning
- Air freshener
- Disinfectant wipes
- Dryer sheets
- Iron
- I'm actually not bringing this, my roommate is. She decided that she would get the iron, and I would get the steamer.
- Ironing blanket
- I think it's better to bring an ironing blanket rather than an ironing board because it takes up a lot less space, for example, you can just roll it up and put it in a drawer when you aren't using it.
- Laundry hamper
- I got mine monogrammed in the "classic sans serif font" in white thread. I love how classic and nicely made this hamper is, and I plan to use it for many years to come.
- Laundry detergent
- The little Tide pods are the most fool proof way for college students to do laundry, especially if you have no idea what to do like me!
- Lint roller
- Paper towels
- Safety pins
- Sewing kit
- Even if you're not an expert sewer, sometimes you don't want to be walking around with a hole in your sweater or you want to be prepared if a button falls off something.
- Stain remover
- I recommend getting a pack of Tide to go sticks so you can have one in your room, one in your purse, and one in your backpack if you want!
- Steamer
- Y'all...this is seriously the cutest steamer ever! It is soooo tiny, which is perfect for a small dorm room and travel!
- Tool kit
- My boyfriend's mom got me one of these, and I think it was a very good idea. News flash, you're an adult now, so you need to get boring adult things! Anyways, it's always nice to have the means to fix something, and even if you don't know how, you could probably find someone else who can.
- Trash bags
- You don't want your trash getting the inside of your cute new waste basket all dirty, so be sure to pick up some 4 gallon trash bags!
- Wrinkle spray
- This stuff works wonders on your t-shirts and button downs; you don't want to be the girl who walks around wearing wrinkled clothes! It's really easy to use, all you have to do is spray it on your clothing and pull out the wrinkles and voila!
Closet
- Belt hook
- I like to have my belts right where I can see them, so this is the perfect tool for me!
- Belts
- Boots
- Bras
- Coats
- Unless it gets cold enough for these before you're going home next, I would suggest bringing these later!
- Dresses
- Duffel bag
- When you pack to go to college, I would highly suggest packing in duffel bags because they are much easier to store in your dorm room than suitcases since they can be folded up. Also, mine is in the color "nautical blue".
- Flats
- Flip flops
- Glasses
- Glasses case
- Hangers
- Felt hangers save sooooo much room in your already tiny closet; plus, they prevent your blouses from sliding off the hanger. I plan on getting mine in a nude color, because I just have a thing against black...sorry not sorry.
- Heels
- Jackets
- Jewelry
- Magazine file
- I plan on storing my clutches inside one of these.
- Pajamas
- Pants
- Purses
- Scarf hanger
- I plan on only putting my straight scarves on here, because I plan on putting all my thicker infinity scarves inside my storage ottoman.
- Scarves
- Shirts
- Shoe shelf
- Knowing me, if I didn't have a way to organize my shoes, it would become a chaotic mess at the bottom of my closet within minutes! This is a great way to organize and display your shoes.
- Socks
- Storage cubes
- I plan on putting three of these on the top shelf of my closet for laundry and "kitchen" stuff.
- Sunglasses
- Sweaters
- Sweats
- Rain boots
- Rain jacket
- I already have an old rain jacket, but these are really cute!
- Robe
- Mine is in the color "ink blot".
- Tennis shoes
- Tights
- T-shirts
- Umbrella
- Be sure to get one that folds up small enough to fit into your backpack, so you can be prepared for random rain!
- Underwear
- Wallet
- Workout clothes
Desk/School Supplies
- Backpack
- I got mine in the color black with a turquoise monogram. I love this backpack; it is so comfortable and doesn't come with those annoying waist straps.
- Binder clips
- I plan to use these just to keep my place in my planner.
- Binder dividers
- Binder pencil pouches (2)
- I'm going to use these to store my index cards in each binder.
- Binders (2)
- I got mine in navy and coral. I'm only going to use two binders, 1 for Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes and the other for Tuesday and Thursday classes.
- Books
- I like to read, so I'm going to make sure to bring along just a couple pleasure reading books for when I have free time.
- Cable holders
- I'm planning on putting one of these on my night stand and a few on my desk so my chargers don't slide off the surface or get tangled.
- College ruled paper
- I'm going to put a little bit in the back of each binder and then the remaining in a storage box on my desk.
- Colored pencils
- Colored pens (I like these and these)
- Colored pens makes taking notes so much more enjoyable for me, and they help me keep my planner a lot more organized.
- Desk hutch
- My mom is going to try to DIY one for me, but there are pre-made ones available here and here. This shelving will really help add more vertical storage and decor to the room.
- Drawer organizers
- No one wants the insides of their drawers looking like a tornado just blew threw them, so throwing in a couple drawer organizers will keep all your little desk essentials in order.
- Earring storage
- I organize my earrings, bracelets and rings in a small, plastic, three drawer organizer. I put styrofoam inside the top drawer to stick my earrings into, here is the tutorial I used.
- Envelopes
- Fan
- No one wants to be hot when they're studying, sleeping or getting ready, so be sure to bring along a little fan you can plug in either on your desk or your bedside table.
- Flash drive
- Folders (2)
- I say two because I'm going to have one for my Monday, Wednesday, Friday classes and one for my Tuesday and Thursday classes.
- Glue stick
- Highlighters
- Hot glue gun
- Index card holder
- I'm going to put this in my backpack to hold some blank index cards.
- Index cards
- Index cards are the most beneficial way for me to study.
- Jewelry dish
- I like to have a place to put all of my everyday jewelry, and I think a little cake stand like this one is perfect!
- Magazine file
- I plan on putting the notebooks I am not using that day in here on my desk.
- Makeup mirror
- Makeup organizer
- I've gotten tired of having to rummage through my makeup bag every time I want something, so I thought this acrylic makeup organizer would be a lot easier and prettier. P.S. I got mine for a lot cheaper at T.J. Maxx.
- Necklace organizer
- I got mine from Target, but it appears they no longer sell it. This one and this one are super cute options as well though.
- Notebooks
- I prefer to take my notes on paper most of the time, and I like to have a notebook for each class.
- Paper clips
- Pencil pouch
- Pencils
- Pencil sharpener
- Pen cup
- I got a mug from Francesca's a while back, but this one and this one are cute options as well.
- Pens (black and blue)
- Picture frames (one, two, three, four)
- I'm going to have quite a few picture frames with prints and various pictures with them on my desk for a little bit of fun and colorful decor.
- Planner
- I like to be able to entirely plan out my days and have plenty of room to write, so the I bought the Emily Ley daily planner, and I seriously cannot get over how cute it is!
- Post-it notes
- Printer
- I'm actually not getting this, my roommate is, but it's always a nice thing to have.
- Printer ink
- Printer paper
- Rubber bands
- I'm just going to use these to keep my sets of index cards together.
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Sharpies
- Stapler
- Staples
- Storage bin
- I'm going to use this to put any of my desk essentials that don't fit in my drawer.
- Storage boxes
- I'm planning on getting some gold ones from Hobby Lobby, but here are some similar ones.
- Tape dispenser
- I thought this bulldog tape dispenser was the cutest desk accessory ever! If you're interested in getting it, I would highly suggest checking your nearest Target first.
- Tape rolls
- Task lamp
- Textbooks
- Waste basket
- I got mine in a bright coral color.
- 3 hole punch
Electronics
- Batteries
- Calculator
- Camera
- Now this is not necessary for most people, but I just need it to take blog pictures.
- Camera charger
- Extension cord
- Because outlets probably won't be placed conveniently.
- Headphones
- Phone charger
- I would recommend getting a 6ft long charger, especially if you're going to be raising your bed so it can reach.
- Laptop
- Laptop case
- Lightbulbs
- Portable phone charger
- I'm planning on just throwing this in my purse so if my phone battery is running low while I'm on the go I won't have to stress about it.
- Power strip
- When is there ever enough outlets for what you want to plug in?
Kitchen
- Can opener
- Chip clips
- Disposable bowls
- You won't want to be doing dishes after just pouring cereal or eating a snack, so just get stuff you can throw away.
- Disposable cups
- Measuring cups
- To measure out the water for your Ramen.
- Microwavable bowls
- Microwave
- My roommate and I split who bought the microwave and who bought the fridge, so she bought this.
- Mini fridge
- I would recommend trying to get one with a freezer.
- Paper plates
- Plastic drawers
- We're going to get a little set to store snacks.
- Plastic utensils
- Snacks
- Travel mug
- Water bottle
- Ziploc bags
Room Decor
- Alarm clock
- Area rug
- I would suggest getting one around 5ft x 7ft, and I got mine in navy. Bed, Bath and Beyond also has some good ones for a decent price.
- Bath towel command hooks
- Bedside table
- I'm planning on just stacking four of these drawers.
- Command hooks
- To hang things without damaging the walls.
- Full length mirror
- Lamp
- I got mine in the color "vermillion".
- Picture frames
- I'm planning on using a few of these to create a gallery wall above my bed.
- Safe
- To protect your valuable jewelry, electronics, etc.
- Storage ottoman
- This is what I'm going to use as a step stool onto my bed and possibly to store infinity scarves.
- String lights
- My roommate is getting this for our room, but I think these are super cute and nautical.
- Plastic drawers (wide, medium)
- For under the bed storage I'm planning on putting two wide and one medium cart underneath for clothing storage.
- Storage tubs
- I'm planning on getting one or two of these to also put underneath my bed for various items that I will not always need easy access to.
- Tissue box cover
- I'm all about everything matching, call me crazy, but I don't want my tissue box to not match my room decor.
- Wall decor
- I'm planning on just having a bunch of prints to put inside the frames. The Preppy Printshop has some super cute ones!
SHOP MY COLLEGE ROOM DECOR ESSENTIALS
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