Do you think about everything you’ll need to pack for college and get a little overwhelmed? You’re probably worried you’ll forget something important or have no clue how you’ll pack it all.
The good news is moving to college is actually easy when you know how to do it properly.
In this guide, we’ll give you our expert tips for moving your stuff to college, as well as a quick college checklist to make sure you pack the essentials.
Wondering how much money it will cost to move to college? Check out our guide to help you work out the cost.
What To Take With You To College?
It can be really stressful trying to figure out exactly what to pack for college, especially if you’re moving miles away from home.
Pack too much and the moving process becomes much more difficult, and you won’t have enough room in your college dorm. But pack too lightly and you’ll be forever buying new things when you realize you need them but didn’t pack them.
We’ll go through what you need to take below, but don’t worry too much. As long as you’ve got the most important essentials, you can always pick up other things along the way. Plus, your new roommates will almost definitely have the things you’ve forgotten and vice versa.
What’s Available On Campus?
Most college campuses have a supermarket for all your essentials like toiletries and food. This saves you having to take a lot of food on your moving day if you’re struggling for space.
Some campuses also have book stores for your course textbooks and may even have laptop rental facilities if you don’t already have one of your own.
Make sure to check out your college’s website to see what specific stores and facilities are available when you arrive – you might be able to leave some stuff at home and buy it when you arrive.
College Moving-in Checklist
Let’s take a look at some of the essentials you’ll want to add to your college packing list and some top packing tips to make moving to college much easier.
Bedroom
- Comforter
- Bedsheets
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- Alarm clock
- Tissue
- Paper towels
- Under-bed storage (these are great for packing all your bedding in to save money on moving boxes)
- Desk lamp
- Trashcan
- Adhesive hooks
- Back of door storage
- Shower shoes for a communal bathroom
- Shower caddy
Also, think about using your bedding and sheets as packing material to wrap up other items. This will save space and money on packing paper or bubble wrap.
Kitchen
- Mini fridge (for keeping your food in your room and away from your roommates)
- Microwave-safe bowls
- Food storage containers
- Coffee mug
- Water bottle
- Dish soap
- Scrubber
- Small dish towel
- Foil
- Can opener
- Oven mitt
- Pot & Pan
- Ziplock bags
Most college dorms come with a microwave, stove, fridge, and other appliances, so you won’t need to take those with you.
But you might need to take a coffee maker or toastie maker if you really love yours.
If you can, get in touch with your new roommates and make plans to take certain items. Otherwise, you’ll end up with 10 dish towels and 14 pot and pans that never get used.
Living area
If you have a communal living space in your dorm, it will probably already be furnished with chairs, a coffee table, or a sofa, so don’t worry about taking bulky furniture with you.
You’ll probably also be supplied with things like a mop and bucket, ironing board, and iron – check with your college to save taking double of things already provided.
Desk
You can never have enough desk supplies when going to college – it will all get used during your studies. So, get a sturdy packing box and take some of the following:
- A sturdy backpack or bookbag
- Calendar or planner
- Pens
- Paper
- Pencils and a sharpener
- Notebooks
- Binders
- Paperclips
- Highlighters
- Calculator
- Stapler
- Extension cord
- Index Cards
- Scissors
- Tape
- Hole punch
Most colleges have printing facilities on campus, as well as stationery supplies in the library or store. Again, check what’s available to save time and money during your move.
Important documents
Get yourself a sturdy file and take important documents, including:
- Driving license
- Social security card
- Birth certificate
- Insurance cards
- Transcripts
- Any other important documents
You often need proof of identification for enrolment and it’s best to have these handy but in a safe place.
Tech
Tech is essential when moving to college, so make sure you have the following:
- Computer/laptop (get a decent carry case to keep it safe during your move)
- TV and a DVD player
- Stereo/speakers
- Game systems
- HDMI cord
Packing for College is Easy (When You Plan Ahead)
Don’t let the idea of moving to college overwhelm you, remember, everyone is in the same boat. As long as you have the essentials, your move will be easy.
Want to know exactly how to pack everything for your move to college? Check out our moving guide where we share 15 expert moving tips.
