the main takeaway: in my experience, people tend to bring way too much to college and then end up regretting it when they move out. you really don’t need that many things because somebody else or the front desk will likely have anything you need.
bold is for things i find essential.
folder for official papers like vaccination forms, work forms, etc
something to hold your utensils on your desk/utensil cup/desk organizer
stapler - it’ll save your butt when you’re running to class late with an essay due. staple your work! not doing that can drive some professors nuts.
binder to hold old schoolwork
graph ruled composition notebook for stem classes
washi tapes/my crafting materials
i didn’t need anything different from high school. i wouldn’t recommend going out and buying a lot of new school supplies. perhaps just bring the usual stuff on your desk and in your backpack.
a mattress pad - a lot of people on youtube will recommend that you buy these very expensive mattress foam pads. i didn’t use one – i just had a cover for the mattress. i’m sure the quality of mattresses will differ from college to college, but i slept fine.
sheets (set) - check to see what size your college uses. we use twin XL, so I had to go buy another set of sheets.
comforter - i had one duvet and one thinner blanket so i had layers to cover all seasons.
pillow - i only used one, and i find that if you loft your bed it’s much more convenient to have fewer things on your bed so changing your sheets isn’t as much of a hassle.
your favorite stuffed animal/comfort object :)
handtowel - my dorm didn’t provide paper towels for after you wash your hands
shower caddy - i would recommend something that can be hung up if your dorm has showers with hooks on the doors. mine didn’t, so i ended up buying a sturdy plastic caddy that i put on a stool in the shower.
all your essentials (shampoo, conditioner, face wash, etc)
soap (i don’t recommend bar soap unless you have a ledge on your caddy where you can put it)
toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant. just bring your basic stuff.
electric kettle (if you drink tea or eat instant ramen a lot)
tea bags (you can steal these from the dining hall)
tupperware - i bring about two containers just in case i want to steal something from the dining hall, but that’s about it.
one plate - wouldn’t recommend bringing more than that. what do you need five plates for?
i would recommend against bringing kitchenware like pots/pans/cooking spoons/etc. my dorm has these available for residents; check with your dorm as well. i also did not cook or bake a single time the whole year, and my friend who cooked just used the communal pots and pans.
trash can - preferably with a lid so you can put food in there. best to bring your own trash can so you don’t have to resent your roommate for not taking out the trash when it’s their turn.
trunk/container - i use one for storage, one lockable trunk for valuables, and one container for food to keep out bugs. these containers also doubled as tables/night stands because i didn’t want to buy furniture.
desk lamp - if your roommate sleeps before you, it’s convenient to have a little light so you can work as they sleep.
laundry bag - would recommend something that is easily rolled/carried to and from the laundry room
sewing kit - i patched up my roommate’s laundry bag once and definitely could’ve borrowed a suitemate’s kit, so these aren’t necessary in my opinion.
vacuum - check to see if your dorm has these available for check out. mine did.
microwave - i didn’t buy one. my floor had one in a communal area, and a few people in my suite had a microwave.
fridge - i just used my suitemates’ fridges.
ear plugs - for light sleepers/those easily disturbed.
do not bring your entire wardrobe!!!!!!!!!!! do not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just bring the things that you wear most often. remember: nobody actually pays that much attention to what you wear, and you’ll only see the same people 3 or 2 times a week, so you only need 3 unique outfits a week lmao.
one formal outfit/pair of shoes (in case of interviews or dinner parties)
enough socks/undergarments to last as long as you want to go in between laundry loads. i only bring enough to last 1.5 weeks, and it forces me to wash my clothes regularly, which is nice in a way.
portable charger and cord
be real with yourself here. i played my ukulele or painted probably five times the entire year. i read none of the books i brought despite being an avid reader. i brought some of my crafting materials and only used them maybe three times.
cards - i brought some thank you cards/envelopes/stamps with me but you don’t have to. these are easily bought.
i did not bring any decorations and i don’t regret it, but a lot of my suitemates had tapestries and things. i would just bring stuff that’s already in your room at home. the less stuff you have to bring home the better.
best of luck with your first year! hope this helps :)
