It’s difficult to decide what to take to college and what to leave off your college packing list. You usually forget something because there are so many dorm room needs and unexpected things to bring to college.
Furthermore, they frequently mark college by a high number of “firsts.” This is my first time away from home. It’s your first time away from your childhood mates. It’s your first time in a dorm or other form of student housing.
And, while you’re not exactly starting from scratch with that final first, it’s overwhelming to consider what you’ll need to bring.
A few questions to look at before the major point of the subject is stated:
- What is a packing list?
- What are some of the College packing tips you should know?
- When should you pack for College?
- What are those banned electronics in College Dorms?
- What Are The Must-have College Packing List For Girls In 2024
Table of contents
What Is A Packing List?
A packing list explains a package’s contents that the recipient uses to verify the contents. For each item in a package, a packing list usually includes a description, amount, and weight.
The prices of the items being delivered are not included. The seller, who either includes it in the package or places it in an adhesive bag on the outside of the item, creates it.
Check Out: College Dorm Checklist you need this Period
What Are Some Of The College Packing Tips You Should Know?
To round off our college packing list for girls, we thought we’d throw in a few recommendations to ensure that your dorm packing is as simple and stress-free as possible.
Don’t merely bring your belongings from your room.
Dorm rooms are typically small—even if you’re fortunate enough to get a single room without a roommate, you’ll be cramped.
Consider this when packing for college, and don’t just stuff everything into boxes and hope you’ll find room for it.
Coordinate with your roommate.
You’ll only need one of the larger objects in your dorm room, such as your tiny refrigerator and area rug.
Before moving day, you should have your roommate’s name and contact information, so have a quick talk about who will bring what for the major shared room necessities.
Consider the logistics of migrating.
College students rarely use professional movers. Instead, it will be students and their parents who will drag boxes up and down the stairs.
To save time and effort, pack small and consider whether you’ll have access to a dolly and/or an elevator when loading and arranging your moving boxes.
Pack an essentials bag.
Things have a habit of getting misplaced amid the stacks of belongings on moving day.
Pack an essentials bag with items you’ll need right immediately, such as your wallet, any prescriptions you’re taking, basic toiletries, a cell phone charger, and a few changes of clothes, including pajamas.
See whether there are any goods that you may not bring.
Check your college’s and dorm’s restrictions on what you can and can’t bring into student living before packing your favorite soy candles and that window A/C unit.
Some goods that are prohibited may surprise you.
Think of the seasons.
You’ll need your boots, jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves if you’re going to school somewhere with a cold winter, but not in the summer when you move in.
If you know you’ll be able to visit home before the colder months arrive, just pack seasonally suitable clothing and replace it with winter clothing when the time comes.
When Should You pack For College?
Starting about two weeks before you move into your dorm or apartment is ideal. This will allow you plenty of time to prepare and find everything you need without the stress of having to do it at the last minute.
You’ll have plenty of time to go shopping for anything you don’t already own.
What Are Those Banned Electronics in College Dorms?
According to a MONEY survey of over 50 universities, almost every single institution in the US has prohibited halogen lamps in student dorms, describing them as a major fire threat.
In addition, most schools prohibit:
- Lamps with several heads and plastic shades
- Miniature Christmas lights, for example, can be used as string lights.
- Cords for extension
- Hot plates and toaster ovens are examples of cooking appliances.
- Space heaters or air conditioners
- Blankets with electricity
You may not have known it when you signed up for residence life as part of your college enrollment process, but you agreed to follow certain rules regarding gadgets and appliances in your dorm. Your school will exercise maximum caution, with many schools publishing reminders like these online:
The University and the Fire Department may take disciplinary action if a fire system, such as a smoke detector, is accidentally activated.
Smoke detectors are sensitive for safety reasons.
You may face disciplinary action and related fees or sanctions if the use of your item causes a health or safety risk, a disruption in the community, or property damage or loss, regardless of whether the item is approved.
Make sure you read the fine print because some schools have specific (and weird) things on their no-go list. Vacuum cleaners, fish, and “any memorabilia promoting the New York Yankees” should all be left at home, according to the Olin College of Engineering in a suburb of Boston.
Must-Have College Packing List For Girls
Dorm Essentials
Consider your dorm a mini-apartment. It’ll be your home base on campus, and you’ll (obviously) be spending a lot of time there, so you’ll want to make sure it’s convenient. Because you won’t need two of everything, coordinate with your roommate on some of these products.
- Television
- Mini fridge
- Coffee maker
- Microwave
- Printer, printer paper, and ink
- String lights
- Prints and/or posters
- Area rug
- Dry erase board for your door
- Floor lamp
- Full length mirror
- Box fan or window A/C unit depending on dorm
- Trash can and garbage bags
- Step stool
- Removable adhesive strips and hooks
- Underbed storage
- Hangers
- First aid kit
Study Materials
A detailed list of the items you’ll need to achieve your best in school would be missing from any college packing list for girls. Some of these will depend on your study style and the classes you’ll be taking, so go over the list and see which ones make the most sense for you.
- Laptop lock
- Backpack
- Day planner
- Binders
- Filler lined paper
- Notebooks
- Highlighters
- Pens and pencils
- Notecards
- Graph paper
- Graphing calculator
- Sticky notes
- Stapler
- Tape
- Scissors
Creature Comforts
Your dorm is a haven where you may retreat when you need a respite from the stresses of college life. As a result, you want it to be warm and inviting.
This is how you do it.
- Mattress topper (memory foam is always a good choice)
- Mattress pad
- Comforter or duvet with cover
- Pillow(s)
- Pillow cases (at least two per pillow)
- Sheets (two sets)
- Extra blanket
- Throw blanket
- Bedside lamp
- Salt rock lamp
- Comfy robe and slippers
- Eye mask
- Ear plugs
Clothing
So, while you probably don’t need a packing list to remind you that you need to bring clothes to your dorm. Let’s go through the fundamentals to make sure you forget nothing.
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Pajamas
- Everyday pants (including jeans and leggings)
- Everyday tops
- Going out clothes
- Active wear
- Business casual wear
- Semi-formal wear
- Rain boots
- Sneakers
- Going out shoes, including a comfortable pair of heels
- Sunglasses
- Belt
- Jewelry
- Going out purse
- Everyday purse
You may also need these, although depending on where you intend going:
- Jackets for multiple seasons
- Hats
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Winter boots
- Bathing suit (s)
Toiletries
Even if you’re sharing a bathroom with 40 other people, you’ll still require all of your own toiletries.
Keep in mind that, while you’ll be able to stock up as needed, bringing large volumes of toiletries with you at the start of the year will ensure that they last as long as possible.
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes (a.k.a. flip flops)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Loofah
- Body towels (at least two)
- Hand towels (at least two)
- Deodorant
- Body lotion
- Moisturizer
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Cotton pads and/or cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Makeup remover
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Tampons and/or pads
- Shaving cream
- Razors
- Perfume
- Hairspray
- Chapstick
- Cosmetics
- Nail polish
- Nail polish remover
- Hair brush
- Tweezers
- Straightening iron
- Curling iron
- Hair ties
- Hair clips
Cleaning Up
A cheerful dorm room is one that is clean. Messes accumulate quickly (especially when you don’t have your parents to clean up after you), so bring some basic cleaning tools with you to stay on top of dirt and grime.
- Broom and dustpan
- Handheld vacuum
- Laundry basket or bag
- Laundry detergent
- Stain stick
- Dryer sheets
- Folding drying rack
- Mini steamer
- Quarters for laundry (if required)
- Disinfectant cleaning wipes
- Small bottle of dish soap
- Sponge
- Air freshening spray
Eating + Drinking
Although cafeteria food and pizza delivery are the most common forms of college eating, you’ll want to store food and supplies in your dorm for snacks and quick dinners.
- Plates and bowls (two or three)
- Eating utensils (two or three sets)
- Paper towels
- Filtered water pitcher (make sure you get one that fits in your mini fridge)
- Mug (one or two)
- Travel mug
- Drinking glasses (one or two)
- Travel water bottle
- Plastic food storage
- Reusable sandwich bags
- Dorm snacks (some good ones: instant noodles, peanut butter, granola bars, dried fruit and fruit snacks, and nuts).
Electronics
Most youngsters wouldn’t go anywhere, let alone to college, without their beloved electronics.
Choose from this list the items that will make dorm life easier for you as well as those that you can’t live without (don’t forget your chargers!).
- Cell phone (and charger)
- Laptop (and charger)
- USB drive
- External hard drive
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Extension cords
- Surge protectors
- Flashlight
- Travel charger
Documents
- ID card
- Driver license
- Social security card
- Debit/credit card
- Student ID
- Medical and dental card
Halloween Costumes
Make sure you dress up for Halloween parties and themed activities because they are an important part of the college experience. Here are some Halloween costume ideas for college students to get you started.
Backpack With The Essentials
When packing for college, keep all of your basics in a small backpack or bag, including your paperwork, phone, wallet, and other items you’ll need on hand.
This way, you’ll have an easier time grabbing them if you need them!
Dorm Decor
String lights
- Posters/ photos
- Picture frames
- Plants
- Bulletin board
- Lamp
- Rug
- Other decor…
Mirror
Most people don’t realize it, but dorms don’t have mirrors, which is why bringing a full-length mirror to college is one of the most unexpected items to pack.
Make sure you carry one with you if you want to examine how your attire appears before leaving your dorm.
Umbrella
It’s critical to check the weather forecast for where you’ll be attending school. You’ll essentially be planning all of your outfits based on the weather.
I recall being soaked several times because I had forgotten to carry an umbrella. Before you go to college, make sure you have one.
Tool Kit
A tool kit will be useful not only during the move-in process but also throughout the year if you need to perform a fast repair.
Bedside Tray
Dorm rooms are cramped, and there’s a good possibility you won’t be able to fit a table in there. Instead, invest in a bedside tray where you can store your essentials like your phone, charger, and books.
Command Hooks
Command hooks are the greatest solution because you won’t be permitted to use anything on the walls that could damage them in most dorm rooms. If you’re planning to adorn your dorm walls, make sure you bring a pack of them!
Power Bank
You should include a power bank in your college packing list.
We use so many electronic devices these days that it’s easy to forget to charge one or run out of battery. You’ll be OK if you keep a portable charger with you at all times.
Shoe Organizer
It’s quite simple to hang, and you can store all of your shoes in the various sections. Everything is more visible and accessible.
Personalized Makeup Bag
If you share your dorm and bathroom with other girls, a personalized bag will come in handy for keeping your cosmetics or makeup.
It’s easy to mix up each other’s belongings, so having a bag with your name on it is a wonderful approach to avoid this.
Queries
College Dorm Checklist for Freshman Students
- Garbage Bags + Garbage Can
- Paper Towels + Spray Cleaner
- Wipes for cleaning and disinfecting.
- Handheld vacuum or small broom + dustpan
- Gloves that can be thrown away.
- Drawer Liners for drawers that have been used previously.
- Dryer Sheets + Laundry Detergent
Fun Things You Need To Bring To College
- Water Re-sealers for bottle caps.
- Tampon Flask is a type of flask used to store tamp. The advantages of being a lady
- Smoke Smell Be-Gone!… Shot Glass Roulette …
- UV Glow Blacklight Face and Body Paint. Jammi Glow Ping-Pong Balls.
- Party Pack of Premium Glow Stick Bracelets
- Playing cards that glow in the dark.
- Printable College Dorm Checklist
Conclusion
Moving into your college dorm might be nerve-wracking, but it’s also a thrilling and crucial aspect of the college experience. I hope you find this college packing list to be really useful; best of luck!
References
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