Click here to download a printable version of this list!
We at HC know there are few things more daunting than packing up your life to move into your (really tiny) dorm or apartment at college, especially if you’re a freshman. What do you need to bring with you? What sounds like a great idea to pack now, but will just end up unused and taking up precious closet space? What if you forget something important (hello, health insurance card) and you can’t get it until Thanksgiving?
Lucky for you, we know exactly what you need to bring to college. Just use this all-inclusive checklist that covers everything from bedding to food to medicine, and you’re guaranteed to not have any of those awful “oh-no-I-forgot-X-important-thing” moments on move-in day.
Click here to download a printable version of this list!
Bedding
- Bedbug-protecting mattress cover
- Foam topper
- Mattress pad (HC Pick: IKEA TANANGER mattress topper)
- Twin XL sheet set (and an extra set; HC Pick: IKEA DVALA sheet set)
- Duvet and duvet cover or comforter set (HC Pick: IKEA SMÅSTARR duvet cover and pillowcases)
- Twin XL bed skirt
- Pillows (HC Pick: IKEA ÄRENPRIS pillow, firmer)
- Pillowcases (HC Pick: IKEA SMÅNATE cushion cover)
- Reading pillow
- Throw blanket (HC Pick: IKEA GURLI throw)
- Throw pillows (HC Picks: IKEA GULLKLOCKA cushion cover)
- Underbed storage (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Under-Bed Storage Bag)
- Sleeping bag or air mattress
Room
- Additional seating (beanbag chair, folding chair, comfy chair, etc.)
- Futon (HC pick: IKEA BALKARP sleeper sofa)
- Couch cushion (HC Pick: IKEA FJÄDRAR inner cushion)
- Cushion cover (HC Pick: IKEA VIGDIS cushion cover)
- Bedside table (HC Pick:IKEA TINGBY side table)
- Dining table (HC Pick: IKEA MELLTORP table)
- Alarm clock
- Wall clock (HC Pick: IKEA BRAVUR wall clock)
- Bedside lamp (HC Pick: IKEA JANSJÖ LED wall clamp/spotlight)
- Floor lamp (HC Picks: IKEA HOLMÖ floor lamp or IKEA NOT floor uplight)
- Lampshade
- Hanging lamp (HC Picks: IKEA REGOLIT pendant lamp shade; use the IKEA HEMMA cord set)
- String lights (HC Pick: IKEA SÄRDAL LED light chain)
- Coffee table (HC Pick: IKEA LACK side table)
- Area rug (HC Pick: IKEA HULSIG rug, low pile)
- Bed risers (HC Pick: IKEA TARVA daybed frame)
- Bed net (HC Pick: IKEA BRYNE net)
- Adhesive hooks and strips (that come off cleanly)
- Bulletin board and/or dry erase board (HC Pick: IKEA VÄGGIS noticeboard)
- Push pins/magnets/whiteboard markers
- Posters (HC Pick: IKEA TRILLING poster)
- Wall art (HC Pick:IKEA KLÄTTA decorative stickers, chalkboard world)
- Photos
- Picture frames or photo clips (HC Pick: IKEA VIRSERUM frame)
- Closet organizer (HC Pick: IKEA SKUBB organizer)
- Hangers (HC Pick: IKEA BAGIS hanger)
- Skirt hangers
- Over-the-door storage units (HC Pick: IKEA SKUBB hanging shoe organizer)
- Space bags
- Curtain rods (if needed)
- Curtains (HC Pick: IKEA VIVAN curtains)
- Fan
- Space cooler
- Wall mirror/full-length mirror (HC Pick: IKEA LANGESUND mirror)
- Jewelry organizer
- Jewelry safe
- Clothes rack (HC Pick: IKEA RIGGA clothes rack)
- Stepladder
- Trashcan
- Candles
- Candle holder
- Plants (HC Pick: IKEA SUCCULENT plant with pot)
- Shelves (HC Pick: IKEA KALLAX shelf unit)
- Drawers (HC Pick: IKEA ALEX drawer unit – five drawers or nine drawers)
- Utility cart (HC Pick: IKEA RÅSKOG utility cart)
- Shoe rack (HC Pick: IKEA LUSTIFIK hat/shoe rack)
- Vase (HC Pick: IKEA FORMLIG vase)
- Decorative baskets (HC Pick: IKEA NORDRANA basket)
Laundry
- Laundry hamper or bag (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Pop-Up Laundry Bag)
- Lingerie bag
- Laundry detergent
- Bleach
- Color catchers
- Fabric softener
- Stain remover
- Dryer sheets
- Drying rack
- Garment bag
- Iron
- Ironing board (HC Pick: IKEA JÄLL tabletop ironing board)
- Lint brush
- Portable stain remover pen
- Quarters
- Sewing kit (HC Pick: IKEA SY 15-piece sewing kit set)
Food
- Bulk snacks (candy, granola, dried fruit, etc.)
- Bottled water
- Granola bars
- Popcorn
- Cereal
- Coffee
- Coffee creamer
- Sugar
- Instant hot chocolate
- Microwaveable mac and cheese
- Ramen
- Soup
- Instant oatmeal
- Peanut butter and jelly
Desk/School Supplies
- Backpack (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Lighten Up Grand Backpack)
- Tote bag (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Iconic Vera Tote)
- Binder clips
- Paper clips (HC Pick: IKEA UPFATTA paper clips)
- Binders
- Business cards
- Calculator
- Calendar
- Clicker (if you need one for class)
- Desk chair (HC Pick: IKEA LEIFARNE chair)
- Desk lamp (HC Pick: IKEA JANSJÖ LED work lamp)
- Desk organizer
- Envelopes
- Stamps
- Cards/notes to send home
- File folder for important documents (HC Pick: IKEA TJENA magazine file)
- Desk storage box (HC Pick: IKEA TJENA box with compartments)
- Folders
- Glue
- Notebook paper
- Notebooks
- Notepads
- Index cards
- Sticky notes
- Journal
- Laptop fan/stand
- Pencil case
- Pencil sharpener
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Pens/colored pens
- Permanent marker
- Highlighters
- White out
- Planner
- Portfolio/portfolio case for interviews
- Lunchbox (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Lunch Bunch)
- Rubber bands
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Staples
- Staple remover
- Tape (HC Pick: IKEA FULLFÖLJA roll of tape)
- Textbooks
- Three-hole punch
Kitchen Supplies
- Blender
- Microwave (if your school allows it)
- Mini fridge (if your school allows it)
- Toaster (if your school allows it)
- Coffee maker
- Oven mitt
- Water boiler
- Water filter pitcher (HC pick: Brita Stream Pitcher)
- Water filters (HC pick: Brita Stream Replacement Filters)
- Reusable water bottle
- Utensils
- Dishes
- Mugs
- Travel mug
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Chip clips
- Napkins
- Food storage containers
- Plastic wrap
- Paper plates
- Sealable plastic bags
- Tinfoil
- Dish towels
- Paper towels
- Dishwashing soap
- Hand soap
- Disinfecting wipes
- Glass cleaner
- Sponges
- Duster
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Mini vacuum
- Mop
- Trash bags
Tech
- Laptop
- External hard drive
- Flash drives
- Keyboard
- Wireless mouse
- Lap desk/stand (HC Pick: IKEA SVARTÅSEN laptop stand)
- Laptop Case
- Camera
- SD card for camera
- E-reader
- Tablet
- Chargers (phone, laptop, camera, etc.)
- Portable phone charger
- Ethernet cable
- HDMI cable
- Extension cords
- Adapters (HDMI, ethernet, etc)
- Headphones and spare headphones
- Speakers
- Printer
- Printer ink
- Cord organizer (HC Pick: IKEA FIXA 114-piece cable management set)
- Printer paper
- Router
- Surge protectors
- TV
- TV stand
- Batteries
Bathroom
- Air freshener
- Shower curtain and rings (if needed)
- Shower mat
- Shower organizer (if your school allows it)
- Upgraded showerhead (if your school allows it)
- Bathroom rug
- Shower shoes
- Shower cap
- Shower caddy (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Shower Caddy)
- Bath pouf
- Loofah
- Washcloths
- Bath towels
- Hand towels
- Bathrobe
- Tumbler/cup
- Bathroom cleaning supplies (if you need them for your dorm: i.e., drain cleaner, glass cleaner, rubber gloves, shower cleaner, sponges, toilet brush, toilet cleaner)
- Scale
Toiletries
Products– Want more HC picks? Shop our L’Oréal Paris faves at Walmart!
- Self-tanner (HC Pick: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes+ L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist)
- Bar soap
- Body wash
- Lotion (HC Pick: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Glow)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Cleanser (HC Pick: L’Oréal Paris Exfoliate & Refine Pure-Clay Cleanser)
- Moisturizer (HC Pick: L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin)
- Mask (HC Pick: L’Oréal Paris Exfoliate & Refine Pure-Clay Mask)
- Acne medicine/cream
- Shaving Cream
- Waxing strips
- Hair removal cream
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Bronzer
- Blush
- Highlighter
- Eye cream
- Eyeshadow (HC Pick: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude)
- Eyeliner
- Mascara (HC Pick: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in Blackest Black)
- Eyebrow pencil (HC Pick: L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Shape & Fill Pencil)
- Lip balm
- Lipstick (HC Pick: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Matte)
- Makeup remover (HC Pick: L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water for Normal to Dry Skin)
- Hair gel
- Hair mousse
- Hairspray
- Nail polish
- Nail polish remover
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Antibacterial gel
Supplies
- Hand mirror
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Toothbrush holder
- Razor
- Tweezers
- Hairbrush
- Comb
- Bobby pins
- Blow dryer
- Diffusers
- Hair curlers
- Curling iron
- Hair straightener
- Hair ties
- Hair clips
- Headbands
- Contacts, solution, and case
- Eyeglasses and case
- Eyeglass cleaner
- Cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Tissues
- Makeup brushes
- Nail clippers
- Nail files
- Pumice stone
- Tampons and pads
- Toilet paper
Clothing
- Bras
- Underwear
- Shapewear
- Sports bras
- Pajamas
- Casual dresses
- Little black dress
- Semi-formal dresses
- Formal dress
- Going-out clothes
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Short-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Tank tops
- Jeans
- Pants
- Leggings/Yoga pants
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Professional clothing (dress, dress pants, button-down shirts, skirts, blazers, shoes, purse)
- Belts
- Tights
- Sweaters
- Sweatpants
- Sweatshirts
- Fleece
- Jackets
- Raincoat
- Winter coat
- Gloves
- Workout clothes
- Athletic sneakers
- Boots
- Casual shoes
- Flats
- Flip-flops
- Heels
- Rain boots
- Snow boots
- Slipper socks
- Socks
- Socks for rain boots
- Slippers
- Sunglasses
- Bathing suits
- Hats
- Scarves
- Watch
- Wristlet
- Everyday purse (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Iconic Triple Zip Hipster)
- Formal clutch
- Going-out purse
- Change purse (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Zip ID Case)
- Gym bag
- Jewelry
- Costume clothing for theme parties/extracurricular events
Documents
- Bank documents
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Checks
- Driver’s license
- Car registration and insurance information
- AAA card
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of Social Security card
- Passport
- Student ID
- Emergency contact list
- Financial aid documents
- Health/dental insurance cards
- Lease (if you have an apartment)
- Renters insurance (if you have an apartment)
- Product warranties
Medical
- Allergy medicine
- Aloe lotion
- Antiseptic wipes
- Cortisone cream
- Vaseline
- Bandages
- Blister bandages
- First aid kit
- Birth control pills
- Condoms
- Menstrual pain medication
- Cold and flu medicine
- Decongestant
- Throat drops/lozenges
- Throat spray
- Eye drops
- Hot and cold packs
- Humidifier
- Insect repellent
- Multivitamins
- Supplements (iron pills, etc.)
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Prescription medicine
- Prescription refill information
- Retainer/mouthguard
- Rubbing alcohol
- Thermometer
- Thermometer covers
- Upset stomach medication
Miscellaneous
- Beach towel
- Bike
- Bike helmet
- Bike lock
- Board games
- Books to read for fun
- Video game console
- Playing cards
- Art supplies
- DVDs
- Musical instruments
- Religious materials
- Earplugs
- Sleep mask
- Flashlight
- Lightbulbs
- Safety pins
- Safety whistle
- Pepper spray (if legal in your state)
- Tool kit
- Duct tape
- Weekend bag
- Travel organizer for toiletries
- Suitcase/duffel bag (HC Pick: Vera Bradley Large Duffel)
- Luggage tags
- Umbrella
- Vacuum
- Hand weights
- Yoga mat
- Sports equipment
Click here to download a printable version of this list!
Like what you see? We're giving away all of the Vera Bradley bags featured on this list. Click here to enter!