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What are some things that most people forget to pack when packing for college?
As an incoming college freshman I want to make sure I pack everything possible.
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8 answers
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Wong’s Answer
Hi Grace. Some commonly forgotten essentials include a power strip or extension cord, phone and laptop chargers, reusable water bottle, umbrella, laundry basket, detergent, shower shoes, toiletries, first-aid supplies, medications, extra towels, and a small sewing kit.
For studying, don't forget notebooks, pens, sticky notes, folders, a planner or calendar, headphones, and a flash drive or external storage device. If you'll be sharing a dorm room, earplugs and an eye mask can also be very helpful.
It's also a good idea to bring a few cleaning supplies, such as disinfecting wipes, paper towels, trash bags, and a small vacuum or broom if your dorm doesn't provide one.
For studying, don't forget notebooks, pens, sticky notes, folders, a planner or calendar, headphones, and a flash drive or external storage device. If you'll be sharing a dorm room, earplugs and an eye mask can also be very helpful.
It's also a good idea to bring a few cleaning supplies, such as disinfecting wipes, paper towels, trash bags, and a small vacuum or broom if your dorm doesn't provide one.
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi! One thing that surprised me when I got to college was that it wasn’t the big things people forgot, it was all the small everyday items. I’d definitely pack an extension cord or a long phone charger, a small first-aid kit with medicine for headaches, allergies, and colds, a basic toolkit, extra charging cables, a reusable water bottle, shower shoes, and a mattress topper if your residence hall doesn’t provide comfortable mattresses. I’d also bring command hooks, storage bins, a laundry basket that’s easy to carry, a small fan, and a portable umbrella. One thing I wish more people thought about is bringing a few things that make your room feel like home, such as family photos, a favorite blanket, or decorations that make the space feel comfortable. Finally, don’t stress about bringing absolutely everything. There will almost always be a store nearby or online delivery if you realize you forgot something. Focus on the essentials first, and you’ll figure out the rest as you settle in.
Updated
Sijoy’s Answer
Hi Grace,
Thanks for reaching out. I totally understand what you are going through. When I first left home for school and work, I found that while we remember big things like clothes and laptops, it's the little everyday items we often forget.
Here are some handy things students usually forget to pack:
1. Extension cords and power strips – Dorms often lack enough outlets, so these are super useful.
2. Toiletries – Don't forget soap, shampoo, and flip-flops for the shower.
3. Laundry supplies – Bring detergent, fabric softener, and a laundry bag or basket.
4. First aid kit – Pack band-aids, pain relievers, and any personal meds.
5. Reusable water bottle and basic utensils – Great for saving money and late-night snacks.
6. Cleaning supplies – Disinfectant wipes, a broom, or a small vacuum keep your room tidy.
7. Stationery and desk supplies – Pens, sticky notes, and scissors come in handy.
8. Umbrella or raincoat – Be ready for unexpected rain.
9. Lock and key or portable safe – Keep your valuables secure in a shared room.
10. Bedding extras – A mattress topper, extra pillow, or blanket adds comfort.
Once you arrive, you can quickly buy or set up these items:
1. Dorm essentials: Desk lamp, storage bins, and hooks.
2. Food and kitchen: Instant snacks, reusable dishes, and an electric kettle.
3. Laundry and cleaning: Laundry basket and basic cleaning supplies.
4. Health and safety: First aid kit, reusable water bottle, mask, and sanitizer.
5. Study and tech: Basic stationery, extension cord, and USB stick.
6. Comfort and weather: Umbrella, extra blanket, and earplugs or headphones.
These small things can really make a difference in your daily life and help you settle in smoothly. Best of luck with your move. Take care.
Thanks for reaching out. I totally understand what you are going through. When I first left home for school and work, I found that while we remember big things like clothes and laptops, it's the little everyday items we often forget.
Here are some handy things students usually forget to pack:
1. Extension cords and power strips – Dorms often lack enough outlets, so these are super useful.
2. Toiletries – Don't forget soap, shampoo, and flip-flops for the shower.
3. Laundry supplies – Bring detergent, fabric softener, and a laundry bag or basket.
4. First aid kit – Pack band-aids, pain relievers, and any personal meds.
5. Reusable water bottle and basic utensils – Great for saving money and late-night snacks.
6. Cleaning supplies – Disinfectant wipes, a broom, or a small vacuum keep your room tidy.
7. Stationery and desk supplies – Pens, sticky notes, and scissors come in handy.
8. Umbrella or raincoat – Be ready for unexpected rain.
9. Lock and key or portable safe – Keep your valuables secure in a shared room.
10. Bedding extras – A mattress topper, extra pillow, or blanket adds comfort.
Once you arrive, you can quickly buy or set up these items:
1. Dorm essentials: Desk lamp, storage bins, and hooks.
2. Food and kitchen: Instant snacks, reusable dishes, and an electric kettle.
3. Laundry and cleaning: Laundry basket and basic cleaning supplies.
4. Health and safety: First aid kit, reusable water bottle, mask, and sanitizer.
5. Study and tech: Basic stationery, extension cord, and USB stick.
6. Comfort and weather: Umbrella, extra blanket, and earplugs or headphones.
These small things can really make a difference in your daily life and help you settle in smoothly. Best of luck with your move. Take care.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1101
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Grace:
When packing for college, it is easy to focus on the big items, that you will most likely be using every day, like computers, bedding, and campus clothes, while entirely overlooking the small, seemingly insignificant essentials. Here are a few of those smaller items, you might want to pack along with you.
#1. Health and First Aid
• Cold and flu medication: You will likely get the "campus illnesses" during your first semester, and walking to a store while sick is not a good experience.
• A basic first-aid kit: Pack Band-Aids, pain relievers, cough drops, and a thermometer.
• Toe clippers and Tweezers: Essential for splinters or minor fixes, and keeping away ingrown nails.
• Health insurance card: Bring a physical copy or a clear photo of it for unexpected or emergency health clinic visits.
#2. Power and Electronics
• An extra-long phone charger: Outlets in dorms are often positioned in unusual and hard-to-reach places far away from your bed.
• Surge protector power strips: Standard dorm rooms rarely have enough outlets for a small refrigerator, microwave, laptop, phone, and lamp.
• An external battery pack: Vital for long days across campus when your phone battery dies between classes and lectures.
#3. Other Items
• Shower shoes: Needed for protecting your feet in communal dorm showers, where athletes foot and other fungus can live.
• A solid-bottom trash can: Avoid mesh trash cans; you need something that can hold liquids if you or a roommate gets an illness or sick.
• Disinfecting wipes: Dorm rooms sit empty and collect thick dust for months before you move in.
• A plunger: It is much better to have one before an emergency strikes than to ask an RA for one later.
• A high-quality rain gear, like a jacket and umbrella: Walking across campus in a sudden downpour will ruin your clothes and your homework and textbooks.
• A small portable fan: Many older dorm buildings lack central air conditioning, making late summer move-ins incredibly hot.
• Clothes: You will need at least one business-casual outfit and formal shoes for unexpected interviews, career fairs, or class presentations
#4. Kitchen and Utility
• Basic tools: A multi-tool, a small screwdriver, or a roll of duct tape will save you when assembling certain furniture items.
• Real silverware and food clips: Even if you have a meal plan, you will eat takeout or late-night snacks in your room and will need a way to seal bags.
• A miniature stapler and scissors: Professors still occasionally require physical papers to be turned in, so having one with you will definitely save time.
I hope some of these suggestions have been helpful for you. Good luck on move-in day.
When packing for college, it is easy to focus on the big items, that you will most likely be using every day, like computers, bedding, and campus clothes, while entirely overlooking the small, seemingly insignificant essentials. Here are a few of those smaller items, you might want to pack along with you.
#1. Health and First Aid
• Cold and flu medication: You will likely get the "campus illnesses" during your first semester, and walking to a store while sick is not a good experience.
• A basic first-aid kit: Pack Band-Aids, pain relievers, cough drops, and a thermometer.
• Toe clippers and Tweezers: Essential for splinters or minor fixes, and keeping away ingrown nails.
• Health insurance card: Bring a physical copy or a clear photo of it for unexpected or emergency health clinic visits.
#2. Power and Electronics
• An extra-long phone charger: Outlets in dorms are often positioned in unusual and hard-to-reach places far away from your bed.
• Surge protector power strips: Standard dorm rooms rarely have enough outlets for a small refrigerator, microwave, laptop, phone, and lamp.
• An external battery pack: Vital for long days across campus when your phone battery dies between classes and lectures.
#3. Other Items
• Shower shoes: Needed for protecting your feet in communal dorm showers, where athletes foot and other fungus can live.
• A solid-bottom trash can: Avoid mesh trash cans; you need something that can hold liquids if you or a roommate gets an illness or sick.
• Disinfecting wipes: Dorm rooms sit empty and collect thick dust for months before you move in.
• A plunger: It is much better to have one before an emergency strikes than to ask an RA for one later.
• A high-quality rain gear, like a jacket and umbrella: Walking across campus in a sudden downpour will ruin your clothes and your homework and textbooks.
• A small portable fan: Many older dorm buildings lack central air conditioning, making late summer move-ins incredibly hot.
• Clothes: You will need at least one business-casual outfit and formal shoes for unexpected interviews, career fairs, or class presentations
#4. Kitchen and Utility
• Basic tools: A multi-tool, a small screwdriver, or a roll of duct tape will save you when assembling certain furniture items.
• Real silverware and food clips: Even if you have a meal plan, you will eat takeout or late-night snacks in your room and will need a way to seal bags.
• A miniature stapler and scissors: Professors still occasionally require physical papers to be turned in, so having one with you will definitely save time.
I hope some of these suggestions have been helpful for you. Good luck on move-in day.
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
I’d approach this one by saying: don’t try to pack “everything possible,” because dorm rooms are small. Pack the things you use daily, then buy anything missing once you understand your space.
Here’s a response you could use:
Hi Grace! One thing I would recommend is not trying to pack everything possible, because dorm rooms are usually smaller than expected. Instead, focus on practical items you will actually use every week, and leave room to buy a few things once you move in and see what your dorm setup is like.
Some things people commonly forget are a shower caddy, shower shoes, extra towels, laundry detergent, a laundry hamper or bag, hangers, a small first-aid/medicine kit, an umbrella, a reusable water bottle, chargers with longer cords, headphones, cleaning wipes, paper towels, trash bags, and basic dishes like a bowl, plate, mug, and utensils. A mattress topper, extra blanket, small fan, and storage bins can also make dorm life much more comfortable.
I would also pack important documents, such as your ID, insurance card, student information, bank card, and any medical or prescription information you may need. These are easy to forget because they are not “dorm decor,” but they matter.
My biggest advice is to check your school’s housing rules before buying things like candles, extension cords, air fryers, hot plates, or certain appliances, because many dorms do not allow them. Also, talk to your roommate before move-in so you do not both bring the same larger items, like a mini fridge, microwave, rug, or vacuum.
Lastly, avoid overpacking clothes and decor. Bring what you know you wear often, plus weather basics like a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes. You can always add more later, but starting organized will make move-in and dorm life much easier.
Here’s a response you could use:
Hi Grace! One thing I would recommend is not trying to pack everything possible, because dorm rooms are usually smaller than expected. Instead, focus on practical items you will actually use every week, and leave room to buy a few things once you move in and see what your dorm setup is like.
Some things people commonly forget are a shower caddy, shower shoes, extra towels, laundry detergent, a laundry hamper or bag, hangers, a small first-aid/medicine kit, an umbrella, a reusable water bottle, chargers with longer cords, headphones, cleaning wipes, paper towels, trash bags, and basic dishes like a bowl, plate, mug, and utensils. A mattress topper, extra blanket, small fan, and storage bins can also make dorm life much more comfortable.
I would also pack important documents, such as your ID, insurance card, student information, bank card, and any medical or prescription information you may need. These are easy to forget because they are not “dorm decor,” but they matter.
My biggest advice is to check your school’s housing rules before buying things like candles, extension cords, air fryers, hot plates, or certain appliances, because many dorms do not allow them. Also, talk to your roommate before move-in so you do not both bring the same larger items, like a mini fridge, microwave, rug, or vacuum.
Lastly, avoid overpacking clothes and decor. Bring what you know you wear often, plus weather basics like a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes. You can always add more later, but starting organized will make move-in and dorm life much easier.
Updated
Valerie’s Answer
Congrats on heading to college! What an exciting new chapter for you. All the other answers are excellent advice. The only other thing I can add is ear plugs. If you end up on a rowdy floor or have roommates that snore, you'll be glad you have them.
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
First of all, what an exciting point in your life, Grace - we wish you a terrific college experience! The others have given you solid advice, but a few more thoughts:
- A robe to wear between your room and the shower, especially important if you are on a coed floor
- Risers to lift your bed off the ground so you can store suitcases, sweaters, etc. underneath
- Talk with your roommate(s) about shared appliances, such as a mini-fridge. These could be expensive, even to rent, so it is worth coordinating
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
- A robe to wear between your room and the shower, especially important if you are on a coed floor
- Risers to lift your bed off the ground so you can store suitcases, sweaters, etc. underneath
- Talk with your roommate(s) about shared appliances, such as a mini-fridge. These could be expensive, even to rent, so it is worth coordinating
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Grace,
In addition to all the great reminders already listed, I would recommend:
1) Feminine products
2) Hangers (if none are provided)
3) Hanging closet storage
4) Laundry bag instead of a basket if you want to save space
5) Pepper Spray (key chain size if possible)
6) If you are bringing your own dishes and/or utensils: also bring dish soap and a sponge
7) Nail clippers and a file
8) Loofah (will dry faster than a wash cloth and wont take up precious laundry space)
9) Fan (for warmer climates)
10) Coffee Maker (if needed)
11) Some decor items to make the space your own :)
Hope this helps.
Have a wonderful time!
In addition to all the great reminders already listed, I would recommend:
1) Feminine products
2) Hangers (if none are provided)
3) Hanging closet storage
4) Laundry bag instead of a basket if you want to save space
5) Pepper Spray (key chain size if possible)
6) If you are bringing your own dishes and/or utensils: also bring dish soap and a sponge
7) Nail clippers and a file
8) Loofah (will dry faster than a wash cloth and wont take up precious laundry space)
9) Fan (for warmer climates)
10) Coffee Maker (if needed)
11) Some decor items to make the space your own :)
Hope this helps.
Have a wonderful time!