Heading to College Soon? Here is an Ultimate College Packing List

Heading to College Soon? Here is an Ultimate College Packing List | City of Creative Dreams

Heading to College Soon? Here is an Ultimate College Packing List. This is the moment. You are going to college. The time when you are journeying into a whole new chapter in your life. You may be feeling excited but nervous. Maybe you have that uneasy feeling in your stomach and feel like maybe you shouldn’t go. Don’t worry that is completely normal. It will soon pass once you get settled into the routine of things.

Big steps are usually the scariest so bask in them for the time and fight through them. If you have already conquered the first year then congratulations. See, it wasn’t so bad after all.

Whether this is your first year or your second or third, you are in the same boat as everyone else. You need back to school list for shopping. Good thing, I have just the very thing for you. Below are items you can add to the free college packing list I am giving you.  Be sure to grab yourself before you go.

College Essentials

Heading to College Soon? Here is an Ultimate College Packing List | City of Creative Dreams


There are a few things you are going to need that are essential to not only survive your college experience but to keep you well entertained as well. Below I am sharing things you should consider adding to your college packing list and cart this year.

College Essentials:

  • Lunch Bag
  • Packaged Snacks
  • Backpack
  • Freezer Packs
  • Food Container
  • Laptop or Tablet
  • Printer
  • Ink Toners
  • Blank Printer Paper
  • Headphones
  • Portable Battery Charger
  • Water Bottle

Backpack Essentials

Heading to College Soon? Here is an Ultimate College Packing List | City of Creative Dreams

As much as you may be dreading this moment, you are going to need to be classroom-ready. That means you are going to need some supplies. Below are some supplies that you should consider stocking your backpack with. These are essential items that all college students need. Of course, there will be additional items depending on the course you are taking. In that case, be sure to add those to your list as well.

School Supplies:

  • 3 Ring Binder Per Subject or Medium-Sized Binders
  • Duotang or Pocket Folder
  • Binder Dividers
  • Post-It Notes
  • Agenda/Planner
  • USB Drive
  • Combination Lock
  • Pencil case or bag
  • Pencil crayons
  • Pencils
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Erasers
  • Markers
  • White Out
  • Protractor & Ruler
  • Black & Blue Pens /Fine Tip Pens
  • Highlighters
  • Lined Paper
  • Graph Paper
  • Mini Stapler (option)
  • Calculator

Dorm Room Essentials

Heading to College Soon? Here is an Ultimate College Packing List | City of Creative Dreams

This part is one of my favourites because it is the decor and personal essentials area. You are going to be in this dorm room for a very long time so it is best to make it fantastic for you. That means you are going to need few things to make this home for you. Add your personal touch and spice up your dorm room.

  • Mattress cover & Mattress pad 
  • Pillow & Pillowcases
  • Blanket, Sheets, Throw Blanket and Comforter
  • Bed Risers
  • Full-body Mirror
  • Plastic storage bins or Foldable Baskets
  • Buildable racks, shoe rack, hangers and shelving, 
  • Under the bed storage (if there is space)
  • Closet organizer & Behind the door organizer
  • Trash can & Trash Bags
  • Air freshener, Disinfectant wipes/ eco-friendly clothes, 
  • Laundry bag 
  • Detergent, Fabric softener, Stain Remover, Bounce
  • Handheld Vacuum (if allowed)
  • Desk and Reading Lamp
  • Floor lamp (if there is space)
  • Fan or Diffuser
  • Extension cords
  • Rechargeable Batteries & Command Strips
  • Alarm clock
  • Utensils
  • Towels, Washcloth or Sponge
  • Shower caddy
  • Shower shoes or Flip Flops
  • Toiletries
  • Travel mug
  • Earplugs
  • Eye mask
  • Slippers
  • Mini fridge (if allowed)
  • Microwave (if allowed)
  • Coffeemaker (if allowed)

Living off Campus Must Have

If you are not living at home during college or staying in a college dorm, there is something you need and that is free high-quality legal templates! FormsPal.com helps students face landlord-tenant issues and more by providing free high-quality legal templates and information online.  You can learn more about their support of students here.

Ultimate Ideas for College

Since you are in the shopping spirit I thought I would share some awesome stuff out there.
Heading to College Soon? Here is an Ultimate College Packing List | City of Creative Dreams

Sources: Pillow | Lunch Bag | Headphones | Pens | Laundry Bag | Planner | Black Backpack | Herschel Heritage Backpack | Portable Charger | Pencil Case | Bento Box | Ipad | Mug | Photo Display | Water Bottle | Calendar

Final Thoughts

Don’t stress out about college shopping. You got this. I hope I can take some pressure off by giving you my awesome college packing list. Bring it along with you when you go to the store, you can print yourself one – right here or click on the image below. Use the article above to craft your very own back-to-school list so that you get everything you need. Happy school shopping!

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What’s your take? I welcome you to share yours below!
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One Reply to “Heading to College Soon? Here is an Ultimate College Packing List”

  1. […] I have so much to tell you about back to school supplies for college from supplies to the dorm room that I had to dedicate an entire post to it for your benefit. And you can bet there is a free printable there too. Check it out here. […]

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