Attending university or college is one of the most exciting and terrifying things as a young adult you will ever experience. One of those exciting and terrifying things is packing for your dorm room or your first apartment. Even when you think you know what you need, you never truly know until youāve settled in and find you donāt have something. This is why as a postgrad, I wanted to share the ultimate dorm packing list, this packing guide is aimed at
The ultimate dorm packing List is for those students who are leaving home for the first time and will be sharing a dorm or apartment with others. I remember the first few weeks of my university like it was yesterday and the funny thing is I recall everything I wrote down on my ultimate dorm packing list. When I say what I wrote down, I actually mean the list mum edited for me and added a lot of essentials items that I had apparently forgotten I needed.
The Ultimate Dorm Packing List | Back to School
When it comes to packing for your first dorm room, there are two types of people; the over packers and the under packers. This is why I have put together this ultimate dorm packing list to bridge the gap, obviously there are items you will only know you need them once youāve moved into your dorm or apartment. Depending on your university of college, your dorm or apartment will be your new home for the next few years, make sure you have the essentials.
Moving away from home can be such a tough thing and it is ok to feel home sick but trust me, university/college has a way of keeping you busy. When I moved away from home I was a total wreck, I am such an independent person that I did not think I would miss home as much as I did. This is totally normal and part of growing up, within a few weeks of university life, I missed home less and less. I was ready to embrace my college life and in part thanks to my ultimate dorm parking list, I had all the home comforts with me.
In hopes of helping you embrace your college life, I have compiled the ultimate dorm packing list for all college first timers.
Bed Essentials – these are basic items that you will need for your bed in your dorm or apartment.
- Duvet and cover
- Bed sheets and fitted sheets
- Pillow and pillow case
- Memory foam topper – dorm room beds are not known for being the most comfortable
- Blanket – for winter months
Desk Essentials – as the school year progress you will add more items
- Desk lamp and spare bulbs
- Printer and paper
- Laptop and cover
- Notebooks and wall calendar
- Stick it notes and pens
- Essential stationery {pens, pencils, planners, stapler binders etc}
Bathroom Essentials – bring items that you use at home often and love
- Shower shoes and caddy
- Laundry basket and detergent
- Bathrobe and towels
- Shower gel and bath foam
- Bathroom/shower cleaner and bath mat
- Toilet cleaner
- Face cleanser and moisturiser
- Toothpaste and brush
- Sanitary products
- Hair products
Miscellaneous
- Backpack
- Air freshener
- Disinfectant
- All purpose cleaner
- Utensils
- Water filter
- First aid kit
- Waste bags
- Freezer bags
- Mugs/cups
- Water bottles
- Clothes hanger
- Small fan
- Shoe rack
- Handheld vacuum cleaner
- Umbrella
Other than your clothes, these are the most basic essentials that you will need when you move into your first dorm or apartment. It is an exciting time of your life, it will be challenging and will test you to your limit but it still has the most amazing time of your life.
Kara (@ChelseaMamma) says
This is my son’s second year of university and the one thing he relied on last year was his George Foreman Grill
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too says
This is so helpful, it’s surprising just how many different things that are needed when you first start Uni
forkwardthinkingfoodinista says
This is a really useful checklist. I needed this back in the day when I was at uni for sure. x
charlottesurreylife says
Such a great list, it’s so hard when going off to uni knowing all the essentials to take. I shall pass this along to my sisters friends who are off to uni x
dearmummyblog says
What great timing for Freshers week! This is a great guide for students!
Jenni says
Oh my goodness, this takes me back! It’s been a good twenty years since I left home and moved in to my first apartment. I can’t even remember what I all took with me at the time.
oddhogg says
I didn’t take a mattress topper when I went to uni but I wish I had! The beds were……. interesting haha
Diana V. says
Pillows and blankest are the most important tings for my niece, since she loves sleeping so much lol, thanks for the awesome ideas and tips
kacielmorgan says
Oh gosh, a list like this would’ve been so handy for me when I was getting ready to go away to university for the first time; it’s surprising how much stuff you need!
A Moment with Franca says
This is soo useful! I have only had a dorm experience once when I stayed for 3 months at the dorms at Georgetown University in Washington DC and it was the best experience ever! š
Helen says
This takes me back to packing for going to university for the first time! I was so nervous and probably overpacked massively, but I was eager to try and make it as homely as possible š
Zoe says
Great lists. Iām sure with everything one has to remember when starting out on their own, something will be missed! Perfect idea to have this list to hand.
Clare Minall says
love this topic! every single one of them is such an important back to school packing list. Thanks so much for sharing
Helen Neale says
I love this topic, always gives me a little bit of sense what I need to do and be prepared for. Thanks!
Tassia Agatowski says
I could have done with a list like this when I was starting uni! Useful to have in one place, very thorough.
Sarah Bailey says
I am sure when you are heading off for the first time it is a nightmare trying to work out everything you will need for your dorm room. So this is a great list to help start students on the right track.
Tassia Agatowski says
Super-useful list, I could have done with this when I first started uni! Thanks for sharing!