College Packing Checklist

Last updated June 19, 2025
Going back to campus or wondering what to bring to college as a freshman? Get the inspiration and dorm essentials you need to transform an ordinary campus room into a real home away from home.
Table of Contents
Get Comfy
A-List Appliances
Must-Have Tech
Brilliant Lighting
Smart Storage
Double Major

Use this handy checklist to quickly review all the must-haves for any college dorm room such as bedding, desks and chairs, wallpaper, space-saving storage and more. Read on for inspiration and tips.
Get Comfy

The number one thing on anyone’s college checklist is a comfortable bed. Make sure you get one that’s perfect for both rest and lounging around. Remember to add the following to your dorm packing list:
- The right twin XL bedding set will make it easy to add style and color to your dorm room.
- Indulge yourself with the best pillows and bath towels you can.
- Add some much-needed support with cushiony twin mattress toppers
- Get a small nightstand to hold dorm essentials like ear plugs, an alarm clock or your favorite midnight snacks.
Tip: Eating in bed is a given in a dorm room. Cover your mattress with a stain-resistant protector.
A-List Appliances

No college checklist is complete without food and snacks. Small appliances make heating or cooking your favorites quick and easy. Keep yourself refueled and refreshed by creating a cooking area:
- Place a microwave on a cart that doubles as storage.
- Stock a mini fridge with beverages and fresh fruit.
- If permitted, get small appliances like a toaster or small coffee maker.
Safety Tip: Make sure to check your particular school's rules concerning which small appliances are allowed in your dorm.
Must-Have Tech

Besides your laptop, you’ll need tech to make sure your devices stay powered up and connected. Put these on your college packing checking list:
- A power strip with surge protection
- One or two extension cords
- A separate alarm clock in case your phone dies
- Wireless chargers
- Smart speakers
Brilliant Lighting

In a dorm room, lighting can be practical and decorative.
- Start with functional pieces like a desk lamp.
- Add a floor lamp for a warm, welcoming glow.
- Get a bedside lamp for late night reading.
- Layer in fun with fairy lights or string lights.
Smart Storage

Organization is the key to making a small space clutter-free and comfortable. Put plenty of these space-saving storage solutions at the top of your college packing list.
- Closet organizers and over-the-door organizers store a lot without taking up a lot of space.
- Use underbed storage bags or containers.
- Use storage baskets for gaming equipment or bathroom accessories.
- Store everything from bags to posters on hooks and wall shelves.
- Storage drawers are a must for small items.
Double Major

Double up on storage and seating with multifunctional furniture. Compact and hardworking, these space-saving superstars deserve a place on your college essentials list:
- A small ottoman with storage can provide extra seating while keeping books and more out of sight.
- Daybeds supplies the perfect place to hang out.
- Convertible chairs easily transform from a guest seat to a guest bed.
- Futons are a classic way to have your sofa and sleeper too.
Study Group

Create a study space that passes the test. Start with a desk and comfortable desk chair.
Next, get clutter-free with these stylish accessories.
- Add memo boards and other wall organizers to stay on top of class schedules and more.
- Use a desk organizer.
- Hang wall shelves for books and oversized supplies.
Design Class

Dorm rooms can be basic and ordinary. Make yours stand out with a great color scheme and striking decor.
- Bring the energy with peel-and-stick wallpaper in a bold color.
- Blend in woven area rugs or patterned throws.
- Choose real or artificial plants, depending on your available time.
- Wall and door mirrors can make it feel more spacious.
Dorm Rules

Here’s some communication and organization tips to help you and your roommates create a comfortable living space.
- Get together and talk about everything from who's bringing the vacuum to how best to divide the room. Even in small rooms you should allocate areas for different activities such as entertaining.
- Share storage space for common items such as laundry supplies or cleaners.
- Decide how food, snacks and beverages will be divided and paid for.
- Make a cleaning schedule for which tasks need to be done daily, weekly or monthly.
- Consider getting a personal safe for valuables.
Going back to campus can be both exciting and stressful. Make your move-in much easier with this handy college packing list. Ready to order everything you need for a cozy, comfortable and fun dorm room including moving supplies? The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.

























