I’M ON MY WAY, NOW WHAT?

What To Take To College

    If you want to have what you need when you get to school, it pays to get organized before you go.  If you take time to organize your room at home, it will be easy to take inventory of what you have and compare it to a list of what you need.  Carefully read the housing information from your school to find out if there are items provided and/or restrictions on what you can bring.

    As soon as you find out the name and address of your new roommate(s), contact him or her to discuss who can bring which things.  As you gather your things, label every item, especially the large expensive things like your computer, CD player, TV, VCR, etc.  Get an extra set of room keys and car keys (if you have a car).  The students we interviewed note that it is amazing how much “stuff” you need.  You can save a lot of time and money by getting your things together in advance and by shopping in familiar stores.

    We have compiled an extensive list you can use as a guide.  You will be able to tailor it to your own personal situation and needs.

Shared Items:

    • Refrigerator

    • Telephone

    • Answering machine

    • Stereo/CD player

    • Coffee maker

    • Iron

    • Floor fan

    • Window fan

    • TV

    • VCR

    • Microwave

    • Area rug

    • Broom and dustpan or carpet sweeper

    • Floor lamp and desk lamps

    • Chair/bed or futon

    • Tool kit with tape measure, screwdriver, and hammer

Important documents/Critical items

    • File box with files for financial, housing, and class information

    • Insurance information

    • Social Security Number

    • Health records

    • Checkbook/ATM card

    • Prepaid long distance calling card

    • Daily planner or planning calendar

    • List of important phone numbers

    • Watch

    • A copy of everything in your wallet

Toiletries and Personal Items

    • Shower tote or caddy

    • Shower shoes

    • Overdoor towel rack

    • Makeup organizer

    • Makeup mirror

    • Cosmetics

    • Nail clippers, files

    • Tweezers

    • Jewelry organizer

    • Hair dryer

    • Curlers, curling iron

    • Comb and brush

    • Hair care organizer

    • Contact lens organizer

    • Mirror

    • Soap dish

    • Soap, shampoo, conditioner

    • Deodorant

    • Toothbrush holder

    • Toothbrush, toothpaste

    • Dental floss

    • Plastic cup

    • Unbreakable bottles

    • Razor, shaving cream, extra blades

    • Glasses, contacts, lens solutions

    • Bath and hand towels

    • Wash cloths

    • Beach towel

    • Suntan lotion

    • Cotton balls

    • Cotton swabs

    • Tissues

    • Cologne or aftershave

    • Vitamins

    • Cough drops

    • Pain relievers

Moving and Storage

    • Milk crates

    • Stacking baskets or bins

    • Trunk

    • Stacking shelves

    • Bookcase or modular shelving

    • CD/cassette/video storage

    • Lock box

Laundry

    • Laundry bags, laundry basket

    • Mesh wash bag for delicates

    • Laundry marking pens

    • Laundry detergent

    • Stain remover

    • Fabric softener

    • Plastic bucket or wash pan

    • Coin holder

    • Iron

    • Portable ironing board

    • Drying rack

Closet

    • Hangers

    • Storage boxes or drawers

    • Cap organizer

    • Lint brush

    • Full length mirror

    • Folding step stool

Desk and Study Items

    • Daily planner

    • File folders

    • Backpack or book bag

    • Notebooks

    • Desk pad

    • Bookends

    • Highlighters

    • Pencil holder

    • Pencil sharpener

    • Ruler

    • Hole punch

    • Letter trays

    • Scissors

    • Tape, tape dispenser

    • Stapler, staples, staple remover

    • Paper clips

    • Adhesive notes

    • Pencils, pens with refills

    • Calculator

    • Computer and surge protector

    • Computer disk holder

    • Wastebasket

    • Desk lamp

    • 3-ring binders

    • Notebook paper

    • Printer and printer paper

    • Mechanical pencils with extra lead

    • Index cards

    • Dictionary

    • Thesaurus

    • Correcting fluid

    • Rubber bands

Linens and Bedding

    • Sheets and pillow cases

    • Blanket and spread or comforter (washable)

    • Pillow

    • Mattress pad

    • Alarm clock

    • Underbed storage

    • Nightstand

    • Study pillow/backrest

    • Clipboard or portable lap desk

    • Clip-on bed lamp

    • Sleeping bag

Walls and Doors

    • Overdoor hooks

    • Removable mounting tape

    • Wire grids, baskets, hooks

    • Bulletin board and push pins

    • Invisible hanging wire

    • Favorite posters and pictures

    • Dry erase board

    • Wall calendar

Cooking Supplies

    • Utensils–forks, knives, spoons, tongs, spatula, etc.

    • Juice pitcher

    • Plastic dishes

    • Sharp knife

    • Small cutting board

    • Can and bottle opener

    • Chip clips

    • Salt and pepper shakers

    • Magnetic paper towel holder

    • Food storage containers

    • Microwave containers

    • Big plastic mug

    • Hot pot

Fun Stuff

    • Camera

    • Photo album

    • High school yearbook

    • Journal

    • Bicycle and lock

    • Water bottle

    • Water bottle carrier

    • Portable CD/cassette player or radio

    • Soft-sided cooler

    • Games

    • Sports equipment

    • Plants

Other Miscellaneous and Comfort Items

    • Umbrella

    • Sewing kit

    • First aid kit

    • Waste basket

    • Extension cords

    • Duct tape

    • Super glue

    • Rolls of quarters

    • Batteries

    • Flashlight

    • Favorite movies

Next >>