College Packing Lists – Printables FREE

College is an exciting time of a young adult’s life and we have the perfect free printable college packing list for a smooth transition!

Moving into your college dorm is much easier with proper planning. You will need to take so many items with you. Remembering every little thing is an impossible task and one you can definitely skip.

I can guarantee packing your college dorm room essentials is a breeze when you are simply crossing them off the list, one by one. Let’s get started!

👩‍🎓 Why This Works

Going to college is a lot like moving to a new home. I know… it can be overwhelming. You will need to pack everything you need for a comfortable life and if you haven’t noticed yet, us modern peeps have a pretty high standard.

Boys and girls will have different needs, so I figured the best way to make a truly useful college packing list is to make a separate version for each.

You probably won’t need every item on the list, and that’s fine. Simply cross off the items you don’t need and use the rest to organize your packing process.

Whether you are a parent or a student, I hope this packing list will make all your preparations easier.

MOMS! I’ve got you covered here! Snag the FREEBIE Sunshine Box Printables to use in your fall care packages.

📝 How It Works

Using our free printable college packing lists for boys and girls is so easy!

Everything is sorted into categories, such as bedding, bathroom, clothing, storage, and the list goes on. Here’s how to use these lists:

• Read the list once and cross off the items you know you won’t need.
• Every time you pack an item, check the box next to it.
• The “Other” section has plenty of blank spaces for you to write down additional items you need.

👦 Free Printable College Packing List For Boys

Freshman year is going to be amazing! If you’re a guy, this packing list will help you set up your dorm without too much hassle.

Everything you could need sorted into basic categories for the easiest packing experience.

Life hack: you can color code the boxes with Washi tape using the same sections as our printable college packing list.

🛏️ Bedding

College may be fun, but it’s also a lot of learning. Trust me, you’ll need your rest!

Since sleep is so important, the bedding section can’t be ignored. Don’t pack too many of each item. To start, it’s enough to have 1-2 of each.

You can always purchase extra sheets later.

Sheets	Comforter	Mattress cover	Bedside table/caddy
Pillow(s)	Duvet cover	Extra blanket	Fan
Pillow cases	Mattress protector

🚽 Bathroom

This section has a really long list! Many of these items are easy to ignore when you’re trying to figure out what you need.

It’s amazing how much stuff we use in the bathroom, right? And there’s always that one life-saving item you remember only when you need it.

Even small things like band-aids, Q-Tips, and nail clippers are super important to have.

Bath towels	Shower caddy	Face wash	Shaving cream
Hand towels	Air freshener	Face moisturizer	Medicine
Washcloths	Toilet scrubber	Shampoo & conditioner	Band-aids
Sponge	Plunger	Hairbrush/comb	Vitamins
Pumice stone	Scale	Deodorant	Eyeglasses & cloth
Robe	Hand soap	Lotion	Contacts + solution
Shower cap	Toothbrush & toothpaste	Nail clippers	Chapstick/lip balm
Loofah	Mouthwash	Q-tips	Condoms
Bath mat	Floss	Hair products	Sunscreen
Shower curtain & rings	Tweezers	Hair dryer	Nail file
Curtain rod	Body wash/soap	Razor

👔 Clothing

I realize this category needs to be very flexible. Depending on how the weather is in your college area, you may not need some items.

From underwear to formal clothes, you will find everything you could possibly need on our printable college packing list for boys.

Underwear	Long sleeve shirts	Waterproof jacket	Snow boots
Socks	Workout clothing	Winter coat	Slippers
Jeans	Tank tops	Swimsuit	Flip-flops
Pants	Sweatshirts/hoodies	Gloves/mittens	Watch
Shorts	Formal tops	Running shoes	Scarves
T-shirts	Professional attire	Casual shoes	Sunglasses
Sweatpants	Belt	Rain boots	Hats
PJ’s	Light jacket

✏️ School Supplies

You can’t go to college without school supplies! However, moving to your college dorm for the first time can be pretty stressful.

You might not want to bring all the school items from home. Many of them can be purchased once you move. And that’s totally fine too!

Backpack	Binder	Calculator	Scissors
Lunchbox	Folders	Ruler	Glue
Pens & pencils	Desk lamp	Paper & binder clips	Tape
Highlighters	Dry erase/cork board	Stapler & staples	Whiteout
Notebooks	Dry erase markers	Sticky notes	Desk organizer
Planner	Thumbtacks	Index cards

🗂️ Organization & Storage

Having a neat dorm room is certainly easy if you have the items needed to keep everything well organized.

This section is not the most exciting one, but it is needed. Bins, cubbies, hangers, drawer organizers and other storage items will help you have a clean dorm room without too much hassle.

Designating an appropriate spot for all your belongings will definitely prevent you from running around desperately trying to find your stuff!

Drawer organizers	Under-the-bed storage	Storage bins	Shoe organizer
Command hooks	Storage ottoman	Storage cubbies	Trash can
Over-the-door storage	Lock box	Hangers

💻 Electronics

I’m sure that for most guys, this is the category they love most. Packing all your beloved devices and their accessories is something no man will ignore!

Luckily, you don’t need to worry too much about this. You will find all essential electronics, chargers, cables, and other accessories in our college packing list.

Laptop	Camera	Speakers	HDMI cable
Laptop charger & case	Tablet	Flash drive(s)	Power strip/surge protector
Lapdesk	Kindle reader	Router/Ethernet cable	Batteries
Mouse	Device chargers	Long charger cable	Printer & accessories
Mouse pad	Headphones/earbuds	Portable charger	Extension cord
Phone charger

🧹 Cleaning Supplies

For cleaning and laundry, you can stick to just a few essentials. You can even skip the specialized cleaning solutions and use just an all-purpose cleaner.

However, I recommend you don’t cross of the stain remover off your list. It can be a lifesaver!

Vacuum/broom/dust pan	Glass cleaner	Laundry hamper	Cleaning cloths/wipes
Laundry detergent	Shower cleaner	Drying rack	Iron/ironing board
Stain remover	All-purpose cleaner	Dryer sheets	Lint roller

🍳 Kitchen

You may not be lucky enough to have a communal kitchen in your dorm and actually cook your own food, but you will still need some food-related items.

From the invaluable coffee mug to utensils, food containers and smaller tools like a can opener, you will definitely need these for a comfortable college life.

Coffee mug	Microwave containers	Bag clips	Can opener
Water bottle	Utensils	Bowl(s)	Dish soap
Brita filter	Food containers	Plate(s)	Dish towels
Insulated tumbler	Ziploc bags	Cup(s)

📒 Documents

When going to college, you will need several important documents and papers on hand. Perhaps this is one of the most important categories of our packing list.

That’s because you won’t be able to make a quick trip to Walmart and buy the papers you are missing.

Make sure you pack all the documents you need. There’s no shame in double or triple-checking. Snag the College Budget Printables to kickstart their first year of adulting in a positive manner. Combine that with the You Need A Budget App and they will be well on their way to success.

Birth certificate	Passport	Banking info	Car registration
Student ID	Social security card	Health/insurance cards	Car insurance
Driver’s license	Checks	Aid/scholarship documents

🪞 Shared Items

The “shared items” section is something you will need to discuss with your roommates ahead of time.

There’s really no point in having two of each. Dorm rooms have limited space and sharing these is an easy way to keep it clutter-free.

Rug	Microwave	Toaster	DVD player
Full length mirror	Mini fridge	TV	Streaming device
Coffee maker	Blender

❗ Other

I really wanted to offer you some flexibility, so this category has plenty of blank rows you can use.

The few items already filled are the ones I found most important. Even if it doesn’t rain often where you’re going, an umbrella can still be a practical thing to have.

Each of us has different needs and you have room to add extra items that are not on our college packing list for boys.

Umbrella	Earplugs	Tool kit	Throw pillows
Suitcase/duffel bag	Board games	Pictures/posters/art	Plants
Sleeping bag	Flashlight

👧 Free Printable College Packing List For Girls

Are you a young woman getting ready for college or a mom trying to help her out? This printable college packing list has everything you need, room to add more, and it’s free to download!

Us ladies really care for our own comfort! I’m sure you’ll want to carefully set up your available room space.

This list was designed with that in mind. Have a few extra items you need to add? Just fill some of the blank rows available in the “Other” category.

🛏️ Bedding

A good night’s sleep is every girl’s dream! The fan might be optional, but I do recommend you pack that extra blanket if it’s chilly where you’re going!

Everything else in this section is important to bring. Luckily, you just need to pack them and check them off one by one.

Sheets	Comforter	Mattress cover	Bedside table/caddy
Pillow(s)	Duvet cover	Extra blanket	Fan
Pillow cases	Mattress protector

🚽 Bathroom

Every time I pack, I am always worried I will forget some essential personal care item I can’t live without.

Things are a bit more complicated when you’re moving compared to going on a trip. Obviously, you will need to pack everything you are using at home.

The college packing list for girls includes all the items we commonly use in the bathroom. Trust me, when you pack using a list, you will significantly reduce your chances of forgetting anything!

Bath towels	Plunger	Nail clippers	Sunscreen
Hand towels	Scale	Q-tips	Pads/tampons
Washcloths	Hand soap	Hair products	Makeup
Sponge	Toothbrush & toothpaste	Hair dryer	Makeup remover
Pumice stone	Mouthwash	Hair styling tools	Cotton pads
Robe	Floss	Razor	Toner
Shower cap	Tweezers	Shaving cream	Face scrub
Loofah	Body wash/soap	Medicine	Body scrub
Bath mat	Face wash	Band-aids	Hair ties
Shower curtain & rings	Face moisturizer	Vitamins	Bobby pins
Curtain rod	Shampoo & conditioner	Eyeglasses & cloth	Nail polish
Shower caddy	Hairbrush/comb	Contacts + solution	Nail polish remover
Air freshener	Deodorant	Chapstick/lip balm	Nail file
Toilet scrubber	Lotion	Birth control/condoms	Wax strips

👗 Clothing

Packing way too many clothes is something women are really good at! However, you are going to college, so you have to plan your wardrobe for all seasons and occasions.

You will definitely need a lot of clothes! From comfy house clothes, to workout ones and formal attire, the college packing list for girls includes all these items, as well as accessories.

Underwear	Sweatpants	Skirts	Casual shoes
Bras	PJ’s	Cardigans	Rain boots
Socks	Long sleeve shirts	Belt	Snow boots
Jeans	Workout clothing	Light jacket	Slippers
Pants	Tank tops	Waterproof jacket	Flip-flops
Shorts	Sweatshirts/hoodies	Winter coat	Flats
Leggings	Formal tops	Swimsuit	Watch
Tights	Professional attire	Gloves/mittens	Sunglasses
T-shirts	Casual & formal dresses	Running shoes	Hats

✏️ School Supplies

You can’t go to college without a complete set of school supplies. This list is pretty self-explanatory.

Perhaps you won’t need every single item, and that makes total sense. Just cross off the supplies you don’t plan to take and check the boxes next to the other ones as you pack them.

Backpack	Binder	Calculator	Scissors
Lunchbox	Folders	Ruler	Glue
Pens & pencils	Desk lamp	Paper & binder clips	Tape
Highlighters	Dry erase/cork board	Stapler & staples	Whiteout
Notebooks	Dry erase markers	Sticky notes	Desk organizer
Planner	Thumbtacks	Index cards

🗂️ Organization & Storage

It’s so easy to turn a shared dorm room into a mess! That won’t happen if you bring some essential organization and storage items with you.

You will need to make the most of the available space. Things like over-the-door and under-the-bed storage as well as bins, cubbies, and other containers will help you reduce clutter and keep most items out of sight.

Use this section as a packing list or a shopping list if you plan to purchase these items once you arrive on campus.

Drawer organizers	Under-the-bed storage	Storage bins	Shoe organizer
Command hooks	Storage ottoman	Storage cubbies	Trash can
Over-the-door storage	Lock box	Hangers

💻 Electronics

This technology-driven era requires us to have and use several devices from phones, laptops and tablets to cameras, speakers, and routers.

The “electronics” section in our college packing list for girls includes all the devices and accessories you need to pack for college.

Yes, even all the dreaded cables we often forget to pack!

Laptop	Camera	Speakers	HDMI cable
Laptop charger & case	Tablet	Flash drive(s)	Power strip/surge protector
Lapdesk	Kindle reader	Router/Ethernet cable	Batteries
Mouse	Device chargers	Long charger cable	Printer & accessories
Mouse pad	Headphones/earbuds	Portable charger	Extension cord
Phone charger

🧹 Cleaning Supplies

If you’re not someone who enjoys cleaning, you will appreciate having the proper tools even more.

Despite the lack of excitement most of us show for cleaning chores, the job is much easier if you are well equipped. The same goes for laundry!

Vacuum/broom/dust pan	Glass cleaner	Laundry hamper	Cleaning cloths/wipes
Laundry detergent	Shower cleaner	Drying rack	Iron/ironing board
Stain remover	All-purpose cleaner	Dryer sheets	Lint roller

🍽️ Kitchen

Having access to a kitchen during college doesn’t happen often. If you have it, you’re definitely among the lucky ones.

Even if you can’t cook, you will still need a water filter, a mug, food containers, utensils, and other items needed for storing and handling food.

Our printable college packing list for girls includes all these items. I’m sure you won’t want to find out you didn’t bring a bowl right as you’re trying to prep a salad!

Coffee mug	Microwave containers	Bag clips	Can opener
Water bottle	Utensils	Bowl(s)	Dish soap
Brita filter	Food containers	Plate(s)	Dish towels
Insulated tumbler	Ziploc bags	Cup(s)

📝 Documents

I can’t stress enough the importance of making sure you have all the relevant papers with you. Your parents can mail anything you forgot at home, but it will take days for them to arrive.

Go through the “documents” category and cross of the ones you won’t need. Then, go through it again while packing the other ones.

Important documents like your birth certificate and scholarship documents should be stored in plastic wallets. This will prevent them from getting wrinkled and it will also help you avoid accidents such as spills.

Birth certificate	Passport	Banking info	Car registration
Student ID	Social security card	Health/insurance cards	Car insurance
Driver’s license	Checks	Aid/scholarship documents

🪞 Shared

Sharing a room with others also means some items will be for common use. It’s a good idea to talk to your future roommates before packing anything from this section.

You can decide who brings what so there will be no duplicates!

Rug	Microwave	Toaster	DVD player
Full length mirror	Mini fridge	TV	Streaming device
Coffee maker	Blender

❗ Other

The items that are listed here are miscellaneous, although still nice to have. Adding some wall art, throw pillows, and plants in your dorm room will make it feel cozier.

Of course, you probably have some more items you need to pack and they are not on this list.

This is the category where you can add whatever is missing from this list. You have plenty of blank spaces to record everything you need to take.

Umbrella	Earplugs	Tool kit	Throw pillows
Suitcase/duffel bag	Board games	Pictures/posters/art	Plants
Sleeping bag	Flashlight

🧳 College Packing Tips

While you can add more items at the bottom of both college packing lists, there are some things you won’t need to bring.

Did you know you don’t need a textbook for the first class? You can leverage that to find out exactly what you need before making the purchase.

Also, most dorms do not allow window A/C units. In fact, most colleges have a list of forbidden items. It’s a good idea to check it before you actually start packing.

It’s also a good idea to learn what the school provides. For example, you probably won’t need to bring a printer. Sometimes the school offers students an allowance for free printing. And there will be plenty of places to print on campus.

Be careful when packing fragile items. You can use bubble wrap, newspaper (or other paper scraps), and tape to protect and secure them as needed.

Labeling your boxes will make unpacking so much easier. Also, it may take a while to finish unpacking, so at the very least you will know where to find what you’re looking for.

Consider the total weight of the box when packing. Don’t overcrowd a box with heavy items that will make it too difficult to carry.

Don’t overdo it with the room decor. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a few decorative items, but keep in mind you will live in a shared dorm and your other roommates will want to bring some of their own.

If you plan to go home on breaks, packing clothes just for the current season is a good option. You can worry about the rest of your wardrobe later!

Talk to your roommates and decide who brings each shared item to avoid packing anything you’re not supposed to.

🖨️ How To Grab

It doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or a girl, if you’re getting ready for college and need some help with your move, our printable college packing lists will come in handy!

Enter your email in the form below and we’ll redirect you to the file where you can print or download.

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