What to bring (and what to leave behind) when moving to college for the first time

Moving to college for the first time is a huge milestone.

It’s exciting but also a bit overwhelming — how do you know what to pack when you’re transitioning to a whole new environment?

The key is to bring items that will help you feel comfortable and organized while leaving behind things that will only take up precious space.

I’ve been through this myself, and trust me, packing smart can make your transition much smoother.

Here’s a guide on exactly what to bring—and what to leave behind—so you can make your college move stress-free and efficient.

Table of Contents

Essentials to bring: The must-haves

When packing for college, it’s crucial to start with the basics.

These are the items you definitely don’t want to forget:

Bedding and towels: Most dorms provide a bed, but you’ll need to bring your own bedding. Opt for a twin XL sheet set (most dorm beds are this size), a comforter, pillows, and a mattress topper for extra comfort. Don’t forget bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths. Consider packing an extra towel set in case laundry day gets delayed!
Clothing and footwear: Pack according to the climate where your college is located. Include basics like jeans, t-shirts, and comfortable shoes, but don’t forget to bring some business casual outfits for presentations or events. A raincoat or winter coat might be necessary, depending on your new location.
Toiletries and personal care items: Bring a shower caddy that fits all your toiletries—shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and any skincare products you use regularly. Shower flip-flops are also a must if you’ll be sharing a bathroom!
School supplies: Beyond notebooks and pens, consider items like a planner, folders, sticky notes, and highlighters. Don’t forget a laptop—it’s essential for studying, taking notes, and submitting assignments. If you’re looking for recommendations, the best laptops for college students can help you find one that fits your needs.
Laundry essentials: A laundry basket or bag that’s easy to carry, detergent pods (they’re compact and easy to use), and a drying rack for delicate items are must-haves. You’d be surprised how helpful having your own drying space can be when dorm laundry rooms get crowded!

Tip: Save space by packing your clothes in vacuum-sealed bags. They compress your items and make it easier to fit everything into your luggage.

Items to make your space feel like home

Your dorm room might not feel cozy at first, but bringing some personal touches can help.

Here’s what to pack to make your space comfortable:

Decorations and photos: Posters, fairy lights, or framed photos can make your dorm feel more like your own space. Consider removable wall hooks or adhesive strips like Command Strips for hanging items without damaging walls.
Rugs and cushions: Dorm floors can be cold and uninviting, so a small rug or some cozy cushions can make your space feel warmer and more comfortable.
Desk essentials: A small desk lamp, organizers for your stationery, and a bulletin board to keep track of important dates can make your study area functional and inviting.
Mini fridge and microwave: If your dorm allows it, a mini fridge is perfect for storing snacks, drinks, and easy meals. A small microwave can be a game-changer when you need to prepare quick bites. Just make sure to check your dorm’s rules before bringing appliances.

If you’re sharing a room, ideally, you should coordinate with your roommate. That way, you won’t double up on larger items like the microwave or rug — this saves both space and money.

What to leave behind: Avoid these space-wasters

It’s tempting to pack everything, but some items are better left at home. Avoid cluttering your small dorm space with unnecessary things:

Excessive kitchen equipment: Unless you’re in an apartment-style dorm, leave behind items like pots, pans, and toasters. A microwave and a few dishes or utensils are usually enough for dorm living.
Too many clothes: Bringing your entire wardrobe is a common mistake. Stick to essentials and bring seasonal items (like heavy coats or swimsuits) only when needed. You can always swap clothes when you visit home.
Bulky furniture: Dorms often come furnished, so bringing extra chairs, desks, or large storage bins can be impractical. Instead, opt for foldable or under-bed storage solutions.
Old textbooks and excessive books: It’s tempting to bring a mini-library, but your room will likely have limited space. Instead, bring only the books you need for your courses and use the library for any additional reading.
Candles and prohibited items: Many dorms don’t allow open flames for safety reasons, so candles and incense are usually off-limits. Check your dorm’s policy on prohibited items before packing.

Tech essentials to pack

Technology is a must in college life, so it’s important to bring the right gear.

Here’s what you should have:

Laptop and charger: A reliable laptop is a must-have. Consider a lightweight model that’s easy to carry around campus. Look for models that have long battery life to get you through classes and study sessions without constantly needing to recharge.
Portable charger and extension cords: Outlets aren’t always conveniently located, so bring a power strip with surge protection and an extension cord to reach your bed or desk. A portable charger can be a lifesaver on long days when you’re constantly on the go.
Headphones or earbuds: Whether it’s for studying in a noisy dorm, attending virtual lectures, or just relaxing with music, a good pair of headphones is essential.
External hard drive or cloud storage: Backing up your work is critical. An external hard drive or a subscription to a cloud service like Google Drive ensures you don’t lose important files.

Health and wellness items: Take care of yourself

When moving to college, it’s easy to focus on the basics like bedding and school supplies, but don’t overlook the importance of taking care of your health and wellness.

Adjusting to a new environment, managing academic pressures, and being surrounded by new people means your physical and mental health may be challenged in ways it hasn’t been before.

Having the right health and wellness items on hand can make a significant difference in how you cope and thrive.

Here’s what to pack to ensure you stay healthy and well-prepared for anything college life throws at you:

First-aid kit: Pack a small kit with basics like band-aids, pain relievers, cold medicine, and any prescription medications you need.
Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, and having a reusable bottle saves money and is environmentally friendly. Many campuses have water refill stations, making it convenient to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Healthy snacks: Bring non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, or instant oatmeal for those busy days when you need quick energy.

Pro tip: Consider adding a small, portable air purifier for your dorm. It can help improve air quality, especially in shared spaces, and might make your room feel more comfortable.

Storage solutions that maximize your space

Now, let’s face it — dorm rooms are notoriously small, and space is often limited.

That’s why finding ways to efficiently organize your belongings is crucial. After all, you need to make your space functional and comfortable, right?

Well, smart storage solutions not only help you maximize the space you have but also keep your room tidy and clutter-free. They will help you to focus on your studies and relax in a cozy environment.

Here are some of the best storage solutions to consider:

Under-bed storage: Use rolling bins or storage bags to maximize space under your bed for clothes, shoes, or extra supplies. Some dorms offer adjustable bed heights—raising your bed can create extra storage space.
Closet organizers: Hanging shelves or shoe organizers can double your closet space and keep everything tidy.
Stackable bins: These are perfect for storing books, snacks, or other small items without taking up too much floor space. They’re also easy to rearrange as you find a system that works for you.

Important documents and supplies

Finally, don’t forget to bring important documents that you’ll need throughout the semester:

ID, passport, and insurance cards: Keep these in a safe but accessible place, as you may need them for various reasons, from opening a bank account to registering for classes.
Academic materials: Pack your syllabi, notebooks, and any required textbooks. Digital copies are also helpful, but having some paper versions as backups can be useful.
Emergency contact list: Keep a physical list of contacts, including family, emergency services, and your school’s health center, in case you need help and don’t have access to your phone.

Conclusion: Pack smart for a smooth transition

Moving to college is a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel both excited and a bit overwhelmed by the packing process.

Remember, you don’t need to bring everything — you just need to bring the right things that will help you feel comfortable, organized, and ready to thrive in your new environment.

Just try to focus on essentials, create a space that feels like home, and find smart storage solutions. That way, you can ease the transition and set yourself up for success.

It’s okay if you forget a few things or need to adjust once you’re settled — part of the college experience is learning to adapt and finding what works for you.

Trust yourself in this process. You’re already taking a big step, and you’re more prepared than you might think.