You need to bring a variety of clothes. Check the weather where you are going to college, but don’t let thoughts of sunny, Southern California make you forget to bring a jacket and gear for cold weather if you're attending school there. You need comfortable shoes for walking around campus, casual clothes for going to class, dressier clothes for special events, sleeping clothes you don’t mind if your roommates see you in and gear with the college name and logo on it. If you will be using a communal shower, don’t forget to pack flip-flops to avoid walking in anything gross existing on shower floors.
Dorm rooms often supply a bed but not sheets and pillows. Bring along at least two sets of sheets in the event one set gets dirty and you don’t have a chance to wash it before bedtime. You will also want to pack plenty of blankets too, in case your dorm room gets cold during the cold times of the year.
While your college likely has computers you can use on campus, having your own computer greatly improves the college experience. You don’t want to have to walk up to or across campus anytime you need to use a computer. A computer is often used for enrolling in classes, emailing your professors and receiving emails from them, staying in touch with friends back home, finding sources for assignments, staying notified of campus events and researching majors.
You also want to pack memories from home. Some ideas include mementos like pictures and yearbooks. While you can’t bring everything, bringing a few items can comfort you in times of homesickness, or when you need a reminder that you’re family is smiling at you, wishing you success in college.
Think of everything you use in a bathroom on a regular or even an occasional basis. While you may not get stomachaches all of the time, you don’t want to get one and then have to hitch a ride to the store to obtain relief. You want to look in your bathroom at home, as well as the medicine cabinet, and make a list of every item you might need. Items may include toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, body soap, perfume, cologne, prescription medications, medicine for headaches and upset stomachs, moisturizer, thermometer, facial tissue, cotton swabs, shaving cream, razors, bandages and deodorant. Remember though, many of these items are inexpensive, so you can always buy them when you get to college, but you may want to do it before they’re actually needed.
In addition to a computer, don’t forget electronics that add to your comfort level, such as an alarm clock to wake you up, a phone, TV, hair dryer, microwave, DVD player and stereo. You also need cords and power strips to plug all of these items into. Bring along any user manuals too, if setting up the item is difficult.
Some items can be shared. While you don’t want to share a toothbrush, you can probably share a TV or microwave. Talk to your roommates before moving in together to see what items each person has to contribute, and what items you can leave at home because your roommate is bringing it.
Dorms usually have rules about what you can and can’t bring. For example, they may not allow weapons of any kind, alcohol, toasters or certain electronics. Check with the dorm rules to avoid bringing stuff that could get you into trouble, and that your parents will have to haul back home.