The clothing you are bringing to your college dorm depends on where the school is located. If you live in a cold weather state where there is snow, you will need to bring heavy jackets, hats and gloves for the semester. Conversely, if you live in a warm weather state, you might only need to bring a light jacket to complement your clothing. Remember that while at school, laundry facilities are usually shared and cost money to use. Therefore, bring more socks and underwear so that you can change your undergarments and re-wear jeans, shirts, pants, sweaters and sweatshirts multiple times between washing. When it comes to shoes, remember that they take up a lot of room when packing. Try and bring only the shoes you need. Ideas include sneakers, boots, dress shoes, heels, sandals, pumps and mules. Match these shoes to outfits you are packing to limit the number of pairs you bring to school.
The convenience of living at home is that you probably have multiple toiletries in a spare closet. When you run out, you can simply grab a new package. At college, you are going to need to bring one of everything you might think you need. These items may include deodorant, facial wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, acne cream, toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream, foundation, eyeliner, lipstick, hair spray, hair gel and hair mouse.
While colleges often provide desks and chairs for their students in the dorm room, they may not provide much else. Consider packing or purchasing table lamps, alarm clocks, storage trays, hangers, a desk lamp, a fan, a drying rack, a dry erase board and markers, and a basic tool kit that has a hammer, screwdrivers, nails and screws.
Before packing for college, check with the resident assistant or school administration as to the size bed you will be sleeping on. Most likely it will be a single bed. Purchase a set of sheets to fit the bed, along with a comforter and any other blankets you might think you need. Also, purchase shower towels, hand towels and face cloths for when you use the bathroom. Purchasing three to four sets will allow you to last the week before needing to use the laundry facility.
Students have to bring their own electronics to their college dorm room. This usually includes items such as televisions, DVD players, MP3 players, computers, monitors, printers, laptops, headphones, a cell phone and any other electronic device you use on a regular basis. Included under electronics are any cords or power strips you need to use the items.
In addition to your computer and required school books, you may also need pens, pencils, rulers, paper, notebooks, highlighters, paper clips, scissors, a stapler, organizational folders, rubber bands, labels, a pencil sharpener, burnable CDs and DVDs and index cards. Contact your roommates ahead of time and see if they can help you by bringing some of these items so that you can split the cost together.