Personal items are based on your own needs. Take extra amounts of medications with you. Bandages, comb, brush, shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, dental floss and nail clippers are recommended. Women will need tweezers, hair dryer and skin lotion whereas men will need shaving equipment. You will find a sewing kit handy. In addition to an antibiotic spray and bug repellent, bring tissues, postage stamps and envelopes.
Bring extra linens, a blanket and your favorite pillow as well as posters to decorate. Don't forget pictures of the family and a bulletin board to place them on. Purchase a dry erase board to place on your door for friends to leave messages if you are out. Hangers and crates are useful. You will need an alarm clock, trash bags, laundry bags, coffee maker, small refrigerator and light bulbs. Extension cords, small vacuum cleaner, lamp, portable iron and board are also helpful. Add a wastebasket. Consider bringing a small microwave or toaster oven in case you are in the middle of an assignment and don't have time to go to the campus dining hall.
Your computer probably will be the most important item for doing your school work. Paper, pen, notebooks, correction fluid or tape, assignment book, index cards, paper clips, highlighter, printing paper and other similar items that you would normally use at home for school work should be taken to campus.
Purchase a phone card and bring quarters. Clothing for different seasons is on the list unless you live close enough to home to pick them up as needed. Bring clothing that can be mixed and matched so that you don't take up too much space. A small TV, if you have one, and a keyboard, guitar or other musical instrument, camera and iPod are worthwhile items. Non-perishable snacks are good to munch on while studying.