Essential Must-Have Items for College Students

BIG Ideas:

• College is a rare opportunity to build independence and discover who you are.
• Packing the essentials for college will help you stay organized and ready for whatever campus life throws your way.
• The more prepared you are, the more you can focus on making the most of your time in college.

The journey of a lifetime is about to begin – college. It’s an exciting adventure that will bring you more freedom, opportunities, and responsibilities than you’ve ever had before.

For many students, it’s the first real taste of independence – your first home away from home, your first time setting and managing your own schedule, and your first chance to set up a space that’s just the way you want it. Yes, this amazing journey will be so much more than just a move; it’s a unique opportunity to discover who you are and what you can accomplish.

But before you and your parents pack up the family SUV and hit the road, you need to slow down and stock up on the essentials that will keep your college life running smoothly.

Having the right stuff can help you stay organized, maximize comfort, and start the year off with confidence. Who doesn’t like the sound of that?

To help you prepare for packing, we’ve put the following list of must haves for college.

Grab your No. 2 pencil and let’s get to it.

Items For Your Dorm

Your dorm is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a haven where you can go to kick back, rest and recharge, and gather with new friends. That’s why it’s so important to equip your room with these must haves for college freshmen:

Furniture and Bedding

Your dorm room may not be a palace, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it cozy and comfortable with these items:

• A rug to warm up those cool floors
• Bed sheets (size XL)
• Mattress cover
• Pillows (sleeping and throw)
• Comforter or quilt
• Extra blankets
• Throw blanket

Technology, Electronics, and Gadgets

College life runs on tech, so make sure you’re plugged in with these items:

• Mobile phone
• Computer, laptop, iPad
• Bluetooth speaker
• Printer
• Monitor (for extra screen real estate)
• Chargers for all devices
• USB hub
• Flash drive
• Back up hard drive
• HDMI cable
• Desk lamp
• Nightlight
• Mini fridge (you may be able to rent one through your school)
• Fan
• Extension cords
• Surge protector
• Clock (to help you stay on time)
• Noise-canceling headphones for studying – or ignoring your noisy next-door neighbor
• Portable charger

Dorm Décor

Let your room reflect your personal tastes and interests with items like:

• Electronic picture frame
• Framed photos of family and friends
• Posters, pictures, or artwork
• Double-stick tape
• Closet hooks
• Small whiteboard for your door
• Plants (real or plastic)
• Curtains for privacy and ambiance
• Lap desk to make studying easier

School, Desk, and Study Must Haves For College

To succeed in school, you’ll need to stay organized. These items can help:

• Backpack
• Pens, pencils, markers, highlighters
• Pencil case
• Pencil sharpener
• Notebooks
• Index cards
• Sticky notes
• Rubber bands
• Scissors
• Paper clips
• Printer paper
• Ink cartridges
• Desk calendar (a backup for your phone)
• Folders
• Tape
• Stapler and staples
• Three-hole punch
• Binders
• Dividers
• Crayons and markers for coloring fun
• Envelopes

Cleaning Products

Make Mom proud by keeping yourself and your space sparkling clean with:

• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener
• Dryer sheets
• Broom and dustpan
• Small vacuum
• Air fresheners
• Trash barrel
• Mop
• Disinfectant wipes
• Paper towels
• Trash bags
• Computer wipes
• Furniture polish
• Floor cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Laundry bag for lugging laundry home
• Iron and ironing board

Snacks & Kitchen Items

Just because you have a meal plan doesn’t mean you won’t get hungry or need snacks. Here are some items to help keep you nourished, especially during late-night sessions:

• Reusable water bottles
• Tumbler
• Reusable grocery bags
• Lunch bag
• Plastic plates and cups
• Plastic bowls for cereal
• Ziplock bags
• Plastic wrap
• Silverware (real and plastic) and other utensils
• Coffee mugs
• Coffee maker and filters
• Hot pot or electric kettle
• Granola bars and trail mix
• Nuts
• Ramen noodles (a college staple)
• Oatmeal
• Cereal
• Tea/coffee
• Napkins
• Water

Tools and Other Must Have Items For College

From loose buttons to a loss of power, you never know what can happen in college. Here are some things to keep you prepared:

• Toolbox
• Double-stick tape
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Sewing kit
• Matches or lighter
• Safety pins

Healthcare Essentials

Maintaining good health is key for ensuring your success in college. Be sure to take along these items to ensure your wellbeing:

• Prescription medications
• Hand sanitizers
• Cough drops and medicine
• Pain relievers
• Vitamins
• First aid kit
• Tissues
• Sunblock
• Bug spray
• Ace bandage
• Thermometer
• Lip balm
• Heating pad

Cosmetics and Toiletries

Whether you share a bathroom with the whole dorm floor or live in an apartment or suite, you’ll need to ensure you have these items:

• Shower caddy
• Soap, bath wash, face wash
• Towels (bath, hand, and face)
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Q-tips
• Hand and face lotion
• Makeup
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Dental floss
• Razor and blades
• Blow dryer, curling iron, or flat iron
• Combs and brushes
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Small scissors

Clothing, etc.

Be sure to pack for every season and every occasion:

• Eyeglasses
• Sunglasses
• Sweatshirts
• Sweatpants
• Shorts and t’s
• Pajamas, bathrobe, and slippers
• Jeans
• Dress clothes for interviews or campus events
• Socks
• Undergarments
• Casual shoes
• Sneakers
• Boots
• Winter jacket, mittens, gloves, hat
• Rain gear
• Workout clothes
• Bathing suit for the campus pool or weekend trips
• Flip flops

Finance and Other Important Items

Being independent means managing and staying on top of your money and other important things. Be sure to bring along these items:

• Wallet or pocketbook
• Small safe for your dorm
• Driver’s license
• ATM card
• Checks (some campus offices still use them)
• Quarters for laundry
• Postage stamps
• Important papers for school

Miscellaneous Must-Haves for College

• Sporting equipment (gloves, bats, balls, skates, frisbee)
• Board games
• Puzzles
• Bicycle for getting around campus
• Small cooler for tailgating
• Beach towels and blanket

Brazos is Here to Help You On Your College Journey

As you embark on this new and exciting adventure, don’t forget one of the most important parts of college preparation: paying for it. We can help with that.

For more than 40 years, Brazos has helped make college more affordable for Texas students and families. As a Texas-based nonprofit lender, we offer competitive rates on private student loans that can help cover where financial aid leaves off, so you can focus on what’s most important. Contact us today.