A college dorm checklist for girls that include a college packing list pdf you can download for free! Our list includes everything you need for your bed, tech, organization, clothes, and so much more.
Not only will you find a college freshman packing list, we include lots of cute ideas for your dorm that makes this a shoppable dorm list too.
College Packing List
The thought of packing for college as a first-time freshman is a little daunting, since it’s your first experience…what are you supposed to even pack?
We all know how tiny dorm rooms truly are….
What if you pack too much or even worse, what if you forget some major items? Rest assured, this list of top dorm room essentials is perfect for a first time college student or a returning student who just doesn’t want to forget anything.
Fortunately, a college dorm checklist is a lifesaver and takes the stress out of your dorm room planning. We’ve included a lengthy post describing each item you’ll need with links to popular products, AND you can download a handy free college packing list too!
College Dorm Checklist Categories
Here’s a list of categories we cover in this post and the MUST HAVE items for college students. Links are included for really popular items…because getting everything online is just so much easier these days..
- Tech Girl Musts
- Bedding
- Organization
- Study Essentials
- Eating
- Bath
- Must Have Decorations
- Cleaning
- Misc Items
- Personal Items
- Clothing
TECH
Hopefully, you have a brand new laptop on your college dorm packing list 😉 Here are all of the important tech gadgets you won’t want to leave at home by mistake.
- laptop and charger
- laptop desk for bed
- power strip
- extension cord
- cell phone and charger
- music speaker
- headphones
A COZY BED
Having a cozy college bed is a MUST! Not only is it the most decorative area of your entire dorm space, dorm beds are notoriously uncomfortable and buying a few inexpensive essentials for your bed is important.
Here’s our must have bed college packing list ideas.
- Comforter
- Sheets
- Mattress cover
- Mattress pad
- Pillows
- Throw pillows
- Cozy blankets
Finding cute bedding set for your dorm bed that’s also comfortable and not too pricey is so important. Fortunately, there’s tons of adorable comforter sets out there for twin XL beds.
OUR TOP PICKS~ Cute yet low price!
Romantic Boho Girl
If you’re a boho inspired girl like me, then you’ll definitely want to check out this fringed bedding set in bright white. Hurry though! It’s super popular and sells out quickly!
Cute and classic
(One of the MOST popular styles AND there’s over 10 different designs to choose from!!)
TWIN XL MATTRESS PAD
This mattress pad is AMAZING! I know it seems a little pricey at first, but trust me, your comfort is worth it! And yes the rumors are true, dorm mattresses SUCK.
Having a nice cushy mattress pad will totally SAVE YOU. I was the envy of all of my friends for having such a comfortable bed!
ORGANIZATION
How well you organize your dorm room space can make or break how clean it stays and honestly, how much stuff you can fit into your dorm.
Planning out how to make sure as much as possible can fit in a small space but still being able to keep it all maintained is key to living in tight quarters with others.
- Closet organizers
- utility cart
- file organizer
- file folders
- cube containers
- shoe organizer
- laundry bag/basket
- under bed storage
- hangers
- door stop
- small trash can
- misc. storage bins
- door hooks
- Metal shelving (for those without a closet!)
OUR CLOSET TOP PICKS:
ROOM TOP PICK:
STUDY ESSENTIALS
Many of the study essentials you need can easily be bought from Target or Office Depot or something. Just a few items I want to feature because they’re unique and so worth buying online!
Other items:
- desk lamp
- school bag
- planner
- white board or bulletin board
- pens/pencils
- mini stapler and staples
- paper clips
- tape
- push pins
- notebooks
- paper
- folders/binders
- desk organizers
- index cards
- calculator
- highlighters
- sharpies
- post-it notes
EATING
Even if you have a cafeteria to eat at, the trek might feel like miles away if you’re busy studying, it’s pouring down rain, or you just don’t feel like leaving your room.
This is a college packing list for your mini dorm kitchen for those times you just want something little or even just to make a quick cup of coffee.
- microwave
- mini fridge
- snacks
- plates/cups/bowls
- utensils
- coffee mug
- water bottles
- bottle opener
- coffee maker
- plastic containers
- water filter
OUR TOP PICKS:
BATH
Whether you have to use a shared bathroom down the hall or have a college bathroom to share with just a few other students, the bathroom dorm packing list will be the same.
- towels (2)
- washcloths/hand towels (2)
- shower flip flops
- shower carry caddy
- supply organizers
- towel body wrap
MUST HAVE DECORATIONS
Actually decorating your dorm room is one of the best parts….while dorm rooms are small, you can make your space super cute and cozy. String lights, rugs, a cozy chair, and a fun tapestry and some of the most popular dorm decorations that should be considered an essential part of the college packing list.
- string lights
- photos
- posters
- wall art
- tapestry
- rugs
- plants
- curtains
- door mirror
- cozy chair
- picture/art hangers
Now a days string lights are basically a decorating essential! There’s nothing that leaves a dorm room looking more cozy than by stringing lights across the room or using small fairy lights to
Be sure to check out our post on 14 cute ways to decorate with string lights!
The most popular styles:
CLEANING
Most of these dorm room essentials can also be purchased from your local store before you leave for college. But using Amazon’s Prime Pantry for household basics was a LIFE SAVER when I lived in a dorm and didn’t have a car.
If you don’t yet have Amazon Prime, did you know students with an .edu email address can give Amazon Prime Student a FREE try for 6 months?! I was honestly shocked when I learned how long their trial was! Your parents only get a 30 day free trial!
Sign up for Amazon Prime Student
Who really wants to be dragging a huge package of TP on public transportation?
- laundry detergent
- fabric softener
- stain remover
- air freshener
- paper towels
- all purpose cleaner
- glass cleaner
- Swiffer/Swiffer pads
- duster
- trash bags
- mini hand broom
- small dustpan
MISC
This is a dorm list of the odds and ends many people don’t even think about until they get to school and realize they actually need these things!
- batteries
- tape measurer
- small tool kit
- bike
- bike lock
- weekend bag
- athletic bag
- re-usable grocery bag
- first aid kit
- umbrella
OUR TOP PICKS
PERSONAL ITEMS
When you’re away for college and can’t easily get to a store (or don’t want to carry tampons on the bus), filling up a Prime Pantry box of basics is ideal. I often did this with all of my personal items, cleaning supplies, and for my favorite snacks too.
By chance you missed the link above, you can get a 6 month Amazon Prime Student trial for FREE! Having Amazon Prime is a LIFE SAVER when you’re living in a college dorm.
Get your 6th month free trial of Amazon Prime Student
- shampoo/conditioner
- gel
- hairspray
- makeup
- razor and razor blades
- shaving cream
- lotion
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- floss
- mouthwash
- tweezers
- nail file
- nail clippers
- nail polish
- hair accessories
- curling iron
- flat iron
- hair dryer
- body wash
- soap
- handsoap
- brush or comb
- band-aids
- q-tips
- medicine
- pain reliever
- cough drops
- pads/tampons
CLOTHING
Knowing what clothes to pack for college honestly might be one of the hardest things to deal with. Instead of having lots of space, you now get a little cramped closet and like 2 drawers for all of your clothes.
Here’s exactly what I packed for college, and as you’ll see I even brought costumes with me for fun events and gatherings like Halloween!
- Jeans
- yoga pants
- exercise clothes
- casual shirts
- nice dress up shirts
- casual dresses
- going out/nice outfits
- skirts
- socks/bras/undies
- slippers
- pajamas
- sweatshirts
- jackets
- coat
- denim jacket
- cardigans
- sweaters
- costumes (gotta plan for those costume parties!)
- sneakers
- athletic shoes
- flats and heels
- boots
- hats
College Life for Girls
- College Dorm Room Ideas for Girls
- Dorm Room Organization Ideas
- College Halloween Costumes for Girls
- Care Packages for College Students
I hope you found our freshman packing list helpful! Don’t forget to download the college packing list pdf!
Be Sure to Download the Dorm Room Checklist!
I love your idea of a packing list I have my daughter going off to college as a freshman in the fall I have some ideas but no I’m going to forget something so I Appreciate this so much
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WOW! This saves time!