Good Life Family’s Comprehensive Pre-College Packing List
by Tricia White | Managing Editor
What to Fly With:
Carry On (use the same backpack as will be used for books at school):
Documents
• Driver’s license/Photo ID
• Passport
• Medical insurance cards (plan ahead and order an extra copy)
• Social Security Card (needed for employment on or off campus)
• Money/Credit card(s)
• Emergency numbers for family and friends
Gadgets
• Phone
• Laptop
• Cords, cables and battery chargers
• Headphones
Personal Items
• Glasses/Contacts
• Watch/Jewelry
• Wallet/Purse
• Umbrella
In checked luggage:
Personal Care Items
• Skin care and make up
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
• Hair care items
• Medications
• Sunscreen
• Razors and shaving supplies
• Nail care
• Perfume/Cologne
Clothing – Focus on what is needed right away – or until the first break. Depending where the college is located, some savvy packers switch wardrobes at fall break, Thanksgiving break or winter break.
• Underwear/Bras/Socks
• Bathrobe/ PJs/ Loungewear/Slippers
• Activewear (gym class, dance class)
• Gym bag/Daypack
• Swimsuit
• Jacket/Coat/Rain gear
• Caps/Hats/Bandanas
• Accessories/Jewelry
• Sneakers/Boots
• Shower shoes (A MUST)
Items that can be shipped in advance or purchased at college:
• Stacking drawers/Bins/Drawer Organizers
• Bulletin Boards/Message Boards
• Extension Cords/Power Strips (check dorm rules and guidelines)
• Iron or Steamer (check dorm rules and guidelines)
• Desk Lamp (check the bulb and wattage guidelines)
• Speakers
• Electric Kettle or Coffee pot
• Printer and Cable (extra ink and paper)
• School supplies – flash drives, stapler, staples, hole punch, pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, paper, notebooks, note cards, post-it notes, glue, scissors, paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands, tape, pushpins, blank CDs
• Medicine kit – thermometer, vitamins, cough drops, headache relief, cold relief, stomach relief, antacids, allergy medications, bandages, antibiotic ointment, eye drops, ice/hot packs
• Sewing kit with Safety Pins
• Flashlight (extra batteries)
• Tool kit (multi-tool, glasses repair kit, duct tape, super glue, etc.)
• Bedding
• Hangers (space saving closet hangers/closet organizers)
• Drying Rack/Laundry Hamper
• Towels and Washcloths/Shower Caddy
• Alarm clock
• Fan
• Posters and Wall Décor
• Utility hooks (you need more than you think!)
• Trash can/Trash Bags
• Cotton swabs/Cotton balls
• Tissues/Toilet paper
• Nail Polish Remover
• Hand Sanitizer/Antibacterial Wipes
• Ziplock Bags/Storage Containers
• Cleaning supplies (paper towels, all purpose cleaner, wipes, duster)
• Laundry detergent/Dryer Sheets
• Snacks/Drinks
• Thermos/Reusable Water Bottle/Coffee Mugs
• Can opener/Plastic Utensils/Paper Plates
Things to Research:
• Dorm rules regarding dorm refrigerators and microwaves.
• Dorm safety restrictions. For example, some allow twinkle lights and others do not.
• Some colleges have policies on extension cords, power strips, desk lamps and other things that can be a fire hazard.
Tips:
• Since I knew I would be spending three nights at a hotel near my child’s college, I called to ask if I could ship boxes to myself care of the hotel. I planned my shipment with UPS so the boxes were waiting when we arrived.
• Shop online and schedule delivery to the final destination. Some stores have a “Pick Up There” option which allows you to shop and pay at your home store and then pick up your boxes at the store nearest your child’s school.
