The GLF Comprehensive Pre-College Packing Check 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/Slippers
• Loungewear
• Activewear
• Clothing needed for classes (gym class, athletics, dance class)
• Gym bag/Daypack
• Seasonal clothing
• Swimsuit
• Jacket/Coat/Rain gear
• Caps/ Hats/Bandanas
• Accessories/Costume 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)
• Flash drive
• School supplies – 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 , medication, antacids, allergy medications, bandages, antibiotic ointment, eye drops, ice pack, hot packs
• Sewing kit with safety pins
• Duct tape
• Super glue
• Flashlight (extra batteries)
• Tool kit (multi-tool, glasses repair kit, etc.)
• Bedding
• Hangers (space saving closet hangers/closet organizers)
• Drying rack
• Towels and washcloths
• Shower caddy
• Laundry hamper
• Alarm clock
• Fan
• Posters and wall décor
• Utility hooks (you need more than you think!)
• Trash can
• Cotton swabs/Cotton balls
• Tissues/Toilet paper
• Nail polish remover
• Hand sanitizer
• Antibacterial wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Ziplock bags
• Trash bags
• 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
• Storage containers
Things to Research:
• Dorm rules regarding dorm refrigerators and microwaves. Some colleges have a list of rental companies that drop off and pick up.
• Dorms have a variety of safety restrictions. For example, some allow twinkle lights and others do not.
• Some colleges have policies on the types and number of 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, like Bed, Bath and Beyond, 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.
• Some schools will allow you to ship to the dorm address in advance.
• Coordinate with your roommate if possible. For example, one can bring the printer and one might bring the TV.