What to Bring to College: The Ultimate College Packing List
What to Bring to College: The Ultimate College Packing List
Click this picture to download a printable version of the guide.
This page is your go-to guide for figuring out what to bring to college in 2021.
Whether you’ll be living in a dorm, an apartment, or in the steam tunnels that run underneath campus, this list will provide you with all the college essentials, plus a few fun extras that can improve your life or help you make new friends (Pro-tip: be the person who has a tool kit). We’ve put a ton of work into this packing list; we hope you’ll find it helpful.
To make it easy to navigate, everything is broken down into categories. We’ve also marked certain items as “essential” to help you prioritize.
Most links here go to Amazon. Full disclosure: College Info Geek participates in the Amazon Associates program, and we’ll earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through the links on this page (at no extra cost to you). We’ve worked hard to recommend items that are both high-quality and inexpensive.
Do note that you also can also buy many of these things locally, and we’ve put together a printable checklist that you can take to the store if you like. Click the picture to download it!
P.S. – Having a properly set-up calendar, task manager, and file system before I started classes saved me a ton of stress. If you want to make sure you’re really prepared for college, consider taking my 1-hour productivity systems course:
With a proper productivity system, nothing ever slips through the cracks. In just one hour, you'll learn how to set up your to-do list, calendar, note-taking system, file management, and more — the smart way.
If you'll be sleeping in a loft bed or on the top of a bunk bed, get this (or build your own if you're into DIY). It's a great place to put your iPad so you can fall asleep to old episodes of The Bachelorette.
For when your roommate needs sleep but you have 5,000 more pages of calculus homework. I recommend a clamp light like this one, especially if you have a loft bed.
Laptop needs vary based on what you'll be doing. This is our main budget pick, though - it's less than $500 and will work well for any major (unless you're doing lots of video or other graphics-heavy work).
Having a second display to work with is monstrously helpful for many, many different majors. Just avoid the temptation to throw up Netflix on it while you're working.
This is our laptop upgrade pick (unless you're a Mac user). Similar specs to the Acer, but it's much thinner/lighter and will have better build quality.
One Drive to store them all, one Drive to save them....If you need a lot of storage space, it's often cheaper to use a portable hard drive than to buy a laptop with a bigger internal drive.
This is the BEST mouse pad. That's the only reason I'm listing it. You can probably find a regular cloth mouse pad under your couch cushions, but this one is just amazing. I keep one in my backpack all the time.
If you live on campus, you might not actually need a printer, as there's probably a computer lab nearby. But if you live OFF campus, owning a printer can be really handy. This one works well and doesn't cost too much.
If you don't want to fool with sharpening pencils, go the mechanical route. I find them especially great for math homework or really any task where you need to write really small and neatly while still being able to erase.
At least when I was in elementary school, these notebooks were the shiz. Even in the age of tablets and laptops, paper notebooks persist. And they're a lot less distracting when you're trying to take notes in that stats class where you're never sure if the professor is trying to make your head hurt or if the subject is just really hard.
This thing is awesome. It's like a regular notebook, except you can open the rings and refill it with new paper when you've run out. That means you can use it for EVERY class - while still keeping it small and light.
While I also use Google Calendar heavily, I find a paper calendar a nice quick reference for seeing what day of the week it is. Plus, they make good decorations against your dorm room's white cinderblock walls.
It's all fun and games until you knock it over, scattering pencils, pushpins, and paperclips as far as the eye can see. "Shoot," you think, "my room will never be safe to walk barefoot again."
Journaling is a superb form of self-reflection--it's like free therapy. Plus, it gives something your great-great grandkids can look back on and say, "They used Facebook back then? Woah! Now everything is just wired directly into your brain."
While some dorms have air conditioning that tests your will to live, others have no air conditioning to speak of. Pick up one of these to keep your room cool and ventilated.
When (not "if," but "when") something in your dorm room breaks, this is a great thing to have on hand, especially if you don't want to wait for the maintenance crew.
I use a set of these to store my alphabetized, mint condition collection of rare Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, but they work pretty well for anything that you need but don't use regularly.
If you want the storage benefits of an elevated bed without the brain trauma hazards of lofting, then pick up a pack of these. I recommend having a friend help you install them.
Woah, it's a groovy blast from the past! Seriously, though, this is actually a pretty comfortable chair. It even folds up for easy storage during DDR battles.
"Every problem in the world can be fixed with one of two items. If it moves and it shouldn't, duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, WD-40." - some engineer at some point, probably
Textbooks can be expensive - it sucks. But they don't always have to be like that. This link takes you to my favorite site for finding the best deals on textbooks. I also strongly suggest checking your college's library or looking into digital versions of your books.
A great way to get around fast and stay healthy. Really saves time if your campus is large and/or spread out. Bonus points for wheelies. Note: this link is for Amazon, but if there's a local bike shop in your town, I recommend checking there first.
For shredding, carving, or just coasting to class. Note: I've linked to Amazon here, but if you have a local skate shop in your area, I highly recommend going there instead.
Loud music can be great when you're jumping up and down to it at a concert...but less than thrilling when it's blaring from the room next door while you're trying to sleep. Good earplugs make all the difference. Note: pair with a sleep mask for best results.
Great for storing...books, obviously, but also for almost everything else that you want to be accessible or displayed. Note: Your college may include one of these with your dorm room, so check first.
Definitely not an essential in the age of streaming, but good to have if you prefer a larger screen or want to hook up to cable for some reason. Note: Ask your roommate if they're already bringing one before you buy.
For late night Smash Bros sessions or just lounging around procrastinating on your chemistry homework...(not that you would ever do anything like that). Note: Ask your roommate if they're already bringing one before you buy. Also, check thrift stores and Craigslist before buying new.
This is our founder Thomas' favorite backpack, and the one he uses on a daily basis. Costs more than our base recommendation, but looks sleeker and offers better organization. Watch his review here.
This speaker's battery lasts forever, it's small enough to throw in a bag, and it's loud enough to fill a dorm room or apartment living room with decent sound. I use mine every day and have bought no less than four more as gifts for friends.
If you have roommates, or just need some isolation when you study, a good pair of headphones is a must. This wireless pair from Anker offers active noise-canceling to help you find some peace. Also, here's my study music playlist.
This is my top backpack pick for most students. Unless you're a bag nerd like me, it'll probably do everything you need. It's durable, comfortable, and will fit most laptops. P.S. - Check out our list of backpack essentials.
Going to college in what could, at times, feel like the literal Arctic, it was great to have a way to keep my coffee warm on the way to class. Even if you need your beverages to stay cold, this tumbler works great for that, too.
Unless you're Aquaman, you could probably stand to drink more water. This bottle is durable, easy to clean, and a great conversation starter. It also prevents you from wasting money and plastic on bottled water.
Cooking your own food a couple times a week (and then reheating as you need it) is a great way to save time and money. These microwave safe containers are what you need to keep that food fresh throughout the week. These will make you less likely to turn to frozen pizza bagels when you're tired and just want something to eat.
Coffee is love, coffee is life - and this is my FAVORITE coffee making device. It's cheap, but the coffee it produces tastes amazing. It's like French press coffee without the grit.
For those frozen foods you shouldn't but probably will eat (especially during exam week). Note: Ask your roommate if they're already bringing one before you buy. Often available to rent from your college, and also often provided if you're living in a house or apartment.
For chilling food and beverages. Note: Ask your roommate if they're already bringing one before you buy. Also, you can often rent one of these from your college, which can be a better deal than buying one. If you're living in a house or apartment, this is likely provided.
Any time you need to get something from one container to another without spilling, you'll be happy to have some funnels. They also work as funny little hats.
Bonbowl is a compact induction cooktop that lets you cook and eat out of the same bowl. Prepare rice, cook eggs, reheat leftovers, and much more. It's perfect for a small dorm room or apartment without a stove. Use the code CIG20 at checkout to get $20 off.
These are magical: just throw them in the washer with your clothes. Just make sure not to make the mistake I did of putting them in the detergent compartment. Doesn't work quite as well...
Imagine how shocked I was when I arrived in my apartment and found that a shower curtain wasn't included. Don't be like me; pick one of these up. And make sure to close it all the way, because there's nothing worse than stumbling into the bathroom at 3 AM only to find your socks soaked by the puddle someone left after showering.
These are easy to forget, but a shower curtain isn't much use if you can't hang it up. And no, you shouldn't try to use rubber bands and paper clips for this (speaking from personal experience).
If you don't want the responsibility of a pet but still enjoy caring for a living thing, plants are the perfect choice. Just make sure to water them or they'll get sad.
They add a touch of home, and they're great for keeping out the literal eye of Sauron that is the streetlight outside your window. Some dorms include curtain rods, but it really depends.
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Fun Stuff
The individual items in this category are totally, completely optional. We just thought it’d be cool to suggest some of the games and other things that work really well for bringing friends together or for relaxing after a huge study session.
The links on this page are affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through them (at no extra cost to you).
Productivity Essentials: Create a System That Works 
Mattress Cover 
Microplush Mattress Topper 
BedShelfie Bedside Shelf 
Reading Lamp 
Acer Aspire 5 Laptop 
External Monitor 
Dell XPS 13 
Portable Hard Drive 
Wireless Gaming Mouse 
Mouse Pad 
Printer 
Mechanical Pencils 
Sticky Notes 
Dry Erase Markers 
Combination Whiteboard/Corkboard 
Notebook 
Notebinder 
Calendar 
Pencil Cup 
Journal 
Pencil Sharpener 
Paper Clips 
Desk Organizer 
Extension Cord 
Graphing Calculator 
Sticky Flags 
Multi-Tool 
Foot Locker 
Under Bed Storage 
Bed Risers 
Computer Chair 
Saucer Chair 
Textbooks 
Bicycle 
Skateboard 
Earplugs 
Sleep Mask 
Bookcase 
TV 
Futon 
Backpack (Upgrade Pick) 
Bluetooth Speaker 
Quality Headphones 
Wenger Synergy Backpack 
Tumbler 
Reusable Water Bottle 
Microwave Safe Food Containers 
AeroPress Coffee Maker 
Coffee Grinder 
Can Opener 
Chip Clips 
Microwave 
Minifridge 
Pizza Cutter 
Baking Trays 
Dish Towels 
Collapsible Strainer 
Pot Holders 
Sink Stopper 
Bonbowl 
Pop-Out Hamper 
Laundry Detergent 
Ironing Board 
Utility Hooks 
Closet Organizer 
Delicates Bag 
Men's Shower Flip Flops 
Women's Shower Flip Flops 
First Aid Kit 
Shower Curtain 
Shower Curtain Rings 
Toilet Paper 
Curling Iron 
Hair Dryer 
Hair Straightener 
Men's Bathrobe 
Cough Drops 
LED String Lights 
Command Strips 
Nerf Blaster 
