The Ultimate Penn State Packing List

Packing for college can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to expect! Check out this link to find out what basic amenities are included in your dorm and this link to learn more about your residence area.

By no means will you need every single item on this list. This list is meant to give you ideas and help you figure out what you want and need. Talk to your roommate(s) about sharing certain items (like the TV), and be mindful of how much room you’ll have to transport all of your belongings.

If you do forget something, don’t panic! Downtown you’ll find two small grocery stores called McLanahan’s, as well as the Student Book Store and Target (opening this fall). The University Bookstore is located in the HUB, and Walmart is just a short bus ride away. If you need anything shipped from home, it’s easy to pick it up at your dorm’s commons desk.

Also make sure to sign up for Amazon Prime Student! It’s free for 6 months, and you get free two-day shipping! Use this link to sign up and earn $10 immediately!

Bed

·         Comforter, duvet, or quilt

·         2 sets of sheets (twin XL) and extra pillowcases

·         Pillows

·         Extra blankets

·         Bed risers

·         Mattress topper

·         Mattress protector (to protect against allergens, bacteria, and bed bugs)

·         Sleep mask

Bathroom & Toiletries

·         Bathrobe

·         Shower flip flops

·         2 or 3 sets of towels, wash cloths, and hand towels

·         Shower caddy

·         Shampoo and conditioner

·         Soap, body wash, and face wash

·         Razors and shaving cream

·         Toothbrush and toothpaste

·         Mouthwash

·         Dental floss

·         Retainer and case

·         Q-tips and cotton balls

·         Deodorant

·         Lotion

·         Chapstick

·         Contacts and contact solution

·         Glasses and case

·         Hairbrush and comb

·         Feminine hygiene products

·         Medications

Beauty

·         Makeup and brushes

·         Makeup remover

·         Hair products (dry shampoo, heat protectant, hair spray, mousse, gel)

·         Hair styling tools (hair dryer, straightener, curling iron/wand)

·         Hair accessories (headbands, bobby pins, clips, hair ties)

·         Nail clippers

·         Nail polish and nail polish remover

·         Tweezers

·         Makeup mirror

·         Full length mirror

Closet

·         Clothes (don’t forget your professional outfit for WEPO!)

·         Shoes

·         Accessories and jewelry

·         Hangers

·         Organizers

Technology

·         Laptop and charger

·         Cell phone and charger

·         Tablet and charger

·         Camera and charger

·         Ethernet cable

·         Flash drive

·         External hard drive (for backing up your files)

·         External disc drive

·         USB mouse

Desk

·         Lamp and light bulb

·         Catch-all bowl

·         Hand sanitizer

·         Tissue box

·         Bookends

·         Drawer organizers

·         Combination lock (for locking drawer)

·         Chair cushion

School Supplies

·         Textbooks

·         Binders and folders

·         Notebooks and loose-leaf paper

·         Agenda or planner

·         Pencils, pens, markers, and highlighters

·         Crayons and colored pencils

·         Erasers

·         Notecards

·         Sticky notes

·         Paper clips and binder clips

·         Rubber bands

·         Thumb tacks

·         Page protectors

·         Scissors

·         3-hole punch

·         Stapler and staples

·         Tape (Scotch and packing)

·         Stamps and envelopes

·         Calculator

Out & About

·         Keychain (for your dorm key)

·         ID holder (for your PSU ID)

·         Wallet or wristlet

·         Purse

·         Backpack

Entertainment

·         TV and DVD player

·         Video game console and games

·         Movies

·         Books

·         Netflix subscription

Food

·         Snacks

·         Ziploc bags

·         Water bottle

·         Brita pitcher and filters

·         1 or 2 coffee mugs

·         Microwave-safe bowl

·         3 sets of utensils

·         Plastic utensils

·         Paper plates

·         Plastic bowls and cups

·         Ice cube tray

·         Chip clips

·         Dishpan (for dirty dishes)

Decor

·         Pictures

·         Calendar

·         String lights

·         Posters

·         Art

·         Fridge magnets

·         Dry erase board or chalkboard

·         Holiday decorations

·         Command hooks and strips

·         Sticky tack or mounting putty

Around the Room

·         Clock

·         Rug

·         Floor lamp and light bulbs

·         Fan (box or oscillating)

·         Storage bins

·         1 or 2 power strips

·         1 or 2 extension cords

·         Extra wastebasket

·         Doorstop

·         Storage ottoman

·         Extra chair (beanbag, gaming chair, pillow armchair)

Laundry

·         1 or 2 pop-up hampers

·         Laundry basket

·         Laundry detergent (HE liquid or pods)

·         Stain remover

·         Dryer sheets

·         Mesh laundry bags (for delicates)

·         Foldable drying rack

Cleaning

·         Small vacuum

·         Paper towels

·         Clorox wipes

·         Cleaning cloths

·         Glass cleaner

·         Disinfectant spray

·         Small dish soap

·         Sponge

·         Dish towel

·         Febreze

First Aid & Medicine

·         Bandaids

·         Neosporin

·         Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen

·         Thermometer

·         Ice pack and/or hot pack

·         Cough drops

·         Cold medicine

·         Allergy medicine

·         Aloe

Weather

·         Sunglasses

·         Sunscreen

·         Umbrella

·         Rain boots

·         Rain jacket

·         Winter coat

·         Gloves, scarf, and hat

·         Winter boots

Important Information

·         Social security number

·         Driver’s license, state ID, or passport

·         Health insurance info

·         Medical prescriptions

·         Banking info

·         Car insurance info

Once you unpack everything, flatten your cardboard boxes and store them under your bed. You’ll need them when you move out in the spring.

I recommend swapping some of your clothes and shoes out at Thanksgiving. Take home your warm weather apparel when you go home for break, and then bring your winter gear back to college. Consider doing the same thing at Spring Break.

Although the dorms are generally a safe place to live, theft can sometimes be an issue. Make sure you and your roommate(s) are mindful of locking the door when you leave. If you have any jewelry, cash, medications, or personal information (like your social security number), store them away in the locking drawer of your desk.

Kahley McBeth is a sophomore majoring in Computer Science and is a Rover for WEPO’16!