Packing for college is potentially more stressful than some of you classes will be, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Here is the ultimate packing list (plus more) for college. You will most likely not need to pack everything on this list, it is just here to make sure there’s nothing important you may have forgotten. Anything highlighted in turquoise are things you should coordinate with your roommate about so you don’t end up with duplicates (P.S. check out this link that tells you what’s already in your room!). Anything highlighted in yellow are things that you don’t have to bring with you, but I found useful to have. And lastly, anything highlighted in pink are very important to remember to pack. These were things I found myself using every day or very often. So, try and remember not to over pack and if you forget anything there are several places you can go on (Sisu, the mix) and off campus (Mclanahans, Target) where you can buy anything you might need! Stay calm, breathe, don’t wait until the last minute to pack, and get excited for your first year at Penn State! WE ARE!
Bedding
· Some kind of comforter
· 2 sets of sheets (twin XL) and extra pillowcases (you should try and change your sheets at least every month)
· Pillows (husband pillows are super nice to have)
· Extra blankets
· Mattress topper (Amazon has some good deals on memory foam ones. I recommend nothing more than 3”)
· Mattress protector
· Bed risers
Bathroom stuff
· Bathrobe
· Shower flip flops (super important!!!)
· Shower caddy (I recommend getting an S hook so you can hang your caddy over the shower door instead of on the ground)
· Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, etc…
· Razors (extra razor heads)
· 2 or 3 sets of towels
· Toothbrush and toothpaste
· Q-tips and cotton balls
· Deodorant/Perfume
· Lotion
· Contacts/contact solution, glasses and case etc…
· Feminine products
· Medications
Cosmetics
· Makeup and all accompanying brushes etc….
· Makeup remover
· Hair products, tools, accessories (you can literally never buy enough hair ties)
· Hairbrush and comb
· Nail clippers
· Nail polish and nail polish remover
· Tweezers
· Makeup mirror (if you can get one that has a light, it’s super helpful in the mornings)
· Full length mirror
Closet
· Clothes (Try not to over pack… it’s very easy, but you most likely won’t need that outfit you haven’t worn in two years)
- Professional Outfit (including shoes)
· Shoes (don’t forget rain and snow boots!)
· Accessories and jewelry
· Hangers
· Organizers (double closet rod, sweater organizer, shoe organizer etc…)
Technology
· Laptop and charger
· Cell phone and charger
· Tablet and charger
· Ethernet cable (useful to have just in case but I never used mine)
· Flash drive
· External hard drive (for backing up your files)
· USB mouse
- Extra lamp that clips onto bedframe
Desk Supplies
· Lamp and light bulbs (the desk should come with a light but having another desk lamp can be helpful, but not necessary)
· Hand sanitizer
· Tissues! (especially during the winter!)
· Bookends (for top of desk)
· Combination lock (for locking drawer)
· Chair cushion (the wooden chairs can get very uncomfortable)
- Pen/pencil organizer
- Paper clips and binder clips, rubber bands, thumb tacks
- Notecards, sticky notes
School Supplies
· Textbooks (I recommend waiting until you go to your class to see if you need them and then compare bookstore prices with amazon prices)
· Binders and folders
· Notebooks and loose-leaf paper
· Agenda or planner
· Pencils, pens, markers, highlighters, erasers
· Crayons and colored pencils
· Calculator
· Tape (Scotch and packing)
· Stamps and envelopes (trust me you will need it at some point)
· Scissors
· 3-hole punch
· Stapler and staples
· Backpack (if you can find one with laptop pouch it’s very helpful)
Misc. Stuff for your Room
· Alarm Clock
· Rug (You can buy a rug here at http://www.ocm.com/PSU that will be in your dorm room when you arrive. DO NOT buy any of the other packages… they are not worth your money!)
· Fan (box fan is the most useful)
· Storage bins (I recommend 3-4 Rubbermaid tubs)
· 1 or 2 power strips
· 1 or 2 extension cords
· Extra wastebasket (I always put mine under my desk)
· Doorstop
· Extra comfy chair (optional- if room)
Laundry
· Pop-up hamper (fits nicely in your closet)
· Laundry detergent (I recommend tide pods) and stain remover
· Dryer sheets
· Foldable drying rack (optional- I sometime hung my clothes in my closet to dry)
Cleaning Supplies
· Small vacuum (optional, but nice to have)
· Paper towels
· Clorox wipes
· Disinfectant spray, Febreze
· Small dish soap, sponge, dish towel
First Aid & Medicine
· Band-Aids
· Neosporin
· Advil/Tylenol
· Allergy medicine
· Thermometer
· Cough drops, cold/cough medicine
· Aloe
Entertainment (all optional- expect Netflix subscription…just kidding!)
· TV
· Movies
· Books
· Netflix subscription
Decorations
· Pictures
· Posters
· Calendar
· Dry erase board or chalkboard
· String lights
· Holiday decorations
· Command hooks and strips (lots of them of all different sizes and shapes! The Velcro ones are very useful for hanging pictures or other things like that)
Food
· Snacks (if you can reach, the overhead cabinets are a super nice place to store snacks)
· Chip clips
· Microwave-safe bowl
· Plastic utensils, paper plates, plastic bowls and cups, etc…
· Ziploc bags
· Water bottle
· Brita pitcher and filters
· coffee mugs
· Ice cube tray
Everyday Stuff
· Keychain (for your dorm key)
· ID holder (on key chain or back of phone)
· Wallet or wristlet
· Purse
Weather Related Stuff
· Sunglasses
· Sunscreen
· Umbrella
· Rain boots
· Rain jacket
· Winter coat (Bring winter stuff to school after thanksgiving break)
· Gloves, scarf, and hat
· Winter boots
Other Important Information
· Social security number
· Driver’s license, state ID, or passport
· Health insurance info
· Medical prescriptions
· Banking info
By: Emily Rapp
