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Admission Elements

What Should You Pack for a Dorm?

Updated: Jul 8

If you do not know what you need for your room and personal use, packing for living on campus can be hard. Check your university's website or contact their residence office for items provided in the room and what you can bring according to their rules and regulations.


Packing list for dorm
Prepare a packing list for your dorm

We compiled a detailed list of things first-year students need when moving into residence. You can change the list according to your requirements and preferences. You can download a FREE COPY of the DORM PACKING LIST, attached at the end of this blog post.


Documents

  • Passport (or any other government-issued ID)

  • Visa (if you are an international student)

  • Driver’s license (if you have one)

  • Health card and insurance details

  • Bank account details and bank card

  • Credit card, debit card, and cash

  • Important documents and correspondence from your university, including the offer letter

  • Financial aid and student loan documents, if any

  • List of emergency contact information

  • Medical records, including immunizations

  • Passport-sized photos

  • Resume


Tip: Keep your important documents together in a safe place. Having a photocopy or digital scan of your records is a good idea.


Electronic Items

  • Laptop and charger

  • Mouse and mousepad

  • Cell phone and charger

  • Tablet and charger

  • Earphones or headphones

  • USB memory stick

  • Extension cable with surge protection

  • Desk lamp

  • Alarm clock

  • Desktop printer

  • Small TV

  • Video game console

  • E-reader

  • Speakers

  • Iron and ironing board

  • Hair dryer

  • Hair straightener


Tip: Check with the university if they allow small appliances like mini-fridges and microwaves.


Health

  • Contact details of family doctor

  • Prescribed medication

  • Emergency medication (EpiPen, inhaler, etc.)

  • Prescription glasses and contact lenses

  • Sunglasses

  • Medication- ibuprofen, acetaminophen, multivitamins, lozenges

  • Thermometer

  • First aid kit (bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, disposable surgical gloves, ice pack, antiseptic wipes)

  • Mask

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Disinfectant spray and disinfectant wipes

  • Bug spray


Tip: Keep your medications in a box/case so that they are handy when needed.


Stationery

  • Backpack

  • Pencil case

  • Desk organizer

  • Course books/textbooks

  • A4 lined paper and plain paper

  • Notebooks

  • Folders, dividers, and binders

  • Calendar/diary/planner

  • Sticky notes

  • Index cards

  • Pens and pencils

  • Whiteout pen/tape

  • Permanent markers

  • Highlighters

  • Coloured pens/pencils/markers

  • Ruler

  • Math set

  • Erasers

  • Sharpener

  • Calculator

  • Glue

  • Scissors

  • Tape (preferably with a dispenser)

  • 3-hole punch

  • Stapler and staples

  • Paper clips


Clothing

  • Tops/T-shirts

  • Jeans/pants/trousers

  • Shorts

  • Hoodies/sweaters/jackets

  • Dresses/skirts

  • Formal wear (dresses/skirts/suits)

  • Belts

  • Sleepwear

  • Socks

  • Underwear

  • Traditional wear

  • Bathrobe/dressing gown

  • Slippers/flip-flops

  • Shoes (formal and casual)

  • Swimwear

  • Cap

  • Gym gear (clothes, bag)

  • Rain gear (umbrella, jacket, rain boots)

  • Winter gear (coat/jacket, winter boots, hat, earmuffs/ear warmers, scarf, gloves/mittens)


Room

  • Duvet and duvet cover or comforter

  • Pillows and pillow covers

  • Sheets

  • Throw blanket

  • Mattress protector

  • Mattress topper

  • Hangers (preferably thin)

  • Waste paper basket

  • Laundry bag/basket

  • Shoe rack


Tip: University residences usually provide basic furniture like a bed, mattress, desk, and chair. You can add a few items like posters, photographs, string/strip lights, rugs, and cushions to give a personal touch to your space.


Bathroom

  • Face washcloth

  • Hand towel

  • Bath towel

  • Toilet paper rolls

  • Bathroom caddy

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Mouthwash

  • Dental floss

  • Shower gel/body wash/bar soap

  • Loofah

  • Deodorant/perfume/cologne

  • Shampoo

  • Conditioner

  • Hand soap

  • Face and body lotion

  • Sunscreen

  • Shower cap

  • Bath mat

  • Shower curtain

  • Sanitary pads/tampons

  • Razor/shaver

  • Shaving cream and aftershave

  • Face wipes/facial tissue

  • Toilet brush and toilet bowl cleaner

  • Hairbrush/comb

  • Hair elastics/hair accessories

  • Hair products

  • Nail clippers

  • Lip balm

  • Cosmetics

  • Jewelry

  • Cotton swabs

  • Cotton balls


Kitchen

  • Plates

  • Bowls

  • Mugs

  • Glasses

  • Cutlery (spoons, forks, and knives)

  • Chopping board

  • Pots and pans

  • Blender

  • Can opener

  • Bottle opener

  • Colander

  • Cheese grater

  • Vegetable peeler

  • Sieve

  • Coffee machine/tea kettle

  • Kitchen knives

  • Spatulas

  • Microwaveable containers

  • Lunchbox containers

  • Vacuum flask

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Water filter pitcher

  • Baking dish

  • Oven mitts

  • Trivet

  • Kitchen scissors

  • Aluminum foil

  • Parchment paper

  • Cling/plastic wrap

  • Resealable plastic bags

  • Tea towels

  • Dishwashing soap and scrub sponge

  • Dishwashing gloves

  • Cleaning cloths

  • Compost bin

  • Compost bags

  • Paper towel rolls

  • Paper towel holder

  • Spices and seasonings

  • Pantry food/snacks


Tip: Not all university residences have a kitchen. If you have a kitchen in your dorm, you can plan and share some kitchen items with your roommates.


Miscellaneous

  • Closet organizers

  • Purse/wallet

  • Watch

  • Tote bag or shopping bag

  • Backpack/small suitcase and toiletry bag for trips

  • AA and AAA batteries

  • Small toolkit

  • Flashlight

  • Camera

  • Sports equipment

  • Bicycle and helmet

  • Lock

  • Handheld vacuum

  • Dustpan

  • Trash bin

  • Trash bags

  • Laundry detergent

  • Fabric softener

  • Dryer sheets

  • Lint brush


Tip: Most universities have a no pet policy but might allow service pets. Check with your university for prohibited items (for example, hazardous fire items, firearms, explosives, weapons, air conditioners, alcohol and illegal drugs, and smoking devices).


Conclusion

Living in residence can be an excellent opportunity to meet new friends and become independent. Plan and pack in advance, so you are well-prepared to transition into your dorm. Leave a comment on this article if you wish to add other items to this list.


FREE COPY of the DORM PACKING LIST




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