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.
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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