If you’ve got a college-bound student, then you’re going to need this Printable College Packing List. There are 7 categories for the ultimate packing list for college and dorm rooms.
Packing for college is no joke! I’ve been looking at many dorm room checklists, and they are all a little different. Because of that, I decided to create a packing list for all categories from bedding, laundry, studying, bath etc…You’ll be packed with all dorm room essentials. If your kids are still k-12, here are some cute First Day of School Printables! Don’t you love FREE Printables?
Edited: You can see my son’s dorm for Dorm Room Ideas!
I have a College Essentials Shopping List in my Amazon Storefront.
College Packing List – Printable Dorm Room Essentials
From all the lists that I looked over, they were all either missing items or had items that didn’t pertain to our needs. I figured if I could create one that also allows you to add what you need, it may be really helpful for all those families sending their baby’s off to school!
I recommend shopping and gathering over a couple of months in a designated spot in your home. It’s much less intimidating and way more organized this way! You’re much less apt to forget important items.
I’ve broken this printable college packing list into 7 categories that made sense to me.
The Bedding Packing List was my favorite to gather! This is when it’s hard for a boy to have a creative blogger for a mom. I was under strict instructions that I couldn’t “decorate” the room. And that once there, it is requested that I not take a ton of staged photos. I tried telling him that his new roommate and friends would think I was the cool mom for working full-time as a blogger in the creative world. He wasn’t impressed and made me promise to not make it look too decorated.
College Packing List: Bedding for Boys
Here’s what I came up with. I’m so excited to put his room together, it’s allowed me to be in complete denial that he’s going to be gone.
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- Dark Grey Bedding – I wanted a dark color to hide stains and dirt. Because we know he’s probably not going to be washing it.
- Ticking Stripe Sheet Set – I thought the stripes would be a nice stylish touch that is still masculine. I also bought a solid gray sheet set by Better Homes and Gardens
- Black & White Swiss Cross Pillow Cases – These are my ALL TIME FAVORITE!
- Sweatshirt Sherpa Blanket Throw – This is another favorite! It has college written ALL over it!
College Packing List: Laundry
- Hamper or bag – Be sure to print off my Printable Laundry Tips for College Students. I created really handy tags to attach directly to the hamper. Or see how I ironed them on a laundry bag.
- Laundry Detergent Pods – We’ve decided that laundry pods are going to be much easier and less messy.
- Wrinkle Release spray – This is the best stuff ever! Who needs an iron?
- Color Catcher – These are small little miracles. If he uses them and he accidentally washes a red sweatshirt with his whites, his clothing will not all be pink. Whew!
College Packing List: Bath Essentials
Edited to add: My son is now a sophomore and in his first apartment. This post for College Apartment Bathroom Essentials is pretty handy too.
- Towels – at least 3 or 4. I like these because they get fluffier with each wash.
- Shampoo, shower gel, face wash etc..
- Shower Shoes – Simple waterproof flip flops or slides are perfect. My son will be sharing a bathroom with all the other boys on his floor. Those showers ….. ick.
- Shower Caddy – This was a tough one. So many shower caddies look so girly. We finally found a small gray mesh one that looks like it will work. A large men’s toiletry bag works great too!
College Packing List: Study
- Desk lamp – We found really cool inexpensive ones at IKEA.
- Extension Cord with USB ports- Power Tower
- Charging Station – We decided to spring for the Nytstnd. This way he can charge everything at once. You will need a charging cord for each item. Edited: He has now upgraded to a charging pad.
- Extra Long phone charging cord
Dorm Room Packing List: First Aid
I included cold meds into this group. Hopefully most items he won’t need to use.
- Cold Care (update: many kids didn’t have cold meds and he ended up being able to help a few friends out)
- Emergen-C Immunity Drink
- Tissue
- Band-aids
- Sleep-aid
- Instant ice pack
Dorm Room Check List: Comforts
- Area Rug – I found the cutest rug for his room. It looks like concrete, so it’s not girly at all.
- Essential Oil Diffuser– I really want him to use one with the Thieves oil to help keep his immune system up. He wasn’t really interested but ended up liking the bamboo designed diffuser I found. Now hopefully he’ll use it. This one will also go for 10 hours or so.
- Microwavable Bowl Cup – for those late-night bowls of ramen.
- Twinkle Lights or LED Strip Lights– He’s still fighting me on these. But if we can put his bed up high and we can create a small lounge area underneath, then the lights will be the perfect addition. I’ll let him make the final decision. Edit: He ended up asking if I’d order the LED lights for under his loft bed. They are remote controlled, can change colors and really easy to put up.
- Bean Bag Chair – This was also something we added after a week or so. This was his main study spot. It was large enough to take a nap on but fit under his loft bed.
- Mini-Fridge – Here’s a tip so you don’t have to haul it. We ordered from Walmart for pick up at his local store. You have seven days to pick up any order.
- Mini Microwave – This ended up being very much used like the fridge.
Dorm Room Storage List
I think girls are going to need more in this department. One item I haven’t put on this is a step stool. I ran into a friend of his who started in August and when I asked him what the one item he wished he would have packed, he said a step stool.
- Plastic Stacking Drawers
- Drawer Dividers – we bought the collapsible ones from IKEA. They really helped keep his items organized.
- Over the Door Shoe Organizer – these can be used for more than just shoes.
Print each free printable dorm room checklist needed. You’ll like the extra space to customize your list. 
Dorm Room & College Essentials
Must have items and ideas for college living.
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