It can be difficult to know what to pack before you head off to college. You will not want to leave behind anything essential. However, rooms in residence halls (also called dorms or dormitories) are very small, so you will also not want to take too much.

When deciding what to pack, check the suggestions and rules of your college. Most colleges publish information about the available accommodations on their campus and a list of banned items. Because rules and accommodations vary among colleges (and sometimes between the residence halls on a campus), it is important to know specific information to your college.

Second, contact your new roommate(s). Many colleges will give you the name and contact information of your roommate in order for two of you to decide on what items you can share and decide who will bring which items. This helps students not over pack and be better able to organize their rooms in their residence hall. Keep in mind, that sometimes students change rooms or leave campus; therefore, it is possible that after you have started college, you may end up with a new roommate and new shared items to discuss.

Below is a list of common items that college students may want to take to college. Always compare this list with the rules and suggestions of your school.

What to Pack
To Feel at Home
While many roommates divide the room and decorate their own section to their own tastes, it is important to be considerate and not display offensive items.

• Pictures
• Comfort Item (e.g., a stuffed animal or a gift from someone special)
• Decorations
• Supplies to hang decorations (check college rules)
• Cultural or religious symbols

Shower Supplies

• Shower caddy (To carry toiletries to the bathroom.)
• Shampoo and other toiletries
• 2 bath towels (It is helpful to have an extra towel for when one is dirty.)
• Bathrobe (To wear from your room to the bathroom)
• Shower shoes (To prevent catching a fungus)
• Hair dryer

School Supplies

• Computer with lock
• Pens, pencils, highlighters
• Tape, stapler and other desk supplies
• Notebooks
• Flashdrive
• Desk lamp
• Extension cord with surge protector

For Fun

• Camera
• Reading material (Consider using an e-book reader to save space)
• iPod or MP3 player
• Cards or other small games
• CDs and DVDs

Food Supplies

• Microwavable dish & bowl
• Silverware
• Snacks
• Paper towels
• Can opener

To Wear

• Clothes (2 weeks worth to give yourself a chance to do laundry)
• Coat
• Light jacket
• Jewelry (inexpensive)
• Watch
• Pajamas
• Slippers
• Swimming suit

Room Items
These items should be discussed between roommates to decide if multiple items are necessary. Each roommate should bring a different shared item.

• Wastebasket
• Rug
• Small fan (If room is not air conditioned)
• Cleaning supplies
• Iron and small ironing board
• TV with DVD player
• Clock
• Microfridge (Check with your school to see if they are supplied or if there are regulations on the use of these.

General Supplies

• Padlocks (some colleges will have drawers and closet doors that fit padlocks)
• Bedding for a single bed
• Hamper (Use one that can double as a laundry basket)
• Laundry detergent
• Cell phone (Usually optional, but a few schools do not provide room phones)
• Hangers
• Umbrella
• Sewing kit
• First-aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Bicycle with a lock (optional, but may be helpful on large campuses)

What Not to Pack
Check your residence hall contract to see what specific items are not allowed. Below is a list of items that are often not allowed in most dorm rooms or may not be a good idea to bring.

• Weight lifting equipment
• Power tools
• Hotplate
• Grill
• Toaster oven
• Halogen lamp
• Candle
• Valuable items that cannot be secured
• Air conditioner
• Incense
• Weapons
• Electric blankets
• Alcohol or illegal drugs
• Large items