We’ve put together a list of “freshman essentials,” created with input from students, to help make packing for college a breeze.

*Some schools do not allow these items in their residence halls. Please check with the office of residence life at your college/university before packing any of the items marked with an asterisk.

Class/Study Supplies:

• Calendar/Planner – to keep track of all your important dates.
• Paper – you have to have something to write on, right?
• Binders – you’ll have a lot more paperwork to deal with in college. Binders allow for more room to keep everything organized for your classes
• Notebooks – it helps to have one for each class.
• Pens/Pencils – you need something to write with, don’t you?
• Dictionary and Thesaurus– essential tools for being a star student.
• Stapler/Staples – to keep term papers, essays and other reports all together.
• Highlighters – to mark important points in everything you read.
• Correction fluid – just in case you make a mistake.
• Paper clips – a great alternative to staples.
• Tape – masking tape, duct tape, invisible tape…you’ll probably need it all.
• Scissors – everyone needs a pair of scissors.
• Ruler – for math class, measuring your room space, etc.
• Calculator – a must-have for college-level math classes.
• Computer and accessories – because you probably won’t want to spend all your time in the computer lab.
• Printer ink cartridges and paper – once you write those papers, you’ll need to print them out to turn them in.
• Blank CDs or a Jump Drive – essential for saving your work.
• Backpack – you’ll be lugging a lot of books around.
• Pencil sharpener – you’ll need one if you’re not using mechanical pencils.
• Permanent marker – for labeling folders, boxes, etc.
• Digital Voice Recorder – for recording lectures, so you can refer to them when studying for tests.

Residence Hall Supplies:

• Sheets – it’s a good idea to take at least two sets.
• Pillows – you’ve got to have a place to rest your head!
• Blankets – for the chilly months of the year.
• Towels – big ones for the shower and small ones for drying your hands.
• Laundry detergent/Fabric softener – yes, you’ll be doing your own laundry now.
• Paper towels – for the times you decide to go on a random room-cleaning spree!
• Facial tissues – you can never have enough of these, especially when you’re sick.
• Coffee maker* and coffee– making your own coffee will save you a lot of money in the long run.
• Drinking glasses – much better for the environment than disposable cups.
• Plates – for those times you want dinner in your room instead of the dining hall.
• Utensils – you need something to eat with, don’t you?
• Snacks – try to throw in something healthy when you can.
• Reading light/desk lamp* – for those times when you’re doing some late-night studying.
• Laundry bag/hamper/basket – for hauling your dirty clothes to the laundry mat (or, more likely, home to Mom and Dad’s).
• Microwave* – for zapping a quick meal or snack.
• Air freshener – who knows what kind of smells you will encounter
• Bulletin board – great for hanging pictures, notes, etc.
• Dry erase board – perfect to hang outside your room, so people can leave you messages.
• Disinfectant – when sharing a bathroom with 20 or more people, you never know what germs might be lurking around.
• Cleaning supplies – for those unavoidable soda and food spills.
• Tool Box – trust us…you’ll need it.
• Chest/Trunk/Foot Locker – great for organizing your stuff and keeping it out of sight.
• Hangers – for all those clothes you’re going to bring with you.
• Pictures/Posters – make your space more personal.
• Plastic food containers – for keeping leftovers or packing lunches.
• Plastic bin – for dirty dishes, unless you’d rather have them piled up all over your room.
• Mini refrigerator* – to keep cold drinks and food on hand at all times.
• Surge protector – because that one outlet is NOT enough for all of your electronics and your roommate’s.
• Extension cord – in case the outlets are not where you need them.
• Can opener – for soup and other canned goods you might eat in your room.
• Hot plate/hot pot* – for cooking up some fast and easy meals in your room.

Personal Care Supplies:

• Toothpaste/Toothbrush/Dental Floss – to keep your smile pretty.
• Mouthwash – to keep your breath fresh.
• Hairbrush/Comb – though using them before that 8 a.m. class may never happen.
• Hair dryer – running out the door with wet hair is probably not a good idea.
• Deodorant – no reason needed.
• Shampoo/Conditioner – it’s probably a good idea not to just get your hair wet, right?
• Soap/Body Wash/Shower Gel – there are so many to choose from!
• Shaving supplies – you’ll probably need them whether you’re a guy or a girl.
• Face Wash/Moisturizer – keep your skin looking healthy.
• Sunscreen – the higher the SPF, the better—those afternoons of playing Frisbee on the quad can take a toll.
• Body lotion – to keep dry skin away.
• Make-up – if that’s your thing.
• Shower caddy – to tote all of your shower essentials down the hallway and into the community shower rooms.
• Shower shoes – the words “community shower” should be all you need to hear on this one.
• Cold medicine – for all your sniffles and sneezes.
• Cough drops – to help soothe a sore throat.
• Eye drops – late- or all-nighters can make for some dry, red eyes.
• Nail Clippers/Nail File – because you probably don’t want to end up with the World’s Longest Fingernails.
• Mirror – you’ll probably want to do more primping in your room than in the community bathrooms.
• Cologne/Perfume – so you’ll smell terrific.
• Bathrobe – because you probably don’t want to walk back and forth from the shower room in only a towel.

Other Necessities:

• Alarm clock – to ensure a perfect attendance record at those early morning classes.
• Radio or stereo – for blaring your favorite tunes (not during quiet hours, of course).
• CDs – it’s best to bring a small collection of your favorites.
• MP3 Player/Portable CD Player – to listen to your favorite tunes while you’re on the go.
• Address book – to keep in touch with friends and family.
• Camera – don’t let college slip by without capturing the memories
• Sewing kit – for taking care of missing buttons or repairing a ripped seam in your favorite pants.
• Sports equipment – because you’ll probably find plenty of time to play.
• Bicycle/Scooter/Rollerblades – you probably won’t be allowed to have a car your first year, and you might not want to walk everywhere.
• Sleeping bag or Air Mattress – for random road trips, overnights or if someone happens to visit and sleep over in your room.
• Umbrella – don’t get caught in the rain!
• Postage stamps – for sending letters or paying bills.
• Driver’s license or I.D. – you’ll need to have some other form of identification than your school I.D.
• Insurance card – in case you get sick or hurt.
• Stationery – in case you want to keep in touch with friends and family the old-fashioned way.
• Cell phone – to keep in touch even when you’re on the go.
• Ear plugs – because your roommate might have a snoring problem.
• First aid kit – you can never be too careful.
• Slippers – keep your feet nice and warm when you’re lounging around your room.