A College Checklist is just the thing you need to start the school year off on the right foot! Adjusting to dorm life can be challenging for an incoming freshman, so make sure you send him or her off to school with little pieces of home such as family pictures, favorite smelling laundry detergent, preferred snacks and a list of email addresses and phone numbers to stay in touch.

The Essential Must-Have College Checklist

Our college checklist is divided by categories to make it easier to see what you need and check off the things you have already packed. Having these essentials will prevent your student from doing a lot of unnecessary shopping when they arrive at their new digs.

Dorm Room College Checklist

	Alarm clock		Bicycle
	Lamp		Bike helmet
	Trash can		Bike tire pump
	Storage bins		Bike lock
	Under bed storage		Umbrella
	Bulletin board/push pins		Light bulbs
	Dry erase wall calendar		Backpack
	Mini toolkit		Sports equipment
	Picture hangers		Deck of cards
	Book light		Pair of dice
	Bean bag chair		Area rug
	Futon		Posters/wall art
	Foldable step ladder		Shoe rack
	Duct tape		Yoga mat
	Flashlight		Safety whistle
	Batteries		Debit card/credit card
	Hooks		Wristlet/wallet
	Swiffer		Sunglasses
	Door mirror		Insect repellent
	Closet organizers		I.D./driver’s license

Laundry College Checklist

	Laundry basket
	Laundry bag
	Detergent
	Fabric softener
	Stain remover
	Portable stain stick
	Foldable drying rack
	Lint brush
	Mini sewing kit
	Safety pins
	Lingerie bag
	Iron
	Ironing board
	Quarters for the machine

Bedding College Checklist

	Sheets
	Pillowcases
	Pillows
	Comforter/bedspread
	Throw blanket
	Mattress pad
	Bed skirt
	Air mattress
	Bed risers
	Ear plugs

Bathroom College Checklist

	Bath towels		Nail clippers
	Hand towels		Hairstyling products
	Washcloths		Brush/comb
	Shower caddy		Tweezers
	Shower flip flops		Hair dryer
	Shampoo/conditioner		Curling iron
	Body wash/soap		Flat iron
	Face soap		Razor/shaving cream
	Toothbrush/toothpaste		Cotton swabs/cotton pads
	Toothbrush holder		Makeup remover
	Dental floss		Moisturizer
	Cup		Eye cream
	Mouthwash		Makeup
	Deodorant		Over door towel rack
	Air Freshener		Scale
	Lotion		Tissues
	Pumice		Lip balm
	Nail file		Nail polish/remover

First Aid College Checklist

	First Aid Kit
	Aspirin
	Pain reliever/anti-inflammatory meds
	Vitamins
	Adhesive bandages
	Cough drops
	Cold medicine/decongestant
	Allergy medication
	Antacids
	Diarrhea medicine
	Sunblock
	Aloe
	Eye drops
	Wax hair removal
	Ice pack/heat pack

Kitchen College Checklist

	Paper towels		Energy shots
	Trash bags		Ramen noodles
	Can/bottle opener		Soup
	All purpose cleaner		Granola bars
	Dish soap		Popcorn
	Food storage containers		Peanut butter
	Microwaveable plate		Jelly
	Microwaveable bowl		Favorite Snacks
	Mug		Easy mac & cheese
	Drinking glass		Instant oatmeal
	Fork/spoon/knife		Coffee
	Water bottle		Creamer
	Chip clips		Sugar

Small Appliances Checklist

	Fan
	Space heater
	Microwave
	Small fridge
	Hand vacuum
	Humidifier
	Electric kettle
	Coffee maker

Electronics College Checklist

	Computer/laptop/tablet		DVD player
	Printer		Favorite movies
	Cell phone		Extension cords
	Camera		Surge protector
	Portable speakers		Ethernet cable
	Headphones		Video gaming system
	MP3 player		Video games
	TV		USB flash drives

Clothing Checklist

	Underwear		Light/heavy jacket
	Socks		Gloves/scarf/hat
	Pants/jeans		Baseball hat
	Shirts/blouses		Swimsuit
	Sweats		Athletic shoes
	Pajamas		Walking shoes/sneakers
	Workout clothes		Boots
	Slippers		Business casual outfit
	Robe		Dressy/formal clothing
	Sweaters		Hangers

School Supplies Checklist

	Folders		Post-it notes
	Notebooks		Rubber bands
	Daily planner		Ruler
	Recording device		Scissors
	Stapler/staples		Paper clips/binder clips
	Scotch tape		Desk organizer
	Printer paper		Stamps
	Pens/pencils		Envelopes
	Highlighters		List of addresses/emails
	Index cards		Journal
	Labels		Emergency contacts

College Checklist For Being A Good Roommate

Going away to college is an exciting time! While you need a college checklist for all of the items you need to bring, don’t forget to add the 3 Cs to your list: Courtesy, Communication and Compromise! Keep this advice as part of your permanent college checklist rules of thumb! They apply not only to people you have never met before, but even roommates who are currently friends of yours. The 3 Cs will go a long way in making living with one another a joyful experience.

Courtesy: Be respectful of one another and take care to treat each other’s bad habits or flaws as you would like yours to be handled with you. Remember that you are in the same boat and probably all a little homesick, so be supportive of one another’s activities, interests and lifestyle differences.

Communication: Make sure to be open and honest with your feelings and be receptive to constructive criticism as well. Most students experience a lack of privacy from what they were used to at home. Communicate your needs rather than getting frustrated with the situation. Ask your roommate to join extra-curricular activities with you to build your relationship.

Compromise: There is always a solution if you work together to solve a problem. Meet in the middle and you will both feel as if your needs have been heard if not met. Be open to suggestions and don’t be afraid to share your perspective. You might just learn something!

Keep the 3 Cs on your college checklist and your freshman is bound to have a highly successful transition into his or her new home away from home!

We hope our college checklist is helpful. Share this with all of your friends who are sending their kids off to school too! While you are crossing off items from the best college checklist ever, don’t forget to pick up some personalized collegiate ornaments to send as Christmas decorations before midterms! They will love showing their school spirit. We have over 60 colleges and universities to choose from!