We all see those lists that websites post on checklists for going away to college. I followed those lists my Freshman year and I felt as if half of those things sat in the same place that I put them during Move-In Day. So I will be making a list of the things that I actually used in college, which could definitely help the people who will be going to college this upcoming year and are having trouble with what to pack.

1. Bedding & Linens

TWO sets of Twin (XL depending on your dorm) sheets. You can find inexpensive ones at Target or online at Amazon.

A Comforter/Quilt/Duvet Cover.

A Throw Blanket.

A decorative pillow or two — if you’re not the type, you can simply bring regular pillows that match your set of sheets.

Foam Mattress Topper — these are not too expensive and they’re very much worth it since most mattresses in school are not too comfortable to begin with.

A set of velcro towels are also very great, especially when you’re using communal bathrooms.

2. Room Décor

Desk Lamp

Floor Length Lamp

Hand towel — if your dorm has your own bathroom.

Jewelry Organizer

Wax Burner

Storage Ottoman (seriously a life saver.)

Command Strips/Hooks to avoid getting a housing fee for damaged walls.

3. Storage & Cleaning

Plastic Drawers—I recommend getting the one’s that are more longer, versus taller. You’ll be able to stack multiple ones if your bed is lofted. You can keep anything from shoes to off-season clothes in there without worry of a cluttered room.

Mini Broom & Dustpan

Clorox Wipes

Paper Towels

Febreze Air & Fabric Freshener

Trash Can

Small Trash Bags

Laundry Detergent & Bleach — Tide Pods are also very great to use, especially if you’re not good at doing laundry. As well as Bleach Tablets if you’re anything like me and spill bleach on all of your clothes.

Laundry Basket

First Aid Kid

Toiletries

4. Clothing**

As much as you would like to think so, it’s impossible to comfortably fit all of your clothes inside of your dorm. Most college residence halls are a decent size, but nothing too major. If possible, pack all of your Fall, along with a few Winter outfits. When you go home for Winter Break, transfer your clothes out during that time.

Two weeks worth of underwear — just in case you can’t get to your laundry during that week.

Bras (both regular and sport.)

T-Shirts

A few nice blouses — this can be worn during interviews, career fairs, or just those few days that you feel like dressing up.

Shorts — don’t bring too many during the Fall semester if your school is up North. Trust me when I say that you’ll be mainly wearing jeans, sweat pants, etc.

Shoes (one pair of everything: flip flops, tennis shoes, flats, etc.)

Sweatshirt

Heavy duty backpack

**These just vary based on the location of the school that you’ll be attending. In my case, I go to a school in Northeastern Ohio, so the weather is either very hot or very cold. If there’s some sort of group chat for your school, ask the people there who possibly know how the weather’s like, and base your clothing options on that.

5. School Supplies

Planner — they have non-expensive planners at places such as Staples, Office Max/Office Depot, Walmart and many more. These are amazing to document your upcoming homework assignments, tests, and activities for school. If you don’t like writing, you can always use an app on your smartphone or tablet.

Laptop

Pens

Pencils

CHARGERS — get as many as you humanly can. People always ask to use your chargers, and sometimes you lose them as well. Get them for your phone, laptop, and a portable charger.

Portable charger — There aren’t always available outlets for you to plug your phone in.

Headphones

6. Other Necessities

A weekender/duffle bag — great for small trips during college, simply because it’s a huge hassle carrying your large suitcase during small vacations.

Suitecase — obviously bring this as well.

Powerstrips

A fan — whether it’s a box fan or a revolving fan. Either will work.

Coffee Maker/Keurig — because Starbucks becomes expensive very quickly and it’s not open late either.

Brita Water Filter — much cheaper than buying packages of water in the long run.

Plastic plates, bowls, and cups — these save you from doing dishes, obviously.