The best packing list I found before my freshman year of college was on Pinterest (from hercampus.com). However, there were a select few (and I really mean few) items that I ended up needing/wanting, and the list did not include things that you don't need to bring along with you to college. So, from my gathered resources and personal experiences, I have compiled a list of stuff you know you'll forget and other things that are an absolute must (I have also included some links, for you online shoppers out there).
1. Sleeping bag/air mattress (if you know you might be going camping or on a retreat)
2. Hanging fabric pocket organizer (especially when your bed is lofted) like this
3. Adhesive hooks and strips (that come off cleanly, like these)
4. Alarm clock—but only if you know your phone won't hack it when you have to get up for that 8am.
5. Closet organizer (one that is sturdy and doesn't pocket under weight, like this one)
6. Felt hangers (you'll save yourself the pain of clothes constantly slipping and falling
7. Step ladder (especially if you're bed is lofted and a ladder doesn't come with) like this one
8. Portable stain remover pen, like Tide to Go
9. Oxyclean (this is a MUST, things will get stained while you're away from your mom's amazing stain removing skills)
10. Quarters
11. Sewing kit (I actually used mine, although it was once)
12. Can opener
13. Chip clips
14. Coffee maker, like a Keurig
15. Dish towels (one or two)
16. Dish rags (around five), yes there is a difference
17. Dust rag
18. Hand soap (and a big refill bottle, it's cheaper than buying a lot of regular sized hand soaps)
19. Mugs (you only need like three)
20. Oven mitt
21. Microwavable dish wear like these—you won't want to keep buying paper and plastic wear
22. Ziplock bags/tupperware
23. Reusable water bottles, even some with a filter in it like these
24. Sponges
25. Toaster (if your school allows it)
26. Travel mug
27. Scale
28. Hanging shower organizer (if you have your own bathroom) like this or a tension shower caddy like this
There are a lot of college packing lists out there, and last year, I thought I found "the one." However, these things were either not on the list, or things that I wished I would've bought off the list. To be fully prepared for the college life, you'll want these items.
