Ultimate college packing list from a freshman.
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Student Life

The Ultimate College Packing List, From A First Year College Student

Here is what you actually need and none of what you don't.

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In the coming week, I have to pack up my entire life and move out of my dorm, which has been my home for the past year. A year ago, when I began buying my college dorm room "necessities," I looked up online and watched countless YouTube videos about what exactly I needed to buy for college. People tell you to buy so many things and it is always different. I have combined a list of 25 items that you will actually need and that will not just take up space.

1. An iron, not a steamer

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Everyone always says bring a steamer. Highly recommend bringing an iron instead due to the fact that steamers can get annoying and messy and only use filtered water which is hard to come by in the dorm.

2. Mattress pad

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Thank me later for this one.

3. An ottoman

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A place to hide away mess and things you don't really have a place for, like, pads and tampons, ladies.

4. Wall decorations

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Make that prison cell looking room come to life and look cute.

5. Planner

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This will literally save your life.

6. Stapler

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May seem obvious but you would be surprised.

7. Small fan

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Trust me this is very important.

8. Bed risers

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Beds don't always loft, mine did not.

9. Broom and dust pan

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Don't forget it, I did.

10. Rug

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Hardwood floors are not your friend.

11. Detergent pods

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Waste of time and space to buy liquid detergent.

12. Can opener

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Might seem random and unimportant but trust me it WILL be needed.

13. Plastic silverware

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Washing dishes is a pain, don't do it.

14. Brita water filter

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Water at college is gross, filter the nasty out.

15. Disinfectant wipes

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Especially needed on move in day. Don't know who did what in their before you.

16. Paper towels

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Another thing that is easily forgotten about.

17. Stain remover

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Personally recommend getting simple green, will change your life.

18. Ramen noodles or soup cans

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Late night munchies are a REAL thing.

19. Bath robe

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Walking to the shower in your towel is uncomfortable, don't do it.

20. Shower flip flops

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Don't be that person in the shower with no shoes on, it's gross.

21. Nice clothes

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There will come a time where you will want something nicer to wear instead of t-shift, legging, and shorts.

22. Plenty of socks and underwear

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Laundry piles up quickly and you will probably not always have enough time to deal with it.

23. Advil and allergy medicine

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HUGE necessity!

24. Umbrella and rain jacket

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Walking to class in the rain with your laptop in your backpack is a disaster waiting to happen, avoid at all costs.

25. Small trashcan

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Don't wanna get into fights with your roommate over who is gonna take the trash out? Solution is to bring your own and don't share.

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