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College freshman list - dorm move-in

Consider buying some items upon arrival. Certain items may not be allowed in your residence hall - check in advance!

Toiletries and personal care

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Floss
  • Tongue cleaner
  • Soap or shower gel
  • Loofah
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Hair styling products
  • Hair styling tools
  • Cotton swabs
  • Cotton balls
  • Tissues
  • Shaving kit (products and gear)
  • Body lotion
  • Skincare products
  • Lip balm
  • Hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes
  • Bath towel
  • Nail clipper
  • Nail file and other manicure tools
    + nail polish + nail polish remover
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Pantyliners
  • Makeup
    + makeup bag
  • Makeup remover towelettes
  • Makeup tools (tweezer, eyelash curler)
  • Perfume

Personal items

  • Glasses
  • Sunglasses
  • Contact lenses (case, solution)
  • Watch
  • Keys
  • Wallet
  • Umbrella
  • Ear plugs

Documents and money

  • Photo ID (driver's license)
  • Medical insurance card
  • Membership cards
  • Business cards
  • Emergency phone numbers
  • Credit cards
  • Cash or travelers cheques
  • Roll of quarters

Luggage and security

  • Luggage
  • Storage containers
  • Backpack
  • Safe for valuables/documents

Gadgets

  • Cell phone
  • Laptop
  • Laptop lock
  • Computer cables
  • Extension cord
  • USB flash drive
  • Printer
    + cartridges + paper
  • Photo camera
  • MP3 player
  • Headphones
  • E-book reader
  • Battery chargers
  • Extra batteries

Clothing

  • Briefs or boxer shorts
  • Undershirts
  • Hosiery
  • Panties
  • Bras
  • Socks
  • PJs
  • Bathrobe
  • Shower cap
  • Loungewear
  • Activewear
  • Headwear (hat, baseball cap, bandana)
  • Outerwear
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Swim trunks
  • Swimsuit
  • Slippers
  • Shoes
  • Flip-flops
    - for the shower
  • Personal selection of clothes
  • Accessories and jewelry
  • Bedding
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • Hangers
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dryer sheets
  • Hamper
  • Drying rack

Food and drink

  • Snacks
    - healthy choices: granola bars, dried fruit and nuts, canned soups, canned fruit, etc.
  • Bottled water
  • Can opener
  • Coffee mug
    and/or spill-proof travel version
  • Plastic cups, forks, paper plates
  • Chewing gum or mints

Medicine

  • Small first aid kit
    - pain reliever, antacid, allergy medicine, antibiotic ointment, band-aids, cold pack
  • Prescription medications
  • Birth control
  • Eye drops
  • Vitamins or supplements
  • Cough drops
  • Thermometer
  • Rubbing alcohol

Miscellaneous

  • Microwave, refrigerator, TV, radio, stereo, room phone, coffee maker
    Find out in advance if there are any limitations in terms of size, wattage, etc. Talk to your roommate and discuss who is bringing what, lest you should end up with two microwaves and no fridge.
  • Rugs, curtains, blinds
    Again, coordinate this with your roommate.
  • Alarm clock
  • Fan
  • Desk light
  • Desk drawer organizer
  • Drawer liners
  • Message board
  • Wall calendar
  • Posters, other wall decorations
  • Utility hooks
  • Bookends
  • Shower caddy
  • Trash can
  • Trash bags
  • Ziploc bags
  • Sewing kit
  • Safety pin
  • Multi-tool
  • Flashlight
  • Duct tape
  • School supplies
    - pens, pencils, markers, post-it notes, stapler, staples, paper clips, hole puncher, scotch tape, notebooks, index cards, blank CDs, etc.
  • Cleaning supplies
    - paper towels, all-purpose cleaning solution, wipes, air freshener, etc.

To do

  • Make travel arrangements
  • Update address on magazine subscriptions
  • Charge all batteries
  • Upload music to MP3 player
  • Get cash from ATM
  • Pack luggage
  • Ship excess stuff to dorm address