The Ultimate College Checklist Bundle of Printables

Getting ready to head to college or send a student to college? Download our ultimate bundle of the best college checklists you'll need to prepare your child or yourself for college!

If you are - or someone you know is - headed off to college, congratulations!

For some of you, your child is about to become a college freshman straight from high school, and it will be their first time living away from family members. For some of you, your student may be starting after a year or two off, or transferring from another college. Regardless of the situation, the transition to a new school can be both exciting and daunting at the same time.

We're in the process of sending our child off to college as well, so I understand what you are going through. There's a lot of information out there - it can be overwhelming!

That's why I've done the work for you! I created this simple Ultimate College Checklist bundle that helps with what to bring to college. It's meant to help make the transition to college life a little easier.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and download the free printables to stay organized as you and your family prepare for move-in day and this exciting time in life!

🛏️ Printable college dorm checklist

It's important to note that every college dorm and residence hall is different. So it's a good idea to review the school's website for rules and regulations specific to your student's college and dorm.

This printable college dorm checklist includes the basics that most dorms in the United States allow. This is taking into consideration that many dorms have a shared living space with kitchenette and laundry machines outside of the dorm rooms.

Some dorm room essentials include the following items:

• Mini fridge (see dorm specific size requirements) - A must for having healthy snacking options available 24/7. Look for a mini fridge with freezer. Kids can stash a frozen pizza or frozen meals in there to cook up in the building's community kitchen.
• Mattress pad - Dorm beds are notorious for not being super comfortable so a mattress pad helps add some cushion for comfort.
• Blankets/comforter
• Sheet set - Most college dorms have Twin XL beds. It helps to have two sets of sheets.
• Towel set - Get at least two sets of bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths.
• Small desk lamp - This desk lamp is awesome! It has different light strength settings plus a charging station for cell phones.
• Laundry bag/ laundry basket plus laundry supplies- These laundry baskets are lightweight and waterproof, which makes them easy to clean and they won't get totally gross if you put damp towels in them. Make sure you check what type of laundry machines your dorm has and buy the right laundry detergent.
• Shower caddy - These inexpensive shower caddies are great for bringing toiletries to and from the bathrooms.
• Hangers - Buy an inexpensive set of hangers.
• Storage containers - Crates are still a popular and inexpensive way to decorate college dorm rooms and help keep stuff organized.
• Posters/decorations
• 3M strips/putty - You'll need non-permanent adhesive to decorate the walls.
• Set of dishes - Even if your child will be eating most meals in the dining hall or elsewhere on campus, it helps to have at least one set of dishes for eating in the dorm. Be sure to include at least one set of cups and utensils as well.
• Organizer for important documents - We love these fireproof and water resistant document bags to hold essential life documents like passports, vaccination records, insurance info, medical info, and other important items.

You'll also want to make sure your student has some basic emergency kit items. Important items include a flashlight, batteries, and emergency blankets. Check out our Emergency Go Bag packing checklist for a full list of emergency kit items.

You'll find the full list of dorm essentials in the College Dorm Checklist.

🖇️ Printable college school supplies checklist

While college students don't necessarily have the same long list of school supplies that elementary and high school kids have, there are still some basic supplies needed.

• Laptop
• Cell phone
• Calendar/Planner - I actually own a version of this planner. It's such a great way to stay organized!
• Desk organizer
• Pens and pencils
• Tape
• Scissors
• Notebooks
• Sticky notes

More school supply essentials are listed in the full printable College School Supply Checklist.

👕 Printable college clothing checklist

Before you pack up your student's entire wardrobe, remember that closet and storage space will be limited. Most dorm rooms have a small space for closets and storage is more limited than what they currently have at home.

This ultimate college packing list will help you stick to the basics, while making sure your student has everything they need to be outfitted for the school year away from home.

My biggest tip: invest in the basics, and you/your student can always add to their wardrobe as the year goes on. Pack extra underwear, extra socks, and comfortable pajamas.

Make sure your child has shoes and outerwear for all of the seasons - for colder months and warmer months. And

The everyday list of essentials for college wardrobes is included in our ultimate bundle of college checklist printables.

🧼 Printable toiletries checklist

Whether your child will be using a general shared bathroom or a private bath, this checklist of essential toiletries will help make sure they've got everything they need to start college off with a clean slate!

While each student is different, here are some general toiletries most kids will need when they head off to college.

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body lotion
• Face wash
• Face lotion
• Sunscreen
• Soap/body wash
• Razors and shaving cream
• Nail clippers and nail file
• Tweezers
• Deodorant
• Contact lens supplies and/or glasses

A printable version of the toiletries checklist is included in our ultimate college move-in checklist bundle!

🩺 Printable first aid kit checklist

Every student should have at least a small first aid kit in their dorm room.

You can buy a fully loaded first aid kit that comes with supplies already inside.

Or you can buy a first aid kit bag, and add your own first aid supplies.

I prefer to do the latter, since many large kits contain items your student won't ever use. And, I've found they also tend to contain items that are close to expiration.

Some of the basic first aid kit items include:

• Thermometer - our college recommends an oral thermometer. You can also get a no-touch forehead thermometer.
• Bandages - get a variety pack with bandages of all sizes.
• Antibiotic ointment or cream to help prevent infections from wounds after you've cleaned them.
• Antiseptic wipes to help clean wounds and prevent infection.
• Instant cold packs and/or hot packs to help with swelling, inflammation, sprains, toothaches. We love these combo ice/hot packs.
• Gauze rolls and gauze pads

🌟 Get your free printable college checklists

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