Moving to college is super exciting but it can also feel overwhelming as you prepare for life as a freshman. To make things easier, here’s our “Dorm Room Must-Haves for Girls: The Ultimate College Packing Guide” to help you plan for a smooth transition.
Must-Have Items for Your Dorm Room
Your dorm room will be like a small apartment. It’s your personal space on campus and you’ll be spending a lot of time there. That’s why you’ll want to make sure it’s cozy and equipped with essentials. Some things to consider:
- Coordinate with your roommate: Talk with your roommate to avoid bringing duplicates of large items like appliances.
- Check your bed size: Before buying any bedding, check whether your dorm bed is a twin XL, as many college dorms have this size.
Getting Organized
Does your college offer storage in the dorms? Many dorm rooms come with at least a chest of drawers. If yours does, it’s a good idea to buy some drawer liners and wipe out the drawers before placing the liners inside.
Here are a few items to consider bringing for extra organization:
- Closet organizers
- Hangers
- Over-the-door organizer
- Shoe organizer
- Hooks and hangers
- Plastic bins for under-bed storage
- Storage containers
- Drawer organizers
- Drawer and shelf liners
- Jewelry organizer
Kitchen Area Essentials
- Mini-fridge
- Coffee maker
- Microwave
Entertainment/Work Area Must-Haves
- TV
- Dry erase board for your door
- Board games
- Playing cards
- Area rug
- Desk lamp
Bedroom Essentials
- Full-length mirror
- Box fan (for warm days)
- Comforter or duvet with cover
- Pillows (make sure to bring enough for comfort)
- Pillowcases (at least two for each pillow)
- Sheets (bring two sets)
- Extra blanket (for colder nights)
Wall Decorations
- Posters or prints (to make the room feel like home)
- Removable adhesive strips and hooks (so you can hang things without damaging walls)
Lighting
- String lights
- Floor lamp (for extra lighting)
Miscellaneous Items
- Luggage (for trips home)
- Weekender bag (for quick trips)
- Sleeping bag (in case of visitors)
- First aid kit
- Tissues
- Umbrella
- Earplugs
- Toolkit
- Lightbulbs
Sports & Safety Gear
- Bike (don’t forget a lock and helmet)
- Lock for lockers
- Safety whistle
- Pepper spray (if allowed)
Medications & Health
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications (like pain relievers, allergy meds, cold meds)
- Band-aids
- Vitamins
Study Materials
No college packing list for girls would be complete without including school supplies. Depending on your study habits and the classes you’ll take, some of these items might be more useful than others. Look through the list and pick what works best for you.
- Backpack
- Binders
- Day planner
- Lined paper
- Glue
- Graph paper
- Graphing calculator
- Index cards
- Laptop lock
- Lunchbox
- Highlighters
- Notebooks
- Notecards
- Paper clips & binder clips
- Pens and pencils
- Ruler
- Sticky notes
- Stapler and staples
- Scissors
- Tape
- Whiteout
Comfort Items for Your Dorm
Your dorm room is your personal space to relax after busy college days, so you want it to be as cozy as possible. Here are some items that can make your room feel like a comfortable retreat:
- Mattress topper (memory foam is a great option)
- Mattress pad
- Throw blanket (for extra warmth)
- Bedside lamp
- Salt rock lamp (for a calming vibe)
- Comfy robe and slippers
- Eye mask (for better sleep)
Clothing Essentials for College
You probably don’t need a reminder to pack clothes for college but it can be tricky since dorm space is limited. It’s important to plan ahead. If you’re close enough to commute home, you can leave off-season clothes and non-essentials behind. Let’s cover the basics so you don’t forget anything important:
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Pajamas
- Everyday pants (like jeans and leggings)
- Everyday tops
- Activewear
- Business casual wear
- Semi-formal wear
- Rain boots
- Sneakers
- Going out clothes
- Going out shoes, including a comfortable pair of heels
- Going out purse
- Sunglasses
- Belt
- Jewelry
- Everyday purse
- Ironing board
- Sewing kit
Seasonal Clothing (if needed)
Depending on your college location, you might also need:
- Jackets for different seasons
- Hats
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Winter boots
- Bathing suits
Important Documents & IDs
Don’t forget to pack these essential documents for college, and make sure to keep them safe. A small fireproof safe is a great idea—keep it hidden and don’t share its location with anyone.
- Birth certificate
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Student ID
- Social security card
- Banking information
- Car registration & insurance info
- Debit & credit cards
- Checkbook
- Medical & dental insurance cards
- Financial aid paperwork
- List of emergency contacts
Toiletries & Getting Ready
Even though you’ll be sharing a bathroom with lots of other people, you’ll still need your own personal toiletries. While you can restock throughout the year, it’s smart to bring larger sizes at the beginning to last longer.
Shower Essentials
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes (flip-flops)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Loofah
- Bath towels
- Hand towels or washcloths
- Shaving cream
- Razors
- Bathrobe
Dental Care
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouthwash
Face Care
- Face wash
- Face scrub
- Face masks
- Moisturizer
- Chapstick
- Tweezers
- Contacts & contact solution
- Sunscreen
Body Care
- Deodorant
- Body lotion
- Tampons and/or pads
Nail Care Essentials
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Nail polish
- Nail polish remover
Hair Care Essentials
- Hairbrush
- Hairspray
- Straightener/flat iron
- Curling iron
- Hair ties
- Hair clips
- Hair dryer
Beauty Products
- Cotton pads or cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Makeup
- Makeup remover
- Perfume
Cleaning Essentials
Keeping your dorm room clean is important for a comfortable space. Messes can pile up quickly so it’s a good idea to bring some basic cleaning supplies. When it comes to laundry, most dorms have either free or paid communal washers and dryers. If they require payment, don’t forget to stock up on quarters.
Dorm Room Cleaning Supplies
- Broom & dustpan
- Handheld vacuum
- Air freshener spray
- Small trashcan & trash bags
Laundry Supplies
- Laundry basket or bag
- Laundry detergent
- Stain remover
- Dryer sheets
- Fabric softener
- Folding drying rack
- Mini steamer
- Lint roller
- Quarters for laundry (if needed)
Dish Cleaning Supplies
- Disinfecting/cleaning wipes
- Small bottle of dish soap
- Sponge
Eating & Drinking Essentials
While most of your meals will likely come from the cafeteria or pizza delivery, it’s a good idea to have some basic food items and kitchen essentials in your dorm for snacks and quick meals.
Dishware & Utensils
- Plates & bowls (two or three)
- Eating utensils (two or three sets)
- Paper towels
- Filtered water pitcher (make sure it fits in your mini-fridge)
- Mug (one or two)
- Travel mug
- Drinking glasses (one or two)
- Travel water bottle
Food Storage
- Plastic food storage containers
- Reusable sandwich bags
- Can opener
Dorm Snacks
- Instant noodles
- Peanut butter
- Granola bars
- Dried fruit & fruit snacks
- Nuts
- Oatmeal
- Cereal
Small Appliances & Drinks
- Electric kettle
- Coffee
- Tea
Electronics Essentials for College
Most students can’t imagine going anywhere without their favorite gadgets especially when heading off to college. Here’s a list of electronics that can make dorm life easier and more enjoyable. Don’t forget to pack the chargers!
- Cell phone (with charger)
- Laptop (with charger)
- Mouse
- USB drive
- External hard drive
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Portable speaker
- Extension cords
- Surge protectors
- Flashlight
- Travel charger
- Gaming console
- Batteries
- Router
- Ethernet cable
- Camera
- Kindle reader
- Tablet
- Printer (with paper and ink)
Shared Items to Coordinate with Your Roommate
When you talk to your roommate, ask if she’s bringing any of these shared items to the dorm or if you’d like to split the cost of buying them together:
- Mini-fridge
- Microwave
- Blender
- Electric kettle
- TV
- Streaming device
College Packing Tips
To wrap up our college packing list for girls, here are a few simple tips to make packing for the dorms as easy and stress-free as possible:
Don’t Bring Everything from Home
Dorm rooms are usually small, even if you have a room to yourself. Be mindful of space when packing and avoid bringing everything from your bedroom, assuming you’ll find a place for it.
Coordinate with your Roommate
For larger shared items like a mini-fridge or area rug, you only need one. Reach out to your roommate before move-in day and decide who will bring which shared items to avoid duplicates.
Consider Moving Logistics
Most college students don’t hire movers; it’s usually them and their parents doing all the heavy lifting. To make things easier, pack lightly and consider whether you’ll have a dolly or an elevator to help when moving boxes. This can affect how you organize and load your things.
Pack an Essentials Bag
Moving day can be chaotic, and it’s easy to lose track of items. Pack a small essentials bag with things you’ll need right away, such as:
- Your wallet
- Medications
- Basic toiletries
- Cell phone charger
- A couple of changes of clothes, including pajamas
Check for Restricted Items
Before packing things like soy candles or a window AC unit, check your college’s policies on what’s allowed in dorms. Many schools have this info on their websites and you might be surprised by some of the items that are not permitted.
Check What’s Already in Your Dorm
Some dorms provide basics like a desk, chair or chest of drawers. Others might have all the furniture you’ll need. Checking what’s already in your room can save you from bringing unnecessary items. You can usually find this information on the college’s website.
Think About the Seasons
If your school is in a place with cold winters, you’ll need boots, a jacket, scarf, hat and gloves—but not when you move in during the summer. If you plan to visit home before winter, pack only what you’ll need for the current season and swap it out for winter gear later.
Check for Move-In Day Restrictions
There may be limits on space for unloading or a set time window for move-in. These details can affect how and when you pack your things.
Test Your Devices Before Moving
If you buy any new devices or appliances for your dorm, such as a mini-fridge, coffee maker or printer, test them at home first. Unpack them, check for any damage and ensure they work properly. You can repack them in the same box for moving later.
Pack Your Car in Reverse Order
If you’re driving to college, pack your car in the order you plan to unpack. Start with smaller items first, then load the larger ones last so they come out first when you arrive.
Check Your Room Before Unpacking
Before you start unpacking, check your dorm room. It might need some extra cleaning even if it’s been cleaned already. Also, inspect the furniture, cabinets and doors to ensure they work properly and aren’t damaged. If you notice any issues report them right away so you’re not held responsible at the end of the year.
Ask for Help
Moving can be a lot to handle, especially if you’re doing it on your own. Ask friends or family to help with packing and moving. Assign them specific tasks to make things easier.
Bring Something from Home
Homesickness can happen, so pack something that reminds you of home, like a favorite stuffed animal, family photos or a cozy blanket to bring you comfort when you need it.
These tips will help make your move smoother and more enjoyable!
What Not to Pack for College
Here’s a quick guide on what you should avoid bringing to college:
- Anything prohibited by your college
- Items that are too heavy or take up too much space
- Things you won’t need immediately
- Shared items your roommate may already have
Each college has its own rules but most will not allow the following items in dorms:
- Fire hazards (candles, incense, cigarettes, halogen lamps, hot plates, toasters, irons, electric heaters)
- Weapons or explosives (firearms, knives, fireworks, hazardous materials like propane or gasoline)
- Water beds
- Air conditioners
- Illegal substances
- Alcohol (if you’re under 21)
- Smoking devices and paraphernalia
- Hoverboards
- Pets (though some colleges may allow small fish tanks)
Check your college’s specific rules before packing to avoid bringing any prohibited items!
College Packing for Girls FAQ
Here’s a roundup of frequently asked questions to help with your college packing plans.
How far in advance should I contact my roommate?
Reach out to your roommate about three months before moving day to discuss who will bring what. Dorms are usually small, so avoid bringing duplicate items like TVs or lounge chairs. If you want to match your decor or linens, agree on a budget in advance.
What are my moving options?
Moving to a dorm is usually a small move. You can drive yourself, have your parents drive or rent a truck or trailer. If you plan to bring a car to campus but don’t have enough space, renting a trailer is an option. For a small number of boxes, you might not need a truck at all—ask a friend or family member with a pickup truck for help.
When should I start packing?
Start packing about a month before your move. Make sure to check your college’s rules on prohibited items. Keep important things like passports and IDs in a clearly labeled folder or box to avoid losing them during the move.
Do I have to move everything out for holidays?
Most dorms close for holidays like spring break, Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can usually leave your belongings in the dorm if you’re returning but don’t leave perishable items or valuables behind.
How early can I move into my dorm?
You can usually move in one to four days before classes start. Move-in often begins the Thursday through Sunday before classes which typically start on a Monday.
How long does it take to move into a dorm?
On average, moving into a dorm takes about 1.5 to 3 hours. This includes time for checking in, cleaning, moving in and unpacking.
Moving into a dorm soon?
You’ll likely need to bring more than you expect, from clothes to personal items. If your car can’t fit everything, consider renting a small truck or trailer and hiring some help for packing and unpacking.
Good Luck & Happy Moving!
