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What to Take to College
What to take to college. Graphic of students sitting on floor, packing boxes and suitcases for college.

There was a funny video on social media the other day; it was an influencer discussing the differences between what males and females take to college. The video went through a laundry list of items for the female – everything from necessities, to practicalities, to luxuries.  And it still wasn’t enough! The parent had to make a special trip with a U-Haul the next day to deliver the items she was requesting.  Conversely, the male only took three things: shampoo/body wash, a week’s worth of clothes, and some snacks.  These differences are vast, and most students struggle to find a happy medium; however, sometimes it’s difficult to determine what is actually needed vs what is unnecessary/extra, especially for a first-year college student.  Hopefully, this blog will help find that happy medium.

There are three basic categories to consider: necessities/essentials, practicalities, and luxuries.  Some colleges have these lists of items on their website, which is a helpful tool and a great place to start.

Regarding the dorm room, academic items and personal items…necessities can be universal for either a male or female, whereas the practicalities and luxuries can significantly vary, depending on the school, location, classes/major, etc.  Some of these include the following:

Necessities

  • Pillows, sheets, and comforter (usually Twin XL)
  • Towels and wash cloths
  • Storage (space savers – under the bed, drawer organizers/bins)
  • Oscillating fan
  • Toiletries (soap, shampoo, lotion, toothbrush/toothpaste/floss, nail clippers, razors, shave cream, makeup bag)
  • Medications, pain relievers, vitamins, and cough drops
  • Hygiene products
  • Glasses/contact lens supplies
  • Hair dryer, brush, comb
  • Backpack/bag
  • Electronics (laptop, power strip, extension cords, ear buds, desk lamp, 2 phone chargers)
  • School supplies (notebooks, pens/pencils/highlighters, folders)
  • Planner/calendar
  • Index cards/sticky notes
  • Stapler/paper clips/binder clips
  • Clothing (for all weather types)
  • Important documents (driver’s license, student ID, insurance cards)

Practicalities

  • Laundry basket and detergent
  • Clothes hangers
  • Shower caddy and shower shoes
  • Bath robe
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Microwave
  • Small refrigerator
  • Food storage bags/containers
  • Weather-appropriate outerwear
  • Umbrella
  • Swim suit
  • Work-out clothes and shoes
  • Water bottles
  • Business-casual clothes for professional opportunities

Luxuries

  • Comfort items (photos, blankets, rug, curtains)
  • Mattress topper
  • Hooks for hanging personal items
  • TV, Fire Stick, Roku
  • Full-length mirror
  • Water filter pitcher
  • Laundry drying rack
  • Portable speakers

The number of items you bring will need to be adjusted depending on the size of the dorm room and whether you have a roommate. This will be your home-away-from-home, so bring whatever helps you adjust (and that you have room for).

As always, contact EducationQuest for free college planning advice.  The first year of college away from home is a big deal, so make sure you’re prepared!

By Lori Caffery

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