Off-to-College Checklist

    Stock Your Child's Dorm Headache-Free

    Print this checklist to make sure your child has everything she needs for the first year at college. Each person's needs are different, so tailor this checklist to suit your child's requirements. For example, hats, gloves, and scarves wouldn't be needed in Southern California, but you probably want to add sunblock to the list.

    Kitchen Needs
    Plastic bowl and cup
    Coffee cup
    Fork, knife, spoon
    Can/bottle opener
    Chip clips
    Room Needs/Storage
    Bedside lamp
    Alarm clock/clock radio
    Wastepaper basket
    Milk crates or other sturdy storage cubes (a collapsible crate also comes in handy for carrying laundry or other things)
    Stacking baskets
    Under-the-bed storage trays
    Lots of hangers
    Desk lamp
    Fan
    Drying rack
    Adhesive hooks, tacky adhesive, and mounting tape
    Bulletin board and push pins
    Dry erase wall calendar/board
    Toolkit
    Electronics
    Computer and printer
    Phone cord/Ethernet cord for computer
    Headphones
    Surge protector
    Extension cords
    3-2 prong adapters
    Phone (Check with roommate(s) to avoid duplication.) It should be cordless, with multiple message boxes in the answering machine, unless you're using voice mail.
    MP3 or portable CD player (great to use at the gym)
    Linens/Laundry Supplies
    Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets. Check with school for size needed—some college twin beds are extra long.)
    Towels (3 each of bath, hand, and face)
    Pillows (2)
    Headrest pillow
    Mattress pad (Check with school for size needed—some college twin beds are extra long.)
    Blankets (2)
    Comforter and duvet cover (makes laundering easier)
    Clothes hangers (wire takes up less space, plastic are easier on your clothes)
    Laundry bag/basket
    Laundry marking pen
    Laundry stain remover
    Roll(s) of quarters
    Quarter dispenser
    Lint brush
    Sewing kit
    Toiletries/Misc
    Pepto-Bismol®
    Imodium®
    Aspirin or ibuprofen
    Vitamin C
    Neosporin®
    Band-Aid® bandages
    Cough drops
    Shower tote
    Shampoo and conditioner
    Hair-styling products
    Bath and face soap
    Traveling-soap container(s)
    Toothpaste and toothbrush
    Dental floss
    Comb/brush
    Tweezers
    Nail clippers
    Hair dryer
    Razor and shaving cream
    Lotion and/or facial moisturizer
    Q-tips®
    Office/Desk Supplies
    CD–ROMs/Memory Sticks
    Phone/address book
    Assignment book
    Heavy-duty stapler and staples
    Printer paper
    Pens and pencils
    Pencil holder and sharpener
    Notebooks
    Pocket folders
    Labels of various sizes
    3 x 5 cards
    Post-it® notes
    Paper clips
    Rubber bands
    Scissors
    Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
    Ruler
    Stackable desk trays (at least 4)
    Hanging files or folders
    Dictionary and thesaurus
    Stamps/envelopes
    These Can Be Purchased Upon Arrival
    Paper towels
    Trash bags
    Lightbulbs
    All-purpose cleaner
    Ziploc® bags
    Kitchen storage containers
    Laundry detergent (tablets are easiest to manage)
    Fabric softener (sheets are easiest to manage)
    Dish soap
    Wet wipes
    Tissues
    Clothing Guidelines
    21 pairs of underwear
    21 pairs of socks (more if your child plays sports)
    7 pairs of pants/jeans
    14 shirts/blouses
    2 sets of sweats
    Pajamas
    Slippers and/or flip-flops
    2 sweaters (if appropriate)
    Light/heavy jackets
    Gloves/scarf/hat (if appropriate)
    1 pair of boots
    2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable/walking shoes
    1 pair of dress shoes
    1 set of business attire
    1 set of semi-formal attire (optional)
    Shared Items (Check with roommate(s) to avoid duplication.)
    Audio equipment
    TV and VCR/DVD player
    Coffee maker/hot pot
    Microwave/toaster oven
    Small refrigerator
    Area rug
    Camera
    Posters/art