My daughter is heading to college this year as a freshman. After some research, I have put together a list of things you need to bring or at least coordinate with your roommate so there are no duplicates. My daughter has a suite with a small kitchen, so this list may be a little different than for those in standard dorm rooms or larger apartments. This is just a general check list so add or subtract accordingly!

Bed & Bath Supplies 

• Alarm clock
• Bedside/desk lamp
• Blanket Comforter, sheets, pillows and mattress pad
• Hangers
• Laundry bag/basket
• Laundry detergent/fabric softener
• 2 sets of towels
• Bathmat/shower curtain if you have your own bathroom (coordinate with roommates)

Desk and Office Supplies

• Bulletin board/push pins
• 3x5 index cards
• Desk Calendar
• Dictionary and thesaurus
• DVD-Rs and CD-Rs
• Flash drive or USB drive
• Hanging files and folders
• Highlighters
• Labels
• Notebooks and folders
• Paper clips, rubber bands and binder clips
• Pens, pencils and pencil sharpener
• Phone/address book
• Planner/assignment book
• Post-it notes
• Printer paper and ink
• Ruler and scissors
• Stackable desk trays
• Trash can

Electronics

• Computer/laptop and printer
• Ethernet cable or modem phone cord
• iPod of MP3 player iPod dock
• Outlet adapters
• Surge protector and extension cords
• TV (one per room is enough)

Kitchen Supplies

• Coffee Pot
• Dish soap/sponge
• Disinfectant spray
• Drying rack
• Easy to cook foods (soups, mac-n-cheese, crackers) 
• Microwave (if allowed)
• Paper towels
• Peanut butter/jelly/bread
• Plates, bowls, glasses and silverware
• Toaster

Storage Items & Tools

• Adhesive, adhesive hooks, double-sided tape
• Hammer and nails
• Plastic storage bins
• Poster tape
• Screwdrivers (Phillips head, flat head)
• Tool kit

Toiletries

• Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen
• Band-aids, Neosporin
• Brush/comb
• Cotton balls
• Cough drops
• Dental floss
• Flip-flops (for shower stalls)
• Hair dryer/flat iron
• Hair products
• Lotion/moisturizer
• Make-up
• Nail clippers
• Q-tips
• Razors, shaving cream, aftershave
• Shampoo, conditioner
• Shower tote
• Soap
• Toothbrush/paste
• Vitamins

Make sure you go over you list a few times before you leave. It is also a good idea to write your name on the big items so you don’t have any confusion at the end of the year of who brought what. Personal items such as posters and picture frames are also great to ease you into being away from home.

We found Big Lots and Walmart to be our best friend during the stocking up process.  The prices were by far the best for kitchen supplies, storage bins and toiletries.

The first week is hectic and the last thing you want to be concerned about is things you don’t have. This is a big adjustment for all because more than likely, you’ve never shared a room before or been away from home for months at a time.  Be considerate of others and just follow the golden rule…“do on to others”…(you know the rest)!!