Here are two example lists to help get you started…….

 “Do Before College Starts” 

·         Plan a visit to your college and get as much information as possible ahead of time.  Information such as…….

o   Campus layout and map.

o   Campus safety.

o   Health care, nearest emergency hospital, nearest pharmacy.

o   Financial costs and funding.

§  Secure funding.

§  Payment deadlines.

§  Meal plan or meal card amounts.

§  Prepare a budget and stick to it throughout the year.

§  Set up a checking account.

o   Scheduling of classes.

o   Deadlines.

o   School events calendar.

o   School website.

o   Where to purchase books.

o   Where to purchase other items you may need throughout the year.

o   Names and contact information of school personnel.

o   Places to study.

o   Where to get help for classes.

·         Create a contact list to bring with you.  Include all emergency numbers on this list.

·         Create a budget, secure funding & make sure all finances are accessible.

·         Set up your class schedule and purchase any books you will need for classes.

·         Purchase a meal plan/meal card.

·         Contact any roommate(s) to discuss what may be needed for the room.

·         If necessary, visit your family doctor and dentist for a check-up and transfer any prescriptions you may need to a pharmacy closest to your college.

·         Clean your room at home.  Toss, recycle or donate the items you no longer want or need and clean and organize the rest.  Whether you are a commuting student or living on campus, coming home to a room that is unorganized and filled with clutter can be very distracting and stressful.  

·         Shop for any items you may need and start packing.

“Living on Campus - What to Bring With You”

Most dorm rooms now come with a bed, desk, chair, closet and dresser (If you will be living off campus, check to see if you will need these items).  Before purchasing any new item for your dorm room, check with your college to see what will be supplied and what rules and regulations are in effect.  Most colleges limit the size of microwaves and refrigerators and most mattresses will need extra-long sheets.  Also, check with any future roommates to decide on who will be providing shared items such as a microwave, refrigerator, television, etc. 

Items you may want or need to bring with you…….

School Supplies: 

•  Paper, notebooks                                                                           
• Highlighters, markers
• Pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners
• White out, white out tape          
• Paperclips, binder clips
• Calculator / scientific calculator
• Tape
• Book light
• Scissors
• Audio recorder
• Post-its
• Post-it tabs/page markers
• Laptop with carrying case and cooling station
• Wireless mouse
• USB flash drive/memory stick
• Stapler, staples
• Printer, ink/toner, printer paper
• Paper shredder
• Index cards
• Backpack
• Stamps, envelopes        
• Folders, binders

Food Supplies: 

• Utensils, microwave safe plates and bowls
• Food
• Glasses, cups, coffee mugs, travel mug, water bottle
• Can/bottle opener
• Bag clips, food storage containers
• Coffee maker*
• Small refrigerator*
• Microwave*

* Check with your college for rules and regulations regarding appliances and with any possible roommates to see if they plan on bringing one or more of these items.

Clothing: 

• Sweatshirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts, socks, underwear
• Sneakers, shoes, boots, sandals               
• Raincoat, winter coat, hats, gloves, scarf, umbrella
• Bathrobe, slippers, pajamas
• Sportswear, swimsuit, workout clothes                                

Laundry: 

• Hamper (folding ones are best)                
• Hangers
• Laundry detergent, fabric softener, stain remover
• Iron, ironing board
• Drying rack         
• Lint roller
• Sewing kit

Personal Products: 

• Towels, wash cloths, hand towels           
• Nail clippers, nail file
• Shower caddy, soap holder, shower shoes
• Hand/body lotion, cosmetics
• Shampoo, conditioner, shavers, body soap, Q-tips
• Tissues, toilet paper
• Hair dryer, curling iron/straightener
• Hair spray/gel, hair ties
• Toothbrush w/ cover, toothpaste, mouthwash, gum
• Contact, contact solutions, glasses
• Medications (prescription & over the counter), vitamins
• Sunblock, bug spray
  

Cleaning Supplies: 

• Handheld vacuum                                          
• Small broom & dustpan
• Waste basket, garbage bags
• Paper towels
• Room deodorizer
• All-purpose cleaner
• Air purifier
• Cleaning sponges
• Dish drainer, dish soap
• Toilet brush, toilet cleaner

For the Bed: 

• Bed sheets, mattress pad and cover**                 
• Comforter, blankets
• Pillows & Pillow cases    
• Bedside caddy
• Bed lifts
• Alarm clock

**Check with your college to see what size you will need (most likely, extra-long twin).

Storage: 

• Organizers for the desk, drawers, closet, etc.
• Under the bed storage containers
• Hooks (Command Brand strips are great and reduce damage to walls)
• Luggage for traveling back and forth (those with wheels work out best)

Entertainment:

• Digital camera                   
• Music with music playing device
• TV w/ remote, TV stand, DVD player, movie
• Dorm décor

Miscellaneous: 

• Dry erase board, markers or bulletin board, push pins   
• Cell phone, room phone, contact list
• Lamp, light bulbs, flashlight        
• Fan
• Desk, bookcase, chair   
• Laptop accessories, lock for laptop
• Mirror (full length and hand held)           
• Duct tape
• Noise cancelling headphones/earplugs 
• Tool kit
• Area rug (with non-slip pads if necessary)           
• First aid kit
• Lockable file cabinet and/or lockbox      
• GPS
• Extension cords, adapters, chargers, surge protectors   
• Batteries