Hi Quilly Girls,
Packing for college is hard enough—add in a city or state you’ve never even visited, and it feels borderline impossible. Plus, if it is your first time going to college, how are you even supposed to know what to pack? My freshman year, I brought literally everything I owned...and regretted it immediately.
Your dorm is probably going to be small (think: shoebox vibes) and shared. So figuring out what to bring isn’t an exact science, but I’ve got your back. You’ll overpack in some ways, underpack in others, and probably borrow your roommate’s stuff within 24 hours. That’s normal.
The goal is to bring enough to make your room feel like home, but not so much that you have a pile of “just in case” items everywhere. So, let’s get into it.
The Everyday Essentials
Laptop + charger
Phone + charger (and maybe a backup cord)
Headphones (preferably noise-canceling)
Backpack (get a real one, not just a cute tote)
Notebooks, pens, highlighters
Reusable water bottle (campus hydration = critical)
A planner or calendar (you’ll thank yourself later) (the ones on your phone tend to be
forgotten)
Mattress topper (you’ll need it… dorm beds are basically prison mats)
Pillow + extra pillowcases
Twin XL sheets & comforter (yes, Twin XL, not regular Twin)
Laundry bag or basket
Laundry detergent pods (less messy) + dryer sheets
Hangers (not the wire ones from the dry cleaner)
Clothes (Yes, You Will Overpack If You’re Not Careful)
A box of going-out tops (yes, a box)
Comfy sweats, leggings, and pajamas
A few pairs of jeans/pants
Light jacket + heavier coat (especially if you’re heading somewhere cold)
Undergarments and socks (more than you think!)
Sneakers + 1–2 pairs of shoes for going out (ones you don’t mind getting dirty)
Shower shoes (flip-flops that never touch your bed)
Workout clothes, if that’s your thing
1–2 “just in case” outfits (like business casual or formalwear)
Pro Tip: Don’t bring your whole wardrobe. There’s nowhere to put it and you’ll end up wearing the same 5 outfits anyway.
Bathroom Stuff (aka Survival Gear)
Shower caddy
Shower flip-flops
Towels (2 is plenty)
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Hair stuff (brush, shampoo, conditioner, whatever else you use)
Razor, deodorant, skincare, period products
A robe or towel wrap (trust me)
Dorm Life Must-Haves
Command hooks + adhesive strips (no nails allowed rip)
Extension cords + power strip
Desk lamp (some dorms have awful lighting)
Small fan (if there's no AC)
Storage bins for under the bed
Snacks for late-night cravings (Pop-Tarts, trail mix, ramen… you know your vibe)
Reusable plates, utensils, and a cup or two
Basic cleaning supplies (Clorox wipes, paper towels)
Trash bags + mini trash can
The Mental Health & Comfort Section
A few personal items: photos, posters, a plant, or any weird little knick-knacks that make your space feel like you
Journal or sketchbook if that’s your thing
A book that isn’t for class
Blanket or throw that smells like home
Anything that makes your dorm feel cozy and livable!!
Leave These at Home !!!
Printer (the library exists)
Tons of mugs (you’ll use the same one every time)
High school textbooks (you’re done, girl)
15 throw pillows (your bed is not a Pottery Barn ad)
Every pair of shoes you own (narrow it way down)
The truth is, you won’t get it all right. And that’s okay! College isn’t about having everything figured out, it’s about learning, adjusting, and asking your neighbor for a lint roller at 1 a.m. I remember when I first moved in and I brought every single thing that I owned (as I mentioned before), which led me to have an empty room in my hometown (that’s how much it was). For one girl, you should not have two cars, but that’s what I did. When I finally lugged everything up, it took 12 elevator rides and three extra people to help me (besides my parents AND Orientation leaders.) All this just for me to send more than half back home midway through the semester). So if I could learn from this, man do you got this.
Sending love (and a virtual packing list),
(Your Fellow Overpacker Who Learned the Hard Way)
Xoxo,
Quilly Girl
