Organizing Tips

Off to College Essentials

The most important thing is to have a checking account with a local and on campus bank, armed with the knowledge of how to use it and how to budget money.
Linens
  • mattress/pillow covers
  • 2 oversized twin sheet sets/pillow cases
  • comforter/quilt/blanket
  • bed throw
  • pillow(s)
  • study bed pillow
  • 3 bath towels (minimum)
  • 3 hand towels (minimum)
  • washcloths
  • shower robe or wrap
Medicines
  • Tylenol®/aspirin
  • Alka Seltzer®
  • cold & flu
  • cold & sinus
  • cough drops
  • small Kleenex packs
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • antibiotic ointment
  • bandaids
  • aloe gel
  • Eucerine® cream
  • Benedryl® cream
Desk Needs
  • clip-on desk lamp/light bulbs
  • floor lamp with 3 adjustable lights
  • computer (printer & ink)
  • USB key chain drive
  • ream of computer paper
  • 5 subject notebook(s)
  • calculator
  • pens/pencils
  • paperclips
  • rubberbands
  • desk/wall calendar
  • scissors
  • backpack
  • tape/glue
  • stapler
  • blank floppies/cd's
  • surge protector
  • extension cords
  • stamps
  • legal size envelopes
  • highlighters
Eating Needs
  • small refrigerator
  • microwave
  • coffee/hot chocolate/tea
  • saltine crackers
  • peanut butter
  • dry chicken soup
  • granola/breakfast bars
  • Easy Mac
  • popcorn
  • stirring/cooking spoon
  • roll of paper towels
  • paper plates
  • hand can opener
  • 2 microwaveable, unbreakable, plates/bowls
  • 2 sets of eating utensils
  • 2 microwaveable hot drink cups
  • 2 plastic drink glasses
  • chip clips
  • sweetener/non-dairy dry creamer
Bath Toiletries
  • Q-tips
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • body wash/bar soap
  • toothbrush
  • toothpaste
  • mouth wash
  • nail clippers/scissors/tweezers
  • shower flip flops
  • shaving needs
  • hairdryer
Laundry Needs
  • collapsible laundry bag
  • quarters
  • dryer static sheets
  • clothes soap tablets
  • hangers
  • bleach
  • over door towel rod/clothes hooks
  • Febreze® or iron & small board
  • black/white thread and sewing needle
  • safety pins
  • stain remover
Organizing Needs
  • double hang rod for clothes
  • zip lock bags
  • under bed storage drawer(s)
  • if beds are unbunkable, bed leg risers
  • over refrigerator shelving or microwave cart with storage drawers
  • 3M®, college wall friendly hooks
  • unbreakable bar soap dish/container
  • message center/cork board
  • key chain
Decorating Needs
  • comfy collapsible chair/computer desk chair
  • area rug
  • clock radio
  • stereo
  • TV/DVD player
  • full length door mirror
  • photos/picture collage
Comfort Needs
  • CD player/I-Pod
  • slippers
  • umbrella
  • flashlight & batteries
  • heating buddy
  • camera
  • electric fan
  • movies/DVD's
  • 3 weeks of undies/socks
  • Lysol® spray disinfectant
  • bug spray
Move-In Needs
  • rubber-tipped, adjustable shower rod to transport clothes on hangers
  • dolly, if moving heavy stuff into dorm
  • drinking water for move-in crew
  • box cutter
  • duct tape to secure all cords to floor
  • tape measure
Miscellaneous (If School Does Not Supply)
  • telephone
  • answering machine
  • trash can
  • window covering
  • cleaning supplies
  • Swiffer® for floor