It’s the end of the summer season, and many are finding that it is time to head to college/university. Whether it is your first semester as a freshman or you are returning for an additional term, we have curated a list of the essentials needs when returning to living at college/university.
At this point in time, you are undoubtedly scratching your head, wondering what you do and do not need to be taking with you on your return to college/university living. We have taken care of the research for you and prepared a moving to college/university checklist for new and returning students. However, feel free to tweak it to fit your own personal needs.
Deciding What To Pack
Admittedly, when considering what to take with you to college/university, hundreds of things may come to mind. But, it would be best if you remember that you are only moving for a few months, and you are not moving to the moon.
There will be shops to purchase what you need where you are going, and to that extent, it would undeniably be easier and possibly much cheaper to wait until you are at college/university to buy some of the items you will need.
It is also best to remember that your new dorm room or shared apartment will not have the amount of space you are accustomed to at home. Taking more stuff than is needed is one of the most common mistakes that most first-year students make when moving to college. A simple rule of thumb is what fits in your car’s trunk, and the back seat is all you need to take.
And Now The Moving to College/University Checklist
When considering what and what not to take to college/university, there are a few key categories. Although this list may seem overkill, it is meant to serve as a prompt with you tweaking it to fit your needs.
Important Documents
The documents may include but not be limited to:
- Drivers license/official ID
- Valid and up to date passport
- Acceptance letter from admission
- Acceptance letter for course(s)
- Contract of accommodation
- Documents of student finance
- Letters proving scholarship(s)
- Documents stating insurance
- Photos for passport(s)
- History and proof of vaccination
- Copies of prescriptions
- Bank debit/credit card
- Discount cards for students
Electrical Items
These items will typically consist of those need for course work with a few thrown in for entertainment purposes:
- Cellphone
- Computer – such as a laptop
- Printer with several replacement ink cartridges
- Memory stick or card
- Cable for direct ethernet
- Headphones
- Speakers that are portable
- Console for gaming
- TV USB stick
- Apple TV, Roku or Chromecast
- Chargers for all your devices
- Extra batteries
Utensils For The Kitchen
If you are sharing your living accommodations, it will almost be assured that there will be multiple repeats of kitchen items and utensils. You are going to make sure that a few of the things you take include your plates and your silverware. Anything else can be shared amongst you and your roommates.
With that said, here are some of the things you will need to think about taking:
- Recipe book with simple, quick recipes
- Cutlery set
- Plates
- Bowls
- Mugs
- Glasses
- A knife that is sharp
- A pair of scissors
- Storage containers such as Tupperware
- An opener to use on bottles
- A cutting board
- Tongs
- Ladles
- Spatulas
- At least one frying pan
- At least one cooker with a lid
- A strainer or colander
- Can opener
- A peeler
- A grater for cheese
- A whisk
- Baking trays
- Dishwashing liquid
- Dish sponge
- Tea towels
- Aluminum Foil
- Cling wrap
Items For The Bedroom
You will not have to worry about basic furniture for your bedroom, as that will be provided by the college dorm—unless you choose to rent and share an apartment. Provided items usually will include those things such as a bed, a table for the bedside, a desk, a desk lamp, a wardrobe or closet, mirrors, curtains, and a wastebasket.
Other items that you will want to consider taking are:
- Bedspread, comforter, or duvet
- Pillows along with pillowcases
- Sheet for the bed
- Protector for the mattress
- Hangers for your clothes
- A basked for your laundry
- A small wall or desk mirror
- A clock
- A fan for your desk
- Photos of family and friends
- And if the dorm or apartment is noisy, earplugs
Products for the bathroom
If you choose to live in the dorm, you will need to keep your toiletries and such in your room. Having a caddy to carry them back and forth with you can come in handy. Some of those items may include:
- Bath and hand towels
- Gown or housecoat
- Soap for your hands
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash or shower gel
- Flip-flops (highly recommended for communal showers)
- Brush and comb
- Dryer for your hair
- Makeup
- Shaving cream and razor
- Feminine protection products
Clothing
You probably already have a wide variety of clothing to take, but make sure to pack an outfit that is fitting if you wish to apply for a job.
- Shirts
- Skirts and dresses
- Sweatshirts
- Jeans
- Trousers
- Coats for rain and winter
- Undergarments
- PJ’s
- Socks
- Hats and gloves
- Dress shoes and sneakers
- A watch
- An all-purpose handbag
- A dressy outfit for interviews
Paper stationery and products
You are sure to need a wide variety of stationary-type items. Below is a list of those possible items:
- Pencils, pens, and highlighters
- Scissors, stapler, and staples
- Notepaper and notepads
- Planner or calendar
- Folders for storing papers and work
- Binders
- Paper for your printer
- Post-it notes
- Calculator
- Textbooks for classes
Miscellaneous items
Although there above lists cover the majority of what you will most probably need, there are a few miscellaneous items to consider:
- Bag for weekend trips home
- An umbrella
- A padlock
- A reasonable amount of cash
- Water bottle(s)
- Ironing board and iron
- Coffee, tea, and or milk
- Snacks
- Keys for your dorm room, apartment, and home
The Takeaway
Whether it is your first semester at college/university, or you are returning for an additional term, there will be several specific items that you will need to take with you. The curated lists above will give you a “jumping off point” as to what to take. Remember, what you take to college with you, unless you choose to sell it all off or give it away at the end of the term, will be coming right back home.
If you find you are needing help moving to or from college, contact us at Bradford Moving. We are more than happy to help to make what looks to be a daunting task not so stressful.
