The Ultimate College Packing Guide
August 05, 2022 Written by Elliana Olivo | Photo by Evan Krape
College may seem like a huge leap into the next chapter of your life—and packing might be the most challenging task of all. Know what you need to bring with four helpful tips from UD upperclassmen and a packing guide below to help ease your transition as an incoming first-year Blue Hen! (Don't forget to check what your residence hall already provides.)
Pro tips from UD upperclassmen for first-year students:
- If you forget anything or suddenly realize that you want something from back home that you miss, don’t worry. You can request your parents to mail it to you, or you can pick it up on your next visit.
You don’t need more than three pairs of shoes.
Snacks are a must!
Buy the planner—you'll need it! Try the daily planner from Day Designer.
Bath and dorm room essentials:
- Bed sheets (twin XL)
- Comforter
- Mattress pad
- Throw blanket
- Paper towels
- Cleaning spray
- Mini fridge
- Refillable water bottle
Personal care:
- Shower shoes
- Shower caddy
- Tissues
- Under-bed storage bins
- Towels
- Bath soap
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Hair dryer
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Q-tips
- Mouthwash
- Shaving kit
- First aid kit
- Snacks
Clothing and accessories:
- Shirts
- Pants
- Socks
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- Hats
- Jewelry
- Shoes
- Sneakers
- Shorts
- Sunglasses
- Businesswear
- Winter garments
- Rain gear (boots, jacket, umbrella)
- Laundry basket
- Stain remover stick
- Dryer sheets
- Laundry detergent
School supplies:
- Backpack, messenger or tote bag
- Laptop or tablet and accessories
- Laptop charger
- Computer mouse
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Headphones/earbuds
- Planner or calendar
- Binders
- Paper, pens and pencils
- Pencil sharpener
- White out
- Highlighters
- Notebooks
- Ruler
- Sticky notes
- Paper clips
- Stapler and staples
- Calculator
- Envelopes and stamps
- Markers
- Desk storage (bins, paper tray, cubbies)
- Index cards
- Tape
- Scissors
Household and kitchen items:
- Microwave
- Mugs
- Plastic cups
- Coffee maker
- Napkins
- Plasticware
- Posters (for decor)
- Sticky wall mounts and adhesive hooks
- Personal photos with light frames
- Area rug
- Bean bag or light chair
- Desk lamp
- Floor lamp
- Trash cans
- Bedside table
- Desk chair
- Fan
- Curtains
- Bulletin board or whiteboard with dry-erase markers
- Closet organizer
- Step ladder
- Bed risers
- Over-the-door hanger for coats or other items
This blog post was written by our Division of Student Life student intern Elliana Olivo.