College packing made simple. Tried-and-true essentials from a parent who’s done it twice — everything your student really needs, nothing they don’t.
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Prepping My Kid for College
Prepping My Kid for College
Having sent two kids off to college, I know preparation goes far beyond packing a dorm room. This list includes the practical essentials, organization tools, and confidence-boosting items that help make the transition smoother — for both students and...
This will keep everything neat and tidy
Ziploc Big Bags, XL, 4 Count (Pack of 2)
Flashlights are key especially when you are making your way around campus in the dark
Victoper LED Flashlight 2 Pack, 2000 Lumens
Everything from gaming consoles to flashlights need batteries
Duracell Coppertop AAA Batteries, 28 Count Pack
More batteries, actually you can never have enought
Duracell Coppertop AA Batteries, 20 Count Pack
Blue and white are his school colors and this comforter is super soft
Bedsure Twin/Twin XL Comforter Set, Navy Blue
You gotta have a soft place to put your feet down in the dorm room, especially when the guys are coming to hang
DweIke Super Soft Shaggy Rugs, 4x6 ft, Dark Red
For all of the aches and pains associated with college life
Motrin IB, Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets, 225 Ct
Hey you gotta take care of those teeth while you're off at school
Reach Waxed Dental Floss, 55 Yards, 1 Pack
When sore throats come on from allergies or a cold, you gotta have these
Amazon Basic Care Cherry Cough Drops, 160 count
Ugh! Hayfever is the worst. Take care of those dorm allergies
Amazon Basic Care Allergy Relief, 100 Count
For the boy who likes fresh smelling deod without the harsh chems.
Tom's of Maine Aluminum-Free Deodorant, Unscented
This ottomon is great as another chair or a place to keep your stuff
WoneNice Folding Storage Ottoman, Linen Gray
For a guy or girl who cares whether they have a unibrow
OMIRO 20X Magnifying Mirror and Tweezers Kit
Can't have enough chapstick
ChapStick Classic Collection Lip Balm, 15 Pack
Anything that helps keep you organized is always on the list
XBoard Magnetic Whiteboard 36 x 24 - Combo
Keep the teeth clean with this battery operated tooth brush
Colgate 360 Optic White Battery Toothbrush
And clearn teeth are a must
Colgate Baking Soda Toothpaste, 6 Oz, 2 Pack
Facewash
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, 16 Oz
This stuff is really good, especially if you are on prescribed acne meds
Puritan's Pride Red Yeast Rice 600 Mg, 240 Ct
Wash your hair without chemicals
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo, 12.5 Oz, 3 Ct
conditioner too!
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Conditioner, 12 Oz, 3 Ct
Body wash that smells nice
Dove Body Wash with Pump, Deep Moisture, 34 oz, 3 Ct
You gotta have a topper, those beds are hard as a rock
Best Price Mattress 2.5 Inch Ventilated Memory Foam
You need hangers
Sharpty Plastic Hangers, 50 Pack, White
Definitely get two sets, but you'll be lucky if they was them 1x a semester, LOL
Amazon Basics Microfiber Bed Sheet Set, Twin XL, Navy
Second set, and its neutral
Amazon Basics Microfiber 3 Piece Bed Sheet Set, Twin XL
Can't have enough command hooks
Command Small Wire Toggle Hooks, 10 Hooks, 12 Strips
Honestly this is the best flippin tape you will ever use to stick something to something else. If you need to stick posters to a wall this stuff ROCKS!!!
EZlifego Double Sided Tape Heavy Duty, 9.85FT
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Also an item that they will use constantly especially if coming home for the weekend or visiting other schools. I have given this to several people already and everyone loves it.
VENTURE 4TH Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag (Navy)
Cute and definitely a way to travel with your soaps, cond and shampoos
Mrsdry Travel Bottles, Tsa Approved 3oz (4 Pack)
If you're a newbie. You're kid will need this!! Trust me.
EUDELE Mesh Shower Caddy Portable for Dorm
I like this one because it has the outlets and the USB, both a must in dorm rooms as there is never enough outlets and I would suggest buying two.
BESHON 10 FT Extension Cord, Surge Protector
Need I say more. I mean you can pack them bandaids but if they have a kit, its more likely to be found.
Care Science First Aid Kit, 100 Pieces
You want a mattress cover
Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Pad Dorm Bedding
An absolute must. Now your child may have slides or flip flops but honestly I think this type is the best and whoever thought of it is brilliant- holes in the foot bed….so smart!!!
Xomiboe Shower Shoes Quick Drying Non-Slip
Days of baskets seem to be over, this works perfectly
Dalykate Laundry Bag with Shoulder Straps
4 Neutral Towels
GraceAier Ultra Soft Bath Towels 4 Pack
It was actually my son that recommended we get him one and its an excellent idea. Those rooms get stuffy
AROEVE Air Purifiers for Home, HEPA Air Cleaner
At one time or another your child will wash a dish or too and they should have a few towels on hand
KitchenAid Albany Kitchen Towel 4-Pack Set
I already have two of these and they are fabulous!!
Lasko Oscillating Tower Fan, Remote Control
Very helpful, especially if they are bunk beds. No one wants to keep getting up and down to get a book or phone
DuomiW Bedside Storage Organizer, Grey
Helpful to make more room under the bed for containers
BTSD-home Bed Risers 3 or 6 Inch, 4 Pack Black
Bins are a must
Amazon Basics Collapsible Storage Cubes, 6 Pack
I have one of these and they are fabulous. Expect the dorm chair to be hard as a rock and they are pretty standard through all dorms.
Cushion Lab Pressure Relief Seat Cushion, Black
Neatly tuck these under the bed
NestNeatly SmartCube Under Bed Storage Bag, 3 Pack
It may not stay this neat but if they are lucky they will be able to find a pencil when they need it.
Mindspace Office Desk Organizer with 6 Compartments + Drawer + Pen & Pencil Holder | The Mesh Collection, Silver
