College Apartment Checklist for Guys | First College Apartment


Looking for your first college apartment packing list for guys? We’ve modified all of our dorm supply lists to account for all the needs that you may have for living in an apartment. As with our other lists, here’s some quick tips on getting ready to move:

  1. Navigate the list below and identify which items you already have purchased and which items you will need to get.
  2. When moving into an apartment, be sure to check what will come furnished with your unit. A lot of apartments will come furnished with beds, desks, etc. This will help determine what you need to purchase.
  3. If you haven’t already, signup for Amazon Student Prime. Nearly all college supplies can easily be ordered through Amazon, and when done through student prime, there’s numerous deals just for college students, as well as free two day shipping. Check it out and sign up here.
  4. When you receive your required textbooks for classes, immediately go to Chegg and check the prices for your textbooks. There’s a 99% probability that the prices are cheaper than your local University bookstore. Textbooks are one of the few things that you can save huge on in school, so don’t waste money if it’s not needed.

What to Take to College for a Guy in an Apartment

Below provides an extensive supply list for packing for a college apartment. We have organized this by category and are continually rolling out new recommendations on what to purchase for each item. Please check back regularly for our best recommendations!

Getting organized

Organization in an apartment is a little easier than a dorm. Thankfully, you will likely have bigger closets, more bathroom storage, and a full kitchen to store items. Before moving in, be sure to check with your apartment on whether they have built-in shelves or furnished chest of drawers. As a reminder, for anything that is furnished/used, be sure to purchase shelf and drawer liners.

  • Closet Organizers
  • Underbed Storage
  • Drawer Organizer
  • Storage Chest/Cart
  • Shelf and Drawer Liner
  • Storage Trunk
  • Shoe Storage
  • Hangers/Hooks
  • Bedside Table with Storage

Bedding

The most important item to check on with your new apartment is whether or not they furnish a bed, and if so, what size. If you already have a bed that you like, be sure to check if you can bring your own and they should be able to remove the furnished item for you.

  • Pillows
  • Pillow Protectors
  • Pillow Cases
  • Comforter
  • Duvet Cover (Washable)
  • Bedspread (Washable)
  • Blankets
  • Bed Rest
  • Blow up Bed (For Guests)
  • Linens for Blow Up Bed
  • 1 or 2 Sets of Sheets
  • Mattress Pad
  • Mattress Enhancer/Egg Crate/Feather Bed (Check Our Reviews)

Shower

The best part about living in a college apartment is likely that you won’t have to share a bathroom with more than just one or two people. Be sure that someone purchases a shower curtain/liner since the majority of apartment bathrooms will be shower tubs with a rail.

  • Towels
  • Washcloths
  • Shower Curtain/Liner
  • Bath Rug
  • Toilet Paper
  • Shower Radio
  • Toothbrush Holder

Study & School

  • Laptop
  • Laptop Sleeve
  • Computer Mouse
  • Mousepad
  • Computer Lock
  • Long Ethernet Cord
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Earphones
  • Printer/Scanner
  • Printer Paper
  • Printer Ink
  • Flash Drive
  • Blank CD’s
  • Backpack
  • Student Planner/Calendar
  • Notebooks/Folders
  • Note Paper
  • Textbooks
  • Graphing Calculator
  • Index Cards
  • Highlighters
  • Post-it Notes
  • Post-it Flags
  • Pens/Pencils
  • Pencil Lead
  • Pencil Sharpener
  • Erasers
  • Stapler
  • Staples
  • Staple Remover
  • Paper Clips
  • Binder Clips
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Scotch Tape
  • Rubber Bands
  • Ruler
  • 3-hole Punch
  • Whiteout
  • Envelopes
  • Stamps
  • Desktop Storage/Caddy
  • Desk
  • Desk Chair
  • Desk Lamp
  • Bulletin Board
  • Push Pins/Thumbtacks

Eat

Another great part about living in a college apartment is that you now have your own kitchen! Stocking a full kitchen can be a daunting task, but the below list should provide the essentials. Be sure to check whether or not your apartment comes with a microwave, you never know!

  • Microwave
  • Microwave Safe Container
  • Toaster/Toaster Oven
  • Over Mitt
  • Blender
  • Food Storage Containers
  • Can/Bottle Opener
  • Dinnerware
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Utensils
  • Chip Clips
  • Coffee Maker
  • Coffee Mugs
  • Travel Mug
  • Zip-lock Bags
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Water Pitcher and Filter
  • Popcorn Bowl
  • Hand Mixer
  • Cookware
  • Cookie Sheets
  • Baking Dishes
  • Canister Set
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Cup
  • Measuring Spoon
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Vegetable Peeler
  • Spatulas
  • Knives
  • Tongs
  • Slotted Spoons
  • Ladle
  • Whisk
  • Grater
  • Strainer
  • Pot Holders
  • Sponges
  • Teapot/Tea Kettle
  • Placemats
  • Serving Dishes

Laundry

Most apartments likely come with in-unit washer/dryer, but make sure you check before you arrive. If no laundry is available on-site, be sure to stock up on quarters for the laundromat.

  • Laundry Basket/Hamper
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Fabric Softener Sheets
  • Stain Remover
  • Iron
  • Ironing Board
  • Drying Rack
  • Lint Brush
  • Quarters

Furniture

Furniture is another important part of moving into a college apartment. For furnished apartments, you may get lucky and be provided things such as sofas, chairs, tables, and beds. If you aren’t moving into a furnished apartment, no worries! Just remember, don’t invest in extremely expensive furniture, unless you plan to be the only person that sits on it. Looking back on my college furniture, it got messed up real quick!

  • Sofa/Futon
  • Lounge Chair
  • Futon Cover
  • Ottoman/Coffee Table
  • Entertainment Console
  • Bed
  • Bedside Table
  • Desk
  • Desk Chair
  • Desk Lamp
  • Floor Lamp
  • Bedside Lamp
  • Chest of Drawers
  • Bookcase/Shelving
  • Draperies
  • Drapery Rod
  • Wall Art/Hanging Supplies
  • Frames w/ Photos
  • Throw Pillows
  • Throw
  • Area Rug
  • Room Fragrance
  • Mirror
  • Dining Room Table
  • Dining Room Chairs
  • End Tables
  • Lamps

Entertainment

  • TV & Remote (Check Our Reviews)
  • TV Wall Mount
  • Gaming Console
  • Video Games
  • Gaming Controllers
  • HDMI Cords
  • TV Cables
  • DVD/Blu-Ray Player
  • Movies
  • Surge Protector
  • Extension Cord
  • Cable Box
  • Stereo/Speakers
  • Camera
  • Cell Phone
  • Cell Phone Charger

Clean

With more space, comes more need for cleaning supplies. The below should provide the baseline of items needed to keep things tidy.

  • Glass Cleaner
  • All Surface Cleaner
  • Paper Towels
  • Swiffer Duster
  • Disinfecting Wipes
  • Dishwashing Detergent
  • Dish Soap
  • Dishcloths
  • Sponge
  • Broom

  • Dust Pan
  • Vacuum
  • Mop
  • Bucket
  • Floor Cleaner
  • Step Stool
  • Trash Can
  • Trash Bags
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Hand Towels

Clothing

Living in an apartment should give you adequate space to keep all of your clothes, whether in-season or out of season. If you are able, be sure to leave your offseason clothes at your families home so that you have more room for storage.

  • Jeans
  • Shorts
  • Pants
  • T-Shirts
  • Polos
  • Button Down Shirts
  • Sweaters
  • Sweatshirts
  • Sweatpants
  • Workout Clothes
  • Winter Jacket
  • Rain Jacket/Light Jacket
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Undershirts
  • Tank Tops
  • Swimsuit
  • One Set of Business Attire
  • One Set of Semi-formal Attire
  • Winter Boots
  • Flip Flops
  • Slippers
  • Running Shoes
  • Boat Shoes
  • Dress Shoes
  • Belts
  • Hats
  • Gloves
  • Ties
  • Sunglasses
  • Watch
  • Umbrella

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental Floss
  • Mouth Wash
  • Face Soap
  • Soap/Body Wash
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Hair Spray/Gel/Mousse
  • Hair Brush/Comb
  • Hair Dryer
  • Razor
  • Electric Razor
  • Shaving Cream/Gel
  • Clearasil
  • Face Lotion
  • Body Lotion
  • Deodorant
  • Cologne
  • Nail Clippers
  • Eye Drops
  • Eye Glasses
  • Contact Lenses & Supplies
  • Q-Tips
  • Tweezers
  • Chapstick
  • Sunscreen
  • Cotton Squares
  • First Aid Kit
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Bandaids
  • Thermometer
  • Cough Medicine
  • Throat Lozenges
  • Cold Medicine
  • Allergy Medicine
  • Pain Relievers
  • Antacids
  • Pepto Bismol
  • Freezer Ice Pack
  • Antibiotic Ointment
  • Vitamins
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Antibacterial Wipes

Miscellaneous

  • Fan
  • Toolkit
  • Batteries
  • Lightbulbs
  • Flashlight
  • Safe (Check Our Reviews)
  • Water Bottle
  • Board Games
  • Bike/Helmet/Lock
  • Sports Equipment
  • Beach towel
  • Lock for Lockers/Armoires
  • Playing Cards
  • Safety Pins
  • Sewing Kit
  • Measuring Tape
  • Scale
  • Alarm Clock
  • Tissues
  • Duffel Bag
  • Suitcase for Travel

Important Documents

Since you’ll have your own space in an apartment, there is less worry about keeping these items secure. However, it’s always good to purchase a safe (Check Our Safe Reviews) and keep it tucked away and out of sight.

  • Drivers License
  • Car Registration
  • Car Insurance
  • Social Security Card
  • Medical Insurance Card
  • Bank Info
  • Debit Card
  • Credit Card
  • Student ID
  • Renters Insurance
  • Financial Aid Forms
  • List of Emergency Contacts

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