Guys Dorm College Checklist | A College Packing List


Wondering what to pack for a guy’s college dorm room? Packing for college is one of the most exciting but exhausting activities. Don’t worry, we’ve been through all of this and know the best ways to prepare and get ready. Here is a quick list on getting ready:

  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 a dorm, check with your school on what supplies will already be included. In some dorms, you may be provided a desk chair or desk, while others may not. This will help determine what you need to purchase.
  3. 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 a Dorm | Dorm Room Essentials

Below provides an extensive supply list for packing for college. 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

Before moving in, be sure to check with your dorm on provided storage. Many dorms will provide storage options such as a chest of drawers. Be sure to always purchase drawer liners for existing furniture as they have likely been reused over the years and not cleaned as well as they should be.

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

Bedding

The majority of dorms are furnished with Twin XL mattresses, however it’s important to check with your dorm before moving in. Things such as bed lifts/risers are great accessories to add additional space to an already cramped area. Also, be sure to not skip on purchasing a feather bed; this will enhance the quality of sleep for anyone. (Check our reviews on mattress enhancers)

  • Pillows
  • Pillow Protectors
  • Pillowcases
  • 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 majority of dorms have a communal bathroom, therefore it’s important to get accessories such as a shower tote/caddy to haul your items between your room and the shower. Also, don’t forget to bring an old pair of water proof flip flops that you can wear in the shower.

  • Towels
  • Washcloths
  • Shower Flip Flops
  • Shower Tote/Caddy
  • Shower Radio
  • Toothbrush Holder

Study & School

Some dorms will provide furniture for studying, such as desks. Be sure to check if desk chairs are provided and whether or not they’re comfortable/ergonomic enough to sit in for long periods of time.

  • 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 (Also in Furniture Section)
  • Desk Chair (Also in Furniture Section)
  • Desk Lamp
  • Bulletin Board
  • Push Pins/Thumbtacks

Eat

Be sure to check if items such as microwaves are already available or prohibited for use in dorms. Mini fridges, if not already furnished by the dorm, are essential purchases for living in a dorm room.

  • Mini Fridge
  • Microwave
  • Microwave Safe Container
  • Toaster/Toaster Oven
  • Over Mitt
  • Blender
  • Food Storage Containers
  • Can/Bottle Opener
  • Dinnerware
  • Plastic Drinking Cups
  • Utensils
  • Chip Clips
  • Coffee Maker
  • Coffee Mug
  • Travel Mug
  • Zip-lock Bags
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Water Pitcher and Filter
  • Popcorn Bowl
  • Snack Foods
  • Beverages

Laundry

The majority of dorms will offer either free or paid communal washing machines. In some cases, you may need to access a nearby laundromat if the dorm does not offer laundry services. It’s important to have a plethora of quarters if they’re traditional quarter washers and dryers.

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

Furniture

The majority of dorms rooms will not provide sofas or futons. Futons are great, inexpensive ways to create a communal seating area within a dorm room. They can also double as a sleeping area for a guest so that you can skip on the purchase of a blow up mattress, etc.

  • Sofa/Futon
  • Lounge Chair
  • Futon Cover
  • Ottoman/Coffee Table
  • Entertainment Console
  • Bedside Table
  • Desk (Also in Study Section)
  • Desk Chair (Also in Study Section)
  • Desk Lamp
  • Floor Lamp
  • Bedside Lamp
  • Bookcase/Shelving
  • Posters
  • Area Rug
  • Throw Pillows

Entertainment

Some dorms will provide basic televisions within their rooms while others will not. Entertainment is a great way to stay sane while studying for long hours in school and create enjoyment on the weekends. The majority of televisions are significantly cheaper than they used to be, therefore it’s fairly inexpensive to purchase a good sized television and monthly streaming subscriptions (e.g. Netflix, Hulu, etc.).

  • 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

  • Glass Cleaner
  • All Surface Cleaner
  • Paper Towels
  • Swiffer Duster
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Hand Vacuum
  • Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • Toilet Bowl Brush
  • Shower Cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Trash Can
  • Trash Bags

Clothing

Packing clothing can be a tricky game for college. If you will be going to college in-state and can feasibly commute home during certain times, take advantage of leaving your offseason clothes at your families home. As an example, in the late summer and fall, leave all your winter clothes (with the exception of some warm clothes for the cool fall evenings) at your family home. The amount of closet space can be scarce in dorm rooms, so it’s important to plan ahead whenever possible.

  • 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

It’s important to bring all of the following items with you to college. However, it’s important to make sure they are secure. Be sure to buy a safe (Check Our Safe Reviews) that you can put away and keep items such as social security cards out of sight. Given it’s not feasible to have an extremely heavy safe in a dorm, be sure to keep your safe hidden and don’t advertise where you keep it around others.

  • 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

Recent Posts