Most college packing guides feature long lists of things you’ll need without explaining why they’re useful. This particular list is not a perfect guide, but it includes the functional and essential things--with a short description of their usefulness. Ideally, I find that when you are packing it is best to organize by utility.
Hopefully this clothing list will help narrow down what you actually wear on a daily basis.
I made the huge mistake freshman year of thinking I needed to bring my whole closet with me. It’s not true! As a minimalist, I love neutral colors and simple silhouettes but if neutrals are not your cup of tea, you can always switch them out for a plethora of brighter hues.
Clothes:
(T-shirts/ long sleeves/ turtlenecks) basic neutral colors that go with everything
Neutral (white, black, grey, navy) tees
Neutral long-sleeved shirts
Neutral long-sleeve turtlenecks
(Sweaters/ jackets/ coats)
Jean jacket
Neutral sweaters
Neutral peacoat
Black blazer (business casual)
(pants/ shorts/ skirts/ dresses)
Black jeans
Simple blue jeans
White jeans
Neutral shorts and/or skirts
Neutral dress or suit
(accessories)
Neutral scarf
Simple black leather belt
Black flats and/or dress shoes
Black boots (I suggest chelsea boots for women)
Black Converse
White Vans
Birkenstocks (Westmont "Jesus sandal" staple)
Bed:
2 bedsheets (extra-long twin)
2 pillow cases
Duvet (+ cover)
Mattress topper (makes the mattress all the more luxurious)
Desk + School supplies:
File folders (for essays and important documents)
One-inch, three-ring binders (organization is the key to being efficient)
Paper clips
Scissors
Stapler
Sticky notes (I always use sticky notes)
Flash cards
Printer (It’s nice to have if you live on lower campus)
Hole puncher (a mini one is useful)
Power strip (in case you need extra outlets)
Decorations:
You can decorate as much or as little as you wish!
Christmas lights (wonderful to brighten up a room)
Colorful tapestries (I personally love tapestries with intricate designs)
Pictures
Dried flowers (I personally love dried roses to decorate my wall)
Mirrors
Mason jars (I love mason jars because you can collect little treasures)
Fake plants (because nothing is sadder than having your favorite succulent named Olivia die from lack of sunlight)
Toiletries:
(shower)
Shampoo + conditioner
Castile soap
Loofah (or an antimicrobial scrub brush)
Flip flops (used for shower shoes)
(skincare)
Moisturizing cleanser
Micellar water (used as a deep skin exfoliant)
Tea Tree oil (used for acne and spot treatment)
Sunscreen SPF 50+
Face masks (used to brighten, cleanse, moisturize skin)
Other:
Electric tea kettle (I love tea especially when writing long essays)
Flower vase
Drawer dividers (makes everything easier to organize)
Plug-in air fresheners (they make your room smell soo good!)
I hope this college packing guide becomes a tool to refer back to when you are packing for your first year at college or even as a transfer. This guide is useful and benefits everyone who wants to pack like a pro.