For many parents, this time of year is filled with mixed emotions as they help their child pack for college. Preparing for this change can bring many unknowns as young adults are beginning a new chapter of their own.

As they leave home, what will they truly need? Too often, students arrive on campus with suitcases full of unnecessary items while missing the everyday essentials that make independent living easier. This guide to college packing 101 offers some helpful advice to make their first year a little less stressful.

Bedding and Sleep Items

• Twin XL sheets are recommended for most dorms. Regardless, be sure to check with the school dorm for the proper-sized sheets to bring.
• A mattress topper or pad may also be useful because dorm mattresses are vinyl-coated and hard. That’s good news for their cleanliness but bad news for comfort. A lack of sleep will prove to be an issue for many students. It’s best to start on a good note.
• Bring at least two pillows with protective covers. This makes hygiene easier for the student. If they live close enough, they will likely come home to wash them anyway.
• A good comforter or quilt and a spare are very helpful. Be sure to purchase items that can easily be placed in a washing machine and dryer.

Bathroom and Personal Items

Students will need to stock up on essential personal hygiene items as well as the following: 

• Buy a spare toothbrush, maybe more. If a dorm has a communal bathroom, as many first-year dorms do, dropping a toothbrush is a disheartening experience. The comfort of an extra toothbrush or two will help the student if this occurs. Be sure to discuss the importance of hygiene while living in communal spaces.
• Buy a mesh or plastic shower caddy to protect shampoo, soap, and other bathroom supplies.
• Shower shoes are also essential for those who want to avoid the communal shower floor. Fungal infections are less common when taking this simple precaution.
• Do not forget about bath towels and washcloths. Students will need spares while others are being laundered.
• A first-aid kit is a wise investment. Everyone gets hurt occasionally, making it a hygiene disaster in a communal environment to be without bandages or other basic health items.
• An iron or steamer is an essential item. While newer dryers make people iron less, it is better to have one handy if needed.

Tech and Desk Setup

• Make sure to bring a laptop compatible with the college computer network system. Do not forget the charger or other peripherals. A surge protector is also essential. Get one with a decent length.
• Noise-cancelling headphones are an excellent way to drown out the constant noise of a college dorm.
• A lamp with a charger will be handy, and it allows for personal light without disturbing roommates.
• Ethernet cables are phenomenal for reliable speeds if the Wi-Fi is bogged down by everyone trying to submit last-minute assignments or stream sporting events. Be sure to check if there is a port available in the dorm room.

Laundry, Cleaning, and Storage 

• A collapsible laundry hamper or bag can be useful due to the lack of space in dorm rooms. Make sure to stock up on laundry items. Dorm laundry rooms may have vending machines that offer these items, but they come at a large markup.
• Hangers, specifically slim or velvet hangers, also help maximize space.
• Under-bed storage containers that will fit under the specific bed in your student’s dorm.
• Make sure to have basic cleaning supplies. Messes happen, and cleaning them up can do wonders for everyone’s health in a dorm.

Kitchen and Hanging Items

• A reusable water bottle will be a huge help in keeping your student hydrated while attending classes.
• Get a small number of eating utensils and dishware that are microwave safe.
• Dish soap and a scrubbing utensil are necessary because there’s not likely to be a dishwasher in your student’s room.
• Command strips and hooks are helpful when hanging items to prevent damage to the dorm walls.

Safeguard Documents

Documents and financial aid information are also frequently needed as your student begins attending classes. It is not unheard of for a university to make a clerical error, and having everything together ahead of time can make a big difference in how quickly these issues are resolved.

Consider buying a small, locked box to keep important documents out of prying eyes. This may include personal ID, health insurance and social security cards, a passport, or other important papers. It is also a good idea to write out an emergency contact list and to ensure the college and the student have it.

What to Leave at Home

Check the dorm’s rules for what is allowed and what is not. Avoid showing up with a vehicle full of things your student cannot use. This is usually due to fire risks or high electricity demand.

Also, if possible, try coordinating items such as the purchase of a mini-fridge with the future roommate. Having a conversation in advance will help each student make a smoother transition to dorm life.