Guys also tend to not leave a lot of time for the packing process, but getting everything on your dorm packing list into small spaces can be a challenge. Definitely don’t wait until the last minute because stores get very picked over and many items are on backorder.

If you are working with a tight budget (and with the cost of college these days who isn’t?), try to purchase the basic things ahead of time when they are on sale. Don’t forget to pack the following items on this ultimate college packing list. Of course, needs and wants vary depending on the kid, but here are the dorm room essentials that you will DEFINITELY need.

If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Note: This post contains affiliate links. In this post we will cover what to put on your college packing list, what you don’t need, how to get everything to campus, and provide a printable PDF to make it all easier. While adjusting to being on their own is hard, it will be a bit easier if they are well equipped with all the college essentials for guys (and don’t expect that they have the first clue what those are!) In high school, your son may have gotten used to clean laundry just appearing and had no issue with using a new towel everyday. Moving away to college and living in a residence hall instead of home is an exciting time but also a big adjustment for kids. I’ve had the honor and pleasure of sending two of my three sons off to college so far, and we’ve learned a few things about the packing experience along the way, enabling me to put together a comprehensive college packing list for guys (and yes you can use this for girls too but they may have some additional needs that my boys didn’t.)

When your son’s college opens for the fall semester or quarter, your first year student will finally meet his future roommate for the first time and see his new home for the year. Having a good college packing list can make move in go more smoothly and help you ensure that they have what they need to be comfortable and safe. College move-in day is a much-anticipated rite of passage for college freshman.

College freshman dorm room checklist