The essentials every college freshman needs to know can feel overwhelming at first, especially with TikTok flooded with detailed packing lists for move-in. While these videos are exciting, they can also make it harder to figure out what you’ll actually use. Check out the downloadable checklist at the bottom of this blog 👇
If you’re more of a visual learner, this short video breaks it down quickly. Follow our TikTok account, @rachaelsfirstweek, for more great tips & advice!
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1. Fans: Always More Important Than You Think
For most incoming freshmen, this is one they have heard repeatedly. But just bringing a fan is not where the need stops; you need multiple fans with different purposes.
What you actually need:
- A strong desk or standing fan (the classic Woozoo-style one everyone talks about is popular for a reason)
- A USB-rechargeable fan for when you need something in close proximity
- A smaller portable fan that you can literally throw in your bag
If you’re heading to a Southern school, this becomes a day-to-day staple! A tiny portable fan you can bring to outdoor events will save you from fully melting in public.
2. Portable Charger: Yours or someone else’s phone will always be dead
Whether you’re going to a concert, to a football game, studying in the library, or any other regular college activity, your phone battery will die. Having a portable charger isn’t just convenient—it’s important for safety, especially when you’re alone on campus.
What to look for (best brands and types of chargers):
- Anker and Belkin are reliable portable chargers that can hold a battery for a long time
- Multi-cord chargers (convenient but bulky)
- Magnetic or compact chargers (easy to carry, but easier to lose)
3. Apple Watch or Smartwatch
A smartwatch can be surprisingly useful in college life. Many universities allow student IDs to be stored on your phone or watch.
That means:
- Easy access to your dorm and buildings
- A backup if your phone dies
It’s one of those things you don’t realize you need until you have it.
4. Bed Ottoman: Get a Sturdy One
This might not seem like a priority—but it will become one of the most-used items in your dorm. It will be your extra chair, your step onto a lofted bed, your extra storage, and more. Invest in something solid, or else you risk it breaking only a few weeks into the semester.
Your ottoman will double as:
- A step stool for lofted beds
- Extra seating
- Storage space
When shopping, look for:
- Options labeled as step stools
- Dorm-friendly brands
- Solid lids (not flimsy plastic)
Invest in a durable one—you’ll use it every day.
5. Brita (or Any Water Filter)
Staying hydrated is key, but filtered water isn’t always easy to access in dorms.
While most people buy the standard pitcher, there are extra-large spout versions that fit in your fridge and last much longer without constant refilling.
It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference.
6. Scrunchie Drink Cover: A Small Hack That Matters
The ‘Night Cap’ Scrunchie is one of the best gifts you could give a college student. It consists of a scrunchie that has a drink cover inside and when you unzip it, it keeps your drink safe at the bar from being roofied. The scrunchie is a great tool because it is small and discreet, so trying to protect oneself does not lead to an awkward conversation with friends.
Why it’s useful:
- Small and discreet
- Easy to carry everywhere
- Doesn’t draw attention
👉 https://nightcapit.com/products/nightcap-scrunchie
7. Bed + Comfort Upgrades
Dorm beds are… not great. A few upgrades can completely change your sleep and comfort level.
Must-haves:
- Mattress topper: The mattresses that universities provide you with are extremely uncomfortable and flat and it is absolutely essential to have a fluffy mattress topper. It doesn’t have to be expensive; there are plenty on Amazon with great reviews!
- Mattress protector: helps keep the mattress topper from moving and helps prevent the bed from becoming ruined from any accidental spills
- Extra-long phone charger: Some of you will have to loft/bunk your bed, and in order to charge your phone each night, you need to have a charger that’s at least five feet long
- Command hooks
- A good desk lamp
- Desk or jewelry organizers
- Heated blanket: If you are going to school in a cold environment, this can help make your room nice and cozy in the winter
- Desk chair pad: Most schools will provide hard wooden chairs, and this will be a lifesaver!
Daily Life Savers
These are the items you won’t think about until you need them:
- Laundry bag you can wear as a backpack
- Shower caddy + shower shoes
- Basic tool kit (with batteries included)
- Tide pods or laundry sheets
On-the-Go Essentials
For everyday college life:
- Small purse or crossbody bag
- Lip balm + mini essentials kit
- Umbrella for unpredictable weather
- Phone card wallet (so you’re not digging for your ID)
Final Reminders
No packing list will fully cover the essentials every college freshman needs to know—and that’s okay.
You will forget things. You will make mistakes. But having the basics covered can make move-in and your first few weeks much less stressful.
College is all about learning as you go. This is just the beginning of a brand-new chapter—so enjoy it.
Good luck preparing for the fall!
👉 DOWNLOAD THIS PACKING CHECKLIST TO GET YOU STARTED! (Includes some great gift ideas for grads, too!)
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