Summer is moving fast, and pretty soon, it will be time to head back to school. For college students, going back to school is an exciting, but also overwhelming time, and the shopping list can be a mile long. Being prepared, and checking off your items from a list ahead of time will make your transition to college a little easier. Below is your one-stop, back-to-school college shopping list.
- Academic Supplies
- Note pads
- Pens and pencils with sharpener and container
- Tape
- Envelopes, stamps, and expandable file folder
- Folders
- 3-hole puncher
- Computer
- Printer and ink
- Double A paper
- Chargers, and cord organizer
- Binders
- Flash drives
- External hard drive
- Backpack or bag
- Trash can
- Index cards
- Scissors, staples, stapler, and ruler
- Rubber bands
- Post-it notes
- Light bulbs
- Laptop carrying case
- Lock for laptop
- Noise-canceling headphones
- White out
- Wireless modem and router if not provided
Related: Essential Home Office Supplies
- Clothing and Shoes
If you’re moving to a different climate, you’ll probably want to wait until you get to school before shopping. The local area will have more weather-appropriate attire available for you. But don’t forget to pack different clothing and shoe styles for all occasions.
- Coats and jackets
- Athletic shoes
- Dress shoes
- Sandals
- Slippers
- Athletic attire or work-out clothes
- Boots
- Gloves
- Hats and Scarves
- Pants and shorts
- Formal wear for special occasions
- T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- Sweaters
- Underwear and intimate apparel
- Bathing suit
- Sunglasses
- Pajamas
- Umbrella and raincoat
- Toiletries and Personal Care Items
- Soap
- OTC and prescription medicines and first-aid kit
- Lotion
- Razors
- Feminine hygiene items
- Deodorant
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Emory board
- Q-tips and cotton balls
- Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Hair brush and hair products
- Hair dryer
- Curling or flat iron
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower caddy
- Soap dishes or dispensers
- Bath mat and shower curtain with hooks
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Shaving gel
- Makeup, cosmetic bag, and makeup remover
- Bedding
When shopping for bedding, be sure to purchase extra long blankets and sheets. If you’re moving to a warm climate, you probably won’t need an electric blanket.
- 2 sets of sheets and pillow cases
- Comforter
- Light-weight blanket
- Electric blanket
- Pillows
- Mattress pad
- Cleaning Supplies
- Small vacuum or a hand vacuum
- Duster
- Swiffer sweeper
- Sponges, cleaning towels, and dish towels
- Disinfectant
- Antibacterial soaps
- Toilet bowl cleaner and brush
- Shower cleaner
- Laundry detergent
- Stain remover
- Cooking Supplies and Utensils
- Microwave-safe plates, cups, and bowls
- Cutlery
- Mugs
- Hot and cold storage containers
- Ziploc bags
- Microwave if not provided
- Coffee pot and filters
- Can and bottle openers
- Small refrigerator if not provided
- Crock pot
- Funnel and measuring utensils
- Favorite recipes
- Knives
- Blender
- Paper towels and napkins
- Salt and pepper shakers
You need durable paper when you’re a student. Double A printer and copier paper is made from high-quality fibers, and each sheet has a bit of weight to it and isn’t at all flimsy. Also, Double A papers won’t jam in a printer. And, you can print on both sides of the sheet, which will save you money and space in a small college dorm room or apartment. Bring a ream of high-quality, sustainably-sourced and manufactured paper when you head back to school this fall.
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