It’s almost move-in day! UIS Residence Life is here to help with a comprehensive packing guide to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth transition to college life! Not every student will need every item, but this list may spark some ideas.
Pro tips: Less is more! Avoid overpacking by remembering that residence halls are shared spaces. Communicate with your roommate(s) and/or suitemates before bringing larger items or major furnishings to avoid clutter and potential disagreements about space. Some items will need to be brought by only one person. For shared cleaning supplies, it works best if every roommate brings some at the beginning of the year.
* = Coordinate with roommates
Bedding
- Top sheet
- Fitted sheet
- Pillowcases
- Comforter
- Pillows
- Mattress pad or mattress topper
- Comfort item
- Throw blanket
Storage and Organization
- Hangers
- *Mirror
- Ottoman (with storage)
- Organizational containers (for school supplies, snacks and personal items)
- Command strips and hooks
- *Rugs
- Room décor (posters, pictures, string lights, plants, figurines)
- Step stool (to help get into bed or reach the top part of your closet)
Kitchen
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Paper plates and cutlery or a few reusable dishware
- Cups/mugs
- Water bottle
Study Supplies
- Notebooks
- Laptop/iPad and charger
- Calculator and charger
- Backpack
- Pencils/Pens/Highlighters
- Planner
- Scissors, stapler, tape, paperclips, safety pins
- Sticky notes
- Index cards
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Headphones and charger
- Power strip
- Batteries
- Extension cord
- Bluetooth speaker
- Gaming equipment
Miscellaneous
- Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Wallet, credit cards, cash, ID
- Games
- Snacks and water
- Purse
- Duffle bag (a bag you can pack for a weekend at home)
- Books (for leisure reading)
- Eye mask (people will go to bed at different times)
- Earplugs
- Screwdriver
Laundry
- Laundry basket
- Laundry detergent
- Stain remover
- Lint roller
Cleaning supplies
- *Cleaning products (glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and toilet bowl brush, all-purpose cleaner spray, shower cleaner, disinfectant wipes)
- *Paper towels
- *Broom and dust pan
- *Vacuum (keep it small)
- *Mop
Bath
- Bath towel
- Beach towel (for messes and spills)
- Hand towel
- Washcloth
- Dishtowel
- Shower caddy
- *Hair catcher (to catch hair in the shower)
- *Shower curtain
- *Shower curtain rings
- *Shower curtain liner
- Kleenex
- *Toilet paper
- *Hand soap (for the bathroom)
- *Trash can
- *Trash bags
- *Air freshener
- *Bathmat
Grooming/Personal Items
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Styling products (mouse, gel, hairspray, hair refresher, heat protectant, hair oil, dry shampoo)
- Body wash
- Styling tools (comb, brush, *hair dryer, curling iron, curlers)
- Hair accessories (hair ties, headbands, bobby pins, hair clips, hair coverings)
- Luffa
- Lotion
- Facial products (sunscreen, serums, moisturizer, cleanser)
- Dental products (toothbrush, toothpaste, retainer, toothbrush cover, floss, mouthwash)
- Make-up
- Make-up brushes
- Makeup remover
- Physical fitness items (fitness tracker, foam roller, pre-workout, protein powder)
- Medication (ibuprofen, prescribed medication [switch your pharmacy to your college town], first aid kit, cold and flu medicine, vitamins/supplements
- Perfume/Cologne
- Deodorant
- Eye care (contacts, contact solution, glasses, glasses case, lens wipes)
- Shaving razor
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Q-tips
- Chapstick
- Nail polish and remover
- Pads/Tampons
Clothes
- Casual wear (jeans, shirts, shorts)
- Lounge wear (sweatshirt, sweatpants, leggings, pajamas)
- Career attire (business casual, scrubs, etc.)
- Formal wear (for events like the Ebony Ball)
- Gym clothes
- Sweaters
- Underwear/Socks/Bras
- Accessories (belts, jewelry, hats)
- Coats/Jackets (rain coat, winter coat, spring/fall coat)
- Cold weather accessories (beanie, scarf, mittens, thermal wear [for layering])
- Shoes (gym shoes, everyday sneakers, sandals, boots, shoes you can wear with your career attire, shower shoes, slippers)
Remember, items on the list are optional, but it’s a good starting point as you begin to pack.