Back To School List for College Students + FREE Printable


Download a free back to school planner for College Students. Get a list of all the essentials needed to start your freshman year at College. Even if you are not staying on campus, this college back shopping list will help you get ready for life as a college student! Head to the blog to get this free printable!

“Sponsored post by Mirum Shopper. All opinions are my own.”

Download a free back to school planner for College Students. Get a list of all the essentials needed to start your freshman year at College. Even if you are not staying on campus, this college back shopping list will help you get ready for life as a college student!

Download a free back to school planner for College Students. Get a list of all the essentials needed to start your freshman year at College. Even if you are not staying on campus, this college back shopping list will help you get ready for life as a college student! Head to the blog to get this free printable!

Back To School List for College Students + FREE Printable

Not only are the kids going back to school, but let’s not forget the college students. I remember my first year going to college. I started off at a local community college since I had a free two-year academic scholarship. This was a big save when it came to paying for college. Many kids want to rush off to the big universities but sleep on staying close to home and starting off at a community college. Most of the community colleges work with nearby universities to make sure all of the credits will transfer, and even do dual enrollment.

If you’re a first-time college student or a first-time parent of a college student, you may be unsure of what will be needed for school. Many of the same back to school supplies like writing materials, notebooks, calculators, are still important. However, you’re now adding all of the things they will need for dorm life, plus the EXPENSIVE textbooks. I have some great tips you can read about ways to save on books, and paying for college.

Download a free back to school planner for College Students. Get a list of all the essentials needed to start your freshman year at College. Even if you are not staying on campus, this college back shopping list will help you get ready for life as a college student! Head to the blog to get this free printable!

As you prepare to head off for the first year of college, here’s a list of essentials you need to have (regardless if you’re staying on campus or at home)!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES:

  1. Laptop or Tablet- I suggest a laptop over a tablet, especially you will be writing a ton of papers, doing research, presentations, and expected to access a lot of digital files.
  2. External Drive
  3. 2-3 USB Flash Drives (It’s easy to lose these, so have a few on hand).
  4. Durable Backpack or messenger bag (big enough to hold your laptop and books)
  5. Notebooks for each class
  6. Planner
  7. Sticky Notes
  8. Scientific Calculator (Regardless of your degree, you will be required to take 1-2 math courses, and having a scientific calculator will come in handy)
  9. Textbooks (Be sure to read your syllabus to see if it’s required. Many professors have ditched books and use digital downloads instead. Also, look for used textbooks, rentals, and coupon codes to save as much as possible on books)
  10. Folders
  11. Binders
  12. Pencils
  13. Pens
  14. Sharpie Markers
  15. Highlighters
  16. 3×5 Index Cards
  17. Paper and Binder Clips
  18. Tape
  19. Scissors
  20. Surge Protector

DORM LIFE:

  1. Two sets of sheets and pillowcases
  2. 2 Blankets/Comforter
  3. 2 Pillows
  4. Mattress Pad
  5. Robe
  6. Flip flops for the shower
  7. Three sets of Towels
  8. a pack of Wash Clothes
  9. Personal Fan
  10. Mini Refrigerator
  11. Desk Lamp
  12. Small Coffee Maker
  13. Stackable Desk Trays
  14. Clothes Hangers
  15. Laundry Bag/Basket
  16. Mini Trash Can
  17. Storage Bins (preferably ones that will fit under the bed)
  18. Over-the-door-hooks
  19. Calendar
  20. Dry Erase Board + Markers
  21. Printer/Printer Paper (this is optional since you can print from the computer lab)
  22. Stapler/Staples
  23. Extension Cord
  24. Earbuds
  25. Bean Bag or comfortable office chair
  26. Small lock box

PERSONAL ITEMS:

  1. Water Bottle
  2. Brush/Comb
  3. Toothbrush (plus an extra 1-2)
  4. Toothpaste (buy enough to last you a year. If you coupon, you may already have this in your stockpile)
  5. Mouthwash
  6. Lint Roller
  7. Soap/Body Wash
  8. Razors
  9. Wipes
  10.  Vaseline lotion
  11. Deodorant
  12. Beauty Supplies
  13. Clothes
  14. Underwear (enough to last you 2-3 weeks. Going to the laundry mat or home to wash your clothes will not happen that often)
  15. Comfortable Shoes
  16. Umbrella
  17. Coat (depending on where you are going to school)
  18. Light Jacket/Sweats
  19. Air Freshener/Disinfectant Spray
  20. Coffee Mug
  21. Hair Dryer
  22. Shower Caddy
  23. Vitamins
  24. Laundry Detergent
  25. Shampoo/Conditioner
  26. Q-tips
  27. Hair Products
  28. Nail Kit
  29. Feminine Products

Download a free back to school planner for College Students. Get a list of all the essentials needed to start your freshman year at College. Even if you are not staying on campus, this college back shopping list will help you get ready for life as a college student! Head to the blog to get this free printable!

Be sure to stock up on the necessary hygiene supplies. I’m not sure if makeup is considered essential for me, but body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, razor, feminine products, hair products, and of course lotion are my must-have items. And while my boys are not going to college, they are off to middle school and high school, and these items are on our back-to-school list!

Back To School Essentials

We love using  Vaseline’s Cocoa Radiant.It leaves our skin feeling smooth, with a radiant glow.  I buy smaller sizes for the boys to keep in their backpack. We all have dry skin, and using the Cocoa Radiant, moisturizes our skin without a shiny or greasy look. Plus it has cocoa butter in it, which is great to use on your skin! There are so many ways to use Vaseline (including some beauty hacks which are great for college life).

THINGS TO SHARE WITH ROOMMATE(S):

  1. Coffee Maker/Coffee Essentials
  2. Iron/Ironing Board
  3. Fridge (if it’s a mini-fridge, and you plan to use it a lot, I suggest buying your own!)
  4. Decorations For The Room
  5. Hand Vacuum
  6. Sewing Kit
  7. Plates/Cups/Utensils
  8. Electric Kettle
  9. Food Storage
  10. Trash Bags
  11. Microwave
  12. Travel Medical Kit
  13. Light Bulbs
  14. Paper Towels
  15. Cleaning Supplies
  16. T.V.
  17. Full-Length Mirror

You can take this printable shopping list and head to your local Walmart or retailer to find all of your college essentials. To make sure you got the best price, check Walmart’s Saving Catcher and compare prices. Learn more about Walmart Savings Catcher here: https://savingscatcher.walmart.com

vaseline Deal at Walmart

Download your FREE printable for

Download a free back to school planner for College Students. Get a list of all the essentials needed to start your freshman year at College. Even if you are not staying on campus, this college back shopping list will help you get ready for life as a college student! Head to the blog to get this free printable!

Get more college tips below:

Previous Meijer Meal Planning Week 7/23: 6 Meals $35 Bucks
Next Kroger MEGA: Johnsonville Brats $2.49 #stockup

20 Comments

  1. robin rue
    July 31, 2017
    Reply

    My step-son is heading off for his 3rd and final year at college this year (he did 4 years in 3) and I bet there are some things here that he forgot. Thanks for the reminder.

  2. July 31, 2017
    Reply

    Great list. My kids are too young to worry about this now, but definitely one day!!!

  3. July 31, 2017
    Reply

    My oldest is heading off to university in the fall. I will definitely be printing this list. There is so much to get.

  4. July 31, 2017
    Reply

    This is a great list. So many things are easy to forget if it’s not written down.

  5. Great list! I think it’s as important for kids to take care of themselves as it is for them to take care of their school.

  6. July 31, 2017
    Reply

    Planners cannot be emphasized enough. I wouldn’t have gotten through college without my planner!

  7. kristi
    July 31, 2017
    Reply

    A great list. My niece starts college this year. I think I’ll share this list and ask if there is anything I can get for a gift.

  8. Kathy
    July 31, 2017
    Reply

    That is a great list. These are definitely items you’re going to want to have. Vaseline is certainly something to have. I love their products.

  9. July 31, 2017
    Reply

    This is such a great and thorough list! I have a college bound student, so this will be really helpful.

  10. Claudia Krusch
    July 31, 2017
    Reply

    Thanks for the great back to school list. I have a Son going into his first year of college this year. I have been trying to collect all the things he will need to take to school with him.

  11. Elizabeth Lampman
    July 31, 2017
    Reply

    This is a fantastic back to school list for college kids. There is so much stuff they need to bring. It would be easy to forget a few things.

  12. July 31, 2017
    Reply

    This is a great list for a friend of mine. She has two kids getting ready for college this year. We are planning a shopping trip this weekend to stock up.

  13. July 31, 2017
    Reply

    Great list! My sister is finishing her last semester soon, so I will need to share this with her. 🙂

  14. Our daughter is going into her senior year of college. This would be a great share for some of my friends who has kids going to college their first year! Sharing!

  15. July 31, 2017
    Reply

    These are good lists and it’s a good time to start checking things off before school! The kids need a lot of things!

  16. July 31, 2017
    Reply

    I can’t even think about my son being a college student! But this is a perfect list for those going to college. I might pin it now to use later!

  17. Sinisa
    July 31, 2017
    Reply

    Oh lord back to school is here already. Time flies too quick. I love the list.

  18. August 1, 2017
    Reply

    The college list is never ending! It gets larger as they get older.. not ready for that. But, thank you for the tips because I know it’s coming soon

  19. August 1, 2017
    Reply

    Wow, what a great list! I kind of want to print it out and save it for when my kids go off to college.

  20. August 1, 2017
    Reply

    Having a checklist for college is a great idea. It’s such a stressful time that you can easily overlook even obvious things you should pack.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.