Packing for college can be tough. With so many different lists that you can find online, it’s hard to really know what you need or even what you need it for. To make it easier, The Current has created an NSU-specific college packing list to help all students lighten the load.
On-campus residents
Anything in italics is non-essential
Bedding (double check NSU’s housing website, nova.edu/housing, to see what size beds your residence hall or apartment supplies)
Bed sheets (2 sets) – Easy to wash and comfortable.
Bed Bug Protector – An added layer of protection.
Comforter – Easy to wash and can be your favorite design or color.
Mattress Pad – Supportive and comfy.
Pillowcase – Easy to wash.
Pillows- Make sure they’re comfortable and durable.
Backrest – A lifesaver if you tend to study or sit in bed watching TV.
Room decoration
Photos – Of friends and family or favorite locations for good vibes.
Rug – Keep your bare feet warm and give the room some color.
Posters – Inspiring or colorful to suit your personal style.
Dry-erase board – To write down assignments and plans.
Tapestry – To cover the bare walls.
Fan – Shockingly, it gets hot in South Florida.
Mirror – To make sure you look good before you head out.
Blankets – For those chilly nights or if you want to be cozy.
Decorative pillows – To add some color or style to your space.
Stuffed animals – A totally acceptable addition to any room.
Any knick-knacks, mementos or reminders of home
Storage
Hangers – To hold all your clothing needs.
Trash can- Preferably larger (you don’t want to constantly take out trash).
Hamper – Makes transporting your clothes to the laundry room easier.
Stackable containers – To help move, store and pack away all the essentials.
Over-the-door storage – For towels, jackets and any other quick grabs.
Under-bed storage – Maximize space and organize for easy access.
Shoe organizer- To keep your shoes off the ground and in sight.
Personal
Driver’s license
Social Security card
Passport
SharkCard- You will use this everyday so carry it with your keys, wallet or on the back of your phone.
Bank cards
Keys – For car, house etc. Keys to the dorms will be provided upon arrival.
Interview outfits – You never know when you will have an interview, fancy event or any other requirement for business casual or business professional attire.
Just in case
Insurance cards/medical information
That old inhaler or knee brace – Trust us, that old injury may resurface or asthma attack may come unexpectedly. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Towels
Hand towels or washcloths
Soap/body wash
Razor
Toothbrush
Shampoo/conditioner
Hairdryer
Shower curtain
Shower shoes – We share showers with roommates, which we clean ourselves(if it’s regularly cleaned it should be fine).
Medication
First Aid Kit
Poo-Pourri /air freshener – Keep your room and bathroom smelling fresh.
Cleaning gloves
Loofah
Shower rug – To dry off your feet.
Cosmetics
Cleaning
Lysol wipes
Mini vacuum
Broom/dustpan
Steamer or iron or wrinkle-release spray – To keep clothes looking great.
Trashbags
Laundry
Sewing kit
Tide-to-Go/on-the-go stain remover- Hey, accidents happen.
Laundry bag- In case you need to separate loads.
Laundry detergent
Fabric softener
Dryer sheets
Kitchen
(If you’re planning on having roommates, consider discussing with them who brings what to assure space and so there aren’t duplicates of everything.)
Small microwave
Small refrigerator or freezer
Small toaster oven
Drinkware
Reusable water bottle or coffee cup – This is a college staple and helpful for refills on campus.
Plates
Utensils
Ziplocs
Coffeemaker
Can or bottle opener
Dish towel
Electronics
Computer – If you cannot afford one, many places on campus offer computer-use, like the library or Desantis.
Camera
Cell phone + charger – Feel free to download Groupme now.
Headphones
Speakers
Extension cord- You will thank me later.
USB stick
Miscellaneous
Flashlight
Command strips – To hang everything with no damage.
Umbrella – You will get caught in the rain otherwise.
Board games
Bug spray – Hot summer environment = bugs.
Mini safe – To keep your money and personals safe.
Luggage – To go home on breaks or go on a weekend trip.
Commuters
Just because you live off-campus doesn’t mean you don’t need some extra essentials for your day to day. Think about storing these items in your car, a friend’s dorm or maybe your backpack to make your commute a little less of a hassle.
Emergency bag
Change of clothes – For the gym or a “fashion emergency,” like wearing shorts on lab day or spilling coffee on yourself.
Medical supplies – Medications, mini-first aid kit, and other personal health items.
Blanket or entertainment – For impromptu naps or breaks between classes.
Food – Lunch, dinner or money for food for those long days during midterms and finals week.
School supplies – An extra supply of pens, notebooks for when you need it most.
Reusable water bottle or coffee cup – For the endless refills you may need.
(Extra tip: pack things the night before – This can really help you be prepared and stress less during the day.)
Food- these items don’t need to be packed but can be picked up once you move in.
Popcorn – For movie nights.
Ramen – It’s a stereotype for a reason.
Snacks – Both healthy and junk foods.
Drinks
Caffeine fix (coffee or tea) – For whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Condiments
Granola bars – To get you through the long days.
Mac and cheese – Same level as Ramen.
Ice cream – For a little spark of joy at all times of the day or night
