If you're in the same stage of life as I am, you're likely sending a child off to university (or college) this fall. My girlfriends and I are deep in the process—calling, texting, and meeting for lunch—talking through everything our kids will need to feel prepared, supported, and well loved.
We even started a WhatsApp group to share the helpful items we find in our day-to-day research. We decided to create a shared spreadsheet to keep track of our college packing list, complete with links to recommended products—I thought it might be helpful for you too
While I love to shop local when I can, some things are just easier to find on Amazon. With Amazon Prime Day coming up next week, I wanted to share what’s on our lists so you can take advantage of the sales. A friend reminded me today that many Amazon packages can be delivered to depots near your child’s campus. If your teen is heading across the country, you can have items shipped there in advance and pick them up when you arrive. (I'm an Amazon affiliate, and even I hadn’t thought of that!) On that note, I want to give you a heads up that the links below are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.
I only recommend products we’ve personally used or researched (sometimes obsessively!) as we get our own teens ready for university. Hopefully this list helps you feel just a little more organized during what can feel like a whirlwind of a season.
What to Include On Your College Packing List
As I thought through the key categories for packing, here’s what I came up with::
- Bedding
- Storage
- Bathroom
- Cleaning/Laundry
- School Supplies
- Room Decor
- Extras
Here is the link for the google sheet I put together to share with my friends. Feel free to download and share it with your group. You can each add your own product links to ensure nothing gets forgotten. Make a copy of the template and then share with your friends or family. This would also be a great way to involve your grad so that you know what they are interested in getting.
Why We Are Shopping on Amazon Prime Days
If I know there's something I’ll be getting from Amazon, I like to wait for Prime Days when the deals are best. It’s one more thing checked off the list—and I can keep everything organized and ready to go.
I'm also thinking of getting my daughter the new Prime for Students account. It’s designed for students aged 19–24 and could be a great first step in helping her manage her own spending. I know from my older kids that they can order items to school and it would have been great to have this back then.
Top 3 Picks for Bedding
- LINENSPA Memory Foam Mattress Topper - 2 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam - Plush Feel - Cooling and Pressure Relieving - CertiPUR Certified - Dorm Room Essentials - Full Size
Okay hear me out, my older girls both had mattress toppers and I would guarantee that this was the difference between having a good night sleep and a great night sleep. The beds the kids are provided in most cases are pretty basic and this just adds a little layer of comfort. My middle daughter would often tell me how much she loved being in her bed at school because of how comfy it was. I can't be there to give her a hug when it gets hard but this might be the next best thing.
Make sure to know what size bed your child is getting so that you order the right one. Every dorm building has different ones and they range from Twin to Twin XL to sometimes even Full if the kid is super lucky. Although I suspect that is rare.
2. LINENSPA White Down Alternative Comforter and Duvet Insert - All-Season Comforter with Box Stitch and 8 Duvet Loops - Bedding for Kids, Teens, and Adults - Queen
First of all, I like the idea of a duvet insert so that your child can change the cover as their tastes change. The person they are in first year is often quite different from who they’ll be by graduation and we want this to last. This is also the reason why I go for a queen size cover. It doesn't matter that it is too big for the bed when they are a freshman but if your school is anything like where my kids went they will need their own place in second year. That's the year we needed to invest in a bed and both of mine got a full so that meant that the Queen cover was perfect. And this was one less thing I had to re-purchase.
Another tip, for those who are moving out of dorms, lots of smaller school towns have Facebook marketplace where older students are trying to unload before heading on their next adventure. Be sure to check there before buying anything in case there are some great finds.
3. A Nice Night Faux Fur Reading Pillow Bed Wedge Large Adult Children Backrest with Arms Back Support for Sitting Up in Bed/Couch for Bedrest,Ivory,Large
For all those late nights studying way past when the library has closed. Or when you just want to relax with a book that isn't related to school. This probably could have gone under room decor but since it goes on the bed, I decided to add it here.
Top 4 Picks for Storage
1. Budding Joy 90L Under Bed Storage Containers, Closet Organizers and Storage Bins, Foldable Underbed Storage Bags for Blanket, Clothing, Comforter, Sweaters, Pillows, Linen Sheets, Wrapping Paper, Grey
I like these ones because they are made of a durable but soft fabric that makes them easy to fold up when not in use. I also think these will be great to store all the bedding when they come home for the summer. My middle daughter did not have a lot of storage in her room so under-bed storage was a real lifesaver. Having said that,not all beds have room under them which is why I recommend bringing...
2. Bed Risers 4 inch Heavy Duty, 4 Pack Oversized Furniture Risers 6 inch, Black Bed Lifts Risers for Table, Sofa, Chair, Couch, Desk, Bed Frame Risers Supports Up to 6,500 Lbs
Not all beds are created equal. I will say that I lugged these across the country twice only to find my kids didn't need them but I have friends that swear by them. On the plus side since you normally come here for the quilty content, I can tell you they are very useful for converting your Costco 6 ft table to a cutting table for retreats.
3. SNSLXH 5 Pack Stackable Closet Storage Basket, Multifunctional & Foldable Closet Organizer for Bathroom Kitchen Laundry Room Wardrobe Storage, Space-Saving Clothes Storage Drawer Organizer, White
I found these stackable bins and I love how easy they are to fold away and transport. However, I think I would put items on the bottom that they use less frequently since you need to be sure to hold on to the upper bin while pulling out one from beneath. This might get annoying if you are stacking things you use frequently. I do love that they are made of plastic and I think they would be great for holding bathroom items. And it's great that they look pretty sturdy so if you don't get a wardrobe I think you could stack them in a corner near a desk.
4. Over Door Organizer with 5 Large Pockets, Heavy Duty Hanging Organizer Storage, Closet Bathroom Nursery Bedroom Dorm, Toys Cosmetics Sundries and Baby Essentials, Black
My eldest said that this was a really helpful organizer for her and that she uses it still. I had bought her one of those that attaches to the side of the bed thinking she could put her book and phone in there when she was going to sleep and she mentioned that if you didn't have a proper side on the frame of the bed it was hard to hook it on. She says she never used it. It seemed like such a smart idea to me. This feels like a conversation to have with your child since they are all different and everyone has their own preferences.
Bathroom Essentials
- Mesh Shower Caddy Portable OR Brookstone BKH1635, Large Portable Shower Caddy with Soft Silicone Carrying Handle, Bathroom Organizer Basket, Plastic Bath Tote, Dries Quickly with Drainage Holes [BPA Free], White
Depending on whether you prefer a tote that is made of a harder plastic (this one is BPA free) or whether you like one that comes with pockets, a shower caddy is a must have for the dorms since it is more than likely your child will have to walk down a hall to get to the showers.
My friend recently made the most brilliant suggestion and I will definitely be doing this too. She said we should all get those drying mats used beside sinks for dishes. That way, when kids come back from the shower, they’re not putting a wet tote directly onto the (likely carpeted) floor.
2. Over The Door Hooks - Towel Holder for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen & Pool - Sandblasted Black Metal Wall Mount
Okay, so this one isn't essential and probably belongs in room decor but it was just too cute not to include here. And they will definitely need somewhere to hang their towel and robe.
Top Picks Cleaning and Laundry
- Collapsible Laundry Baskets with 3 Compartment, 150L Tear-proof Pop Up Hamper, Foldable Laundry Basket with Tote Handles, Dirty Clothes Hamper for Laundry, Bedroom, Bathroom, Dorm Black
So this one was the clear winner hands down for me. If you have boys I'm guessing you are just hoping they do laundry. If you have girls there is nothing worse than the phone call where the red item accidentally made it in with the whites and everything is now pink. I have tried to teach my girls to wash everything in cold water when possible. This definitely prevents many mishaps but they are young and still learning. so a laundry basket that allows them to separate loads feels like a win to me.
2. BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, 8V Cordless, Hand Vacuum for Quick Cleanup with Crevice Tool and Washable Filter (HNVC220BCZ01)
While this might seem like a luxury item, I can tell you it came in handy. And it is a great item for making friends because everyone was coming to my kids to borrow it. There is likely going to be a broom on each floor of the dorm but this little tool is great for crumbs in the bed and other silly mishaps that they never imagine could happen.
3. SONGMICS Clothes Drying Rack, 59-Inch Folding Laundry Drying Rack with 3 Rotatable Arms for Hangers, 4 Legs, Stainless Steel, for 27 Pieces of Clothes, White and Silver ULLR510W01
This was another item that my girls thought was silly for me to buy but they definitely used it. It was great that it could be folded up and out of the way but even when it is open it doesn't take up a ton of space. They were quick to tell me they never used their iron or steamer but this was used often. I am grateful for their experience as I prepare number 3 to head off in the fall.
School Supplies
- Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
Clearly a luxury item. However, with students studying in many public spaces and even loud dorm rooms, my daughter says this is a must. The one headed to school has these ones on her birthday wish list. And if anyone asks what they can get her for graduation, this will likely be my suggestion. I think it is going to be the gift that is most appreciated.
2. gianotter Desk Organizers and Accessories with File Holder, 4-Tier Desk Accessories & Workspace Organizers with Drawer and 2 Pen Holder, Paper Organizer for Office Supplies (Black)
Just like at home it's great to have a place for everything. The nice thing about this one is that you can put it all together like in the image above or you can move the components around to make it your own. It also comes in a lot of different colours so it can be part of your room decor.
3. Power Strip with LED Desk Lamp, 3 Outlets 4 USB Ports(2 USBC) 4 Modes 5 Level Touch Lamp Small Desk Lamps for Home Office Bedroom Bedside, Study Reading Light, 5ft Extension Cord, Dorm Room Essentials
Having good lighting while you are studying is so important. Having a lamp that also doubles as your charger is a real bonus. I like the sleek look of this lamp and I imagine it won't take up a lot of room.
This is a good time to remind you that there are often not a lot of outlets in the dorm rooms so come prepared with a few extension cords to help you reach all the hard to reach places.
4. LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD - USB 3.0/ 2.0 Compatible, Drop Shock Dust Rain Resistant Shuttle Drive, For Mac And PC Computer (LAC9000298), orange
Much less expensive than replacing your kid's computer. We had our kids back up anything that they had on their computers from high school that they wanted to keep onto a hard drive. Then we were able to get rid of a lot of what was on there, opening up a lot of memory to be able to start the new year fresh.
Now For The Fun Stuff...Room Decor
- 17Ft 50 LED Fairy String Lights with Clear Clips - Perfect for Dorm, Bedroom, Wedding Decor
This seems to be a fad that is not going away anytime soon. The glittery lights and the clips that allow you to hang photos of the friends and family you left behind are as big today as they were a decade ago, they are still going strong.
2. DOLLAR BOSS White Cork Board for Wall - 24 X 18 Inches, Rustic Wooden Frame Bulletin Board, Decorative Hanging Pin Board for Office & Home Decor
This is the type of decor where your child can really get creative dressing it up. Or you don't have to but either way it will be useful in keeping in plain view things they want to remember. The nice thing about this particular ones is that the rustic border means that it is decorative just as it is.
3. Otoolling Metal Football Wall Art Decor, Sports Metal Wall Sign, Boys Room Decor, Modern Team Home Bedroom Kitchen Office Gifts for Sports Lovers Guys
For your sports loving kid. I love that there are so many options.
And if you aren't interested in Fairy lights there is still a decorative way to hang your photos.
4. Hanging Photo Display Room Wall Decor - Sculptural Picture Frames Collage - 5 Strings with 30 Clips - 3M Self Adhesive Hooks - No Holes Drilling - 30 x 30 inch
And Some Extras ...
- Command Variety Pack, Including 10 Pairs of Picture Hanging Strips, 6 Wire Hooks and 8 Utility Hooks for Hanging, Organization and Storage, Damage Free Hanging Up to 19 Items, 1 Kit
Most schools are very particular with how things are hung up on the walls in order to ensure that there is no damage when they move out. We found that command strips were really gentle on the walls and that they could be very strong for holding items like coats and bags. The bonus is that you can place them randomly around the room where there is space for a hook but maybe not a piece of furniture. You can really maximize your storage by using them.
2. Tool Box, Basic Repair Hand Tools Kit with Portable Storage Box for Mechanic Home Office Use
This might not be something you are thinking about but when something breaks, we will not be there to help them fix it. This is a great on move in day for those items you may not have realized needed to be put together.
3. 50 PCS Space Saving Hanger - Clothes Connector Hooks and Clothes Hangers
And of course, we can't forget hangers. I found these great connector hooks. These will be great if they end up with little to no hanging space. The hooks work with all different kinds of hangers so if you have tons of hangers at home already there is no need to replace them just to use the connectors.
4. Dreo Fan for Bedroom, Table Air Circulator for Whole Room, 11 Inch, 40ft Strong Airflow, 120° Adjustable Tilt, 28db Low Noise, Quiet, 3 Speeds, 2025 New Desk Fan for Office, Kitchen, Home
This is not the most expensive fan but claims to cool an entire room in 3 minutes. Depending on where your kids go to school, September can still be very hot and humid and most building will not have air conditioning. And even if they do have it, it may not be very effective. I had bought a fan for my eldest but the humidity was so bad where she was at school I had to go out that first evening and find her another one. There must have been a run on fans with all the students moving in that day because although we did eventually find one, but it wasn't easy. That heat doesn't last too long if you are in Canada like we are but when it's hot, it's very very hot. And then if you are anything like my kid as soon as it gets cold, she will be the first one to pull out her parka.
I tried to include all the things I wouldn’t want to forget when it comes time to pack. Of course, there will be even more to think about—as wild as that sounds—but this should help get the conversation started. And with Amazon Prime Days coming up, there’s a good chance some of these items might be on sale. Don’t forget to download the spreadsheet so you can keep track of what you’ve picked out and what’s still on your list.
I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared—and maybe a little less alone—as you send your student off this fall. It was so much fun putting this list together for you. If you’d like me to do more roundups like this, just send me a note at hello@quiltberryhilldesigns.com!