The Ultimate College Shopping List Printable

Back to school shopping is in full swing, and if you or a loved one are preparing to go off to college, the earlier you start gathering all of the stuff you need the better. In high school you needed quite a few school supplies from composition notebooks to graphing calculators to book covers, but college takes things to the next level. You don’t just need school supplies but toiletries, furniture, and much more. To ensure you don’t forget anything, I’ve put together this ultimate college shopping list printable.

Review the ultimate college shopping list here for tips and tricks and then print out the ultimate college shopping list so you can cross things off you’ve already purchased or make your own notes.

Download The Ultimate College Shopping List now!

College Shopping List: Dorm Room

Depending on whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior at college, you may or may not be living in a dorm. Many colleges require freshmen to live on campus unless their family lives within a certain radius of the school. Regardless of the reason, if you’ll be living in a dorm, here are some supplies you’ll want to bring with you.

Ultimate College Shopping List Tip: There are products you can purchase that raise your bed up a bit to make storing things underneath easier. As long as your college allows this, take advantage of these products to maximize living space and keep your dorm feeling clutter-free.

Drawer liners
Mini fan
Bedside caddy/clip on bed shelf
Rug
Futon/comfy chair
Storage bins or storage ottomans
Over the door mirror
Picture frames, canvases, posters, and other wall decor
Floor lamp
Light bulbs
Command strips
Command hooks
Tension rod and curtains
Dry erase board and markers (for your door so your friends can leave you notes!)
Trash/recycling bin and bags
Under-bed storage
Alarm clock
Fold-up chairs
Jewelry case

College Shopping List: Bedding

Your college shopping list wouldn’t be complete without bedding. Most dorm rooms are pretty bland (browns, beiges, grays, and whites tend to be the dominant colors); bedding is a great way to add a pop of color and a touch of your own personality to the space.

Ultimate College Shopping List Tip: Unfortunately, if you’re living in the dorms, most of the bedding you have at home will be unusable as dorms tend to have XL Twin size beds. Check with your college before making any bedding purchases.

Comforter
XL Long Twin Sheets (or Full/Standard size)
2 pair of sheets, one cotton and the other jersey or flannel (hot/cold weather)
2 pillows
Pillow cases
Quilt/comforter
Sleeping pillow
Body pillow (Put this up against the cinderblock wall that your bed will inevitably be pushed against to make things more comfortable.)
Decorative pillows
Pillow protector
Mattress protector
Comfy blanket
Mattress pad

College Shopping List: Desk

If you’re living in a dorm, your room will most likely come with a desk; however, if you’re living off campus, you’ll want to add a desk to your college shopping list. Even if you use a laptop, a desk will be imperative as it gives you a place where you can get all your work done and really focus. Sitting on your bed or a couch with a lapboard just isn’t the same.

Ultimate College Shopping List Tip: When shopping for desk supplies, consider form and functionality. Sure, you want something that looks pretty but you also need items you can actually use with ease. Don’t get complicated organizers that don’t hold the supplies you’ll have on hand!

Mouse/mouse pad
Pencil cups
Calendar
Desk lamp
Bulletin board
Push pins
Desk organizers
Comfortable desk chair