Back To School List for College Students + FREE Printable

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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!

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.

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

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!

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

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Get more college tips below:

• Need to Save Money? Avoid These 10 Money Mistakes
• 6 Ways to Save Money In College
• List Of 10 Dorm Room Essentials & Checklist
• Making The Most Of Small Dorm Room Space
• 25 Ways for College Students to Save Money
• 100+ Small Dorm Room Decor Ideas
• Cheap Ways To Furnish A Dorm Room
• Decorating A Dorm Room On A Budget