Ultimate First College Apartment Packing Guide- Everything You Will Need

Free Printable Checklist Included.

Moving into your child into their first college apartment is an exciting time. No longer in the dorms or staying at your house. Finally, a place to call their own!

As exciting as it can be to move them into their first college apartment- it can also be overwhelming- trying to decide what they need versus what they want. As well as trying to trying to figure roommate contributions- it can be a bit stressful.

Let me take some of the stress away with the Ultimate First College Apartment Essentials Guide and printable checklist- so you can get back to being excited about the things that matter- like your students bedroom décor! 😉

What Does a College Student Need for their First Apartment?

The short answer: everything.

I’ve moved my daughter four times- and it feels like each time we’ve learned something new which has helped to make the next move easier. With each move -and new assortment of roommates-comes new home goods and furniture that is required or acquired.

This first college essentials guide is divided up by rooms and has a table of contents so that you can skip to find what furniture, utensils, cleaning supplies, and other necessities they will need for moving into their new apartment.

Be sure to print out the free First College Apartment Checklist so you can be sure your young adult- and their roommates- have everything they need when they move in.

Bedroom Essentials For A College Apartment

1. Bedframe 2. Mattress 3. Pillows 4. Mattress Pad or Liner 5. Sheet Set 6. Comforter 7. Fan 8. Blackout Curtains 9. Desk 10. Desk Chair 11. Dresser 12. Over the Door Mirror 13. Side Table 14. Floor Lamp 15. Hanging Shoe Organizer.

Bedroom Essentials

I’m going to start with the bedroom first- because this always seems to be the most important space to my daughter.

When there are roommates- no matter how awesome they are- it’s nice to have a comfortable bedroom to retreat, recharge and also study in.

The sooner you have all of your essentials the less stressful it will be when classes start up.

Bed and Bedding Essentials

In our experience we have found college apartment bedrooms to be notoriously short on storage space. About half the time the bedrooms are short on space. And one hundred percent of the time we have found the bedrooms to only have flimsy, cheap, mini blinds to block the light.

I’ve drawn from these experiences to hopefully help you better prepare for your kids first apartment bedroom.

These are all the essential bedding and bedding accessories your child will need to help ensure a good night’s sleep.

1. Bed Frame

If possible- do yourself a favor and measure the bedroom before you move in. In our experience most first apartments can only accommodate a twin or full bed frame and mattress. We learned this the hard way on move number three, ugh.

While a bedframe can get the job done- of getting the mattress off the floor- it can be a little on the plain side. If the bedroom accommodates it- throwing a headboard on can really make the room feel- and look- a lot more homie.

2. Mattress or Mattress Topper

If you already have a mattress- or you bought one the doesn’t feel as comfortable as your student had hoped- a mattress topper can be a great addition for added comfort.

3. Mattress Protectors

Mattress protectors are often overlooked in the apartment essentials department- but let me assure you, they are invaluable!

A mattress are expensive! An inexpensive way to keep it free of allergens, bedbugs, sweat, and bodily fluids is a good washable mattress protector.

People get sick- and let me assure you- vomit is a pain in the a$$ to get out of a mattress, not to mention urine. A washable mattress protector will save your student- and you- headaches and clean up time.

4. Bed Linens and Bedding Necessities

One of my daughters favorite places to purchase her bed linen sets and comforters is Target.

For her first apartment we bought one of their “bed in a bag” sets. Those are nice because they come with both flat and fitted sheets, pillow cases, and comforter all in a bag. There are usually a lot of styles to choose from and the price is good too.

However, as she’s gotten more comfortable -and started to feel out her sense of style- she has started purchasing comforters and sheet sets separately. This has allowed her to really customize her bed for a look that is totally her own.

The olive sheet and pillowcase set above is the exact set my daughter has. They are silky soft and she loves them.

Pillows are really such an individual preference kind of item. We have bought cheap pillows from Target– that were great for getting started- but we soon upgraded her to the down alternative ones above. Where as my son loves the cheap ones, lol.

5. Bedroom Window Essentials

The first lesson we learned -when we moved my daughter into her first apartment- is that rental blinds do not block a lot of light. Thank goodness her roomate had an extra pair of blackout curtains that she wasn’t using.

Blackout curtains have become a bedroom essential at all four of her apartments.

Another great thing about blackout curtains- is that they not only block out light but- they come in a variety of colors and patterns.

6. Curtain Rods Drill and No Drill

Depending on the rules of your apartment complex you may be allowed to drill in order to hang your curtains with a regular curtain rod. If no drilling is the rule- a tension rod is a great supplement. And if a tension rod won’t do the trick- Command makes a no drill product that can help.

Bedroom Essentials Recommended Extras:

Over the years we’ve found these small list of bedroom essential extras to be- well essential.

Some of these essentials might not be necessary if you live in a warmer climate- the electric blanket for instance. We live in the midwest where it can get quite chilly and the college apartments can be drafty- so an electric blanket and flannel sheets are staples for my daughter and her friends.

• Extra Blanket– for if it’s drafty
• Electric blanket– for if it’s cold & drafty
• Second set of sheets– flannel for colder climates. Warmer climates, cooling sheets.
• Throw Pillows– makes the place look cozy!

Bedroom Furniture Essentials

Bedroom furniture is the more utilitarian side of putting the college bedroom together- but it can still be fun and stylish.

One of our favorite places to purchase desks, chairs, side tables and dressers is IKEA. I know not everyone may live close to an IKEA- so I’ve found some good substitutes.

However, I will link to our favorite IKEA college bedroom furniture must haves- so if you live near an IKEA- so you can check them out.

1. Desk and Chair

Having a comfortable and functional study space will help your child start the upcoming semester on the right foot.

The white Target desk is very similar to my daughter- and son’s – IKEA desks. It also has a good price point too.

We own two of the above desk chairs. My son and my husband find them to be very comfortable and a good height for sliding under the desk.

2. Dresser

It seems that every college apartment bedroom my daughter has had has been unable to accommodate anything but a tall dresser. That meant that we had to buy a new dresser for her first college apartment.

She chose the white 5 drawer IKEA KOPPANG dresser above. She liked the style and it held everything she needed- perfect!

3. Side Table

With the size of most of my daughter’s apartment bedrooms- we felt the need to maximize the function of every piece of furniture.

For her a two tier bookshelf above doubled nicely as a nightstand for holding her phone charger, glass of water, and a few other miscellaneous things as well as holding books.

4. Desk Lamp

Desk lamps are a true college apartment necessity. The lighting in most apartments isn’t the best. A desk lamp will help to brighten their study area for those late night paper writing sessions.

5. Extra Bedroom Lighting

Quickly found out some apartments come with bedroom lighting- some apartments do not. And, to be honest, even the ones with bedroom lighting- the lighting has not been the best.

A nice, bright floor lamp can make the bedroom more function- and less dreary- when the sun goes down.

6. Over the Door Hanging Mirror

The over the door hanging mirror is invaluable on so many levels!

From a stylish prospective it opens the bedroom up more and reflects more light. But the reason my daughter needed one was it allowed her to easily do her hair and makeup in her room- instead of taking up precious bathroom space.

We bought one for her first apartment and it traveled with her to all the others.

7. Fan

Having observed my daughters friends and my friends college kids- fans are a staple.

Most of the kids use them for white noise and keeping cool- but my daughter uses her to dry her delicates and sweaters on her drying rack and it has helped to dry the floor after more than ones spill.

We bought our daughter the taller fan- and it works great!

Closet Organization Essentials

What we’ve learned over the years is that by using different organizational products and techniques we could really maximize the space of even a small bedroom-leaving it feeling more spacious than we thought possible.

1. Over the Door Shoe Rack / Hanging Shoe Shelf

If the closet door is already taken up by other hanging things- like a mirror- a hanging shoe shelf saves space by hanging in the closet. Because my daughter owns a lot of shoes- she owns both and both work well!

2. Hangers-lots

These often come in packs- velvet and plastic seem to be the most popular hanger choice- And my kids never seem to have enough of them.

3. Clothes Hamper

It’s nice to have something that can double as your laundry basket and hamper.

4. Under Bed & Closet Storage Containers

For most first apartments finding places to store seasonal clothes, bed linens, blankets, towels, and shoes means getting creative.

Short, long containers are great for storing things under the bed. They slide under very easily.

Bathroom Essentials

My daughter’s second apartment was great because the shower had doors- no need for a shower curtain or any of that stuff.

Her other three apartments have required shower curtains. And to be honest, no one roommate paid for all of the things. One kid bought a liner, another bought the curtain, for one apartment someone already had a shower curtain rod- it worked out very well.

1. Shower Curtain and Accessories

I would say my daughter and I have bought most of her shower curtains and accessories at Target or Home Goods- like the shower curtain, rod, and liner below.

We both like those stores because they have great products and their location is convenient- making exchanges super easy.

Don’t Forget:

Shower Curtain Rings– inexpensive, clear, circular kind work great.

2. Shower Accessory Necessities

Having a bath mat and bath linens are important on day one. I really like the above bath towels, hand towels, washcloth bundle- it’s a great way to get them started and a great value.

The shower organizer is an awesome perk and super convenient- but you student doesn’t necessarily need it right away.

3. Bathroom Essentials to Remember

These four essentials are often overlooked- but they are oh so important.

The most important essential on this list- in my opinion and experience- is the plunger. Definitely make sure your young adult has a plunger on day one- and I will leave it at that.

• Toothbrush holder
• Trash can
• Plunger
• Toilet bowl brush

Recommended Bathroom Extras:

• Under the Sink Organizer
• Over the Door Towel Hanger

Kitchen Essentials

Our kids first place is an exciting step into freedom and adulthood. Something about supplying their first kitchen just feel VERY adult- and involved.

Please don’t let this list of kitchen essentials intimidate you. In our experience, the roommates will arrive with different pieces to help complete all of the kitchen necessities.

My hope is that this complete kitchen essentials list will help everyone to organize their kitchen wares so that nothing will be redundant and the kitchen will be ready for cooking pizza rolls and baking cupcakes during move in week.

1. Plates & Bowls

My daughter opted for high quality plastic bowls and plates. They are inexpensive and hold up well. No need to worry about breaking a dish.

2. Mugs & Drinking Glasses

A good travel mug for carrying a hot beverage from the house to class is a mainstay of most college students that I know.

We can save money on mugs and drinking glasses by checking thrift stores or pawn some of our old mugs off on our college students.

Like the plates- money can be saved by purchasing good quality plastic or acrylic drinking “glasses”. They are nearly impossible to break and great for the budget.

3. Eating Utensils & Holder

We have found that some apartments have enough kitchen space to have a silverware drawer with an organizer- some do not.

For instance, our daughters last apartment did not have much drawer space. So we opted for countertop flatware containers. It worked out very well.

4.Knife Set & Cutting board

The great thing about a set of knives is they should last for several apartments- if not more.

Non-wood, dishwasher safe cutting boards are a great for students. They have a great price point, durability, and- most importantly- they are low maintenance.

5. Food Storage Containers

My daughter opted for food storage containers that would keep leftovers in the fridge or fit well into her lunch bag.

She was very happy with this purchase.

6. Kitchen Towels & Dish Cloths

A bundle of kitchen towels and a few wash cloths- or sponges- can be a nice, simple way to get started with kitchen linens.

My daughter and her roommates added on to their kitchen towel collection whenever they saw cute or catchy ones at Target.

7. Trash Can

When it comes to trash cans- the only thing I can not recommend enough- is purchasing one with a lid.

Now for my daughter’s first apartment– aesthetic of the apartment was very important to the girls- so they opted for a brushed stainless steel trash can. But if the budget doesn’t allow for stainless steel- or they students do not have a strong opinion- plastic trash cans work great!

Recommended Kitchen Extras:

• Paper Towel Holder
• Ice Trays
• Bottle Opener
• Liquid Dish Soap

Cooking Essentials

When we were buying our daughter’s cooking essentials- we factored in that she loves baking and she loves cooking. Her roommates in her second apartment- were all like her- so they also brought a lot of items that help with baking- but not as many pots and pans. We learned a lot about communication that week….

1. Pots and Pans

A nice, basic starter set of pots and pans is perfect for the their first apartment kitchen.

2.Cooking Utensils

Basic set of cooking utensils is perfect for getting started. These aren’t too fancy but it is everything our kids need to start cooking right away.

3. Mixing Bowls, Measuring Cups & Measuring Spoons

From salads to meals to baking- mixing bowls, measuring cups, and measuring spoons have been essential to my daughter’s apartments kitchens.

4. Cookie Sheets/ Sheet Pan / Jelly Roll Pan

From cookies to pizza rolls- sheet pans have been the workhorse of my daughter- and her friends- apartment lives.

We tend to purchase what are technically jelly roll pans sheet pans– because I like them for their versatility. My daughter has used hers to cook chicken and veggies, cookies, tater tots, and pizza rolls- to name a few.

5. Oven Mitts/ Pot Holders

This little starter set gets the job done!

6. Colander aka Strainer

One strainer or colander should be prefect for cleaning fruits, veggies, and straining noodles.

Essential Kitchen Appliances

This might seem like a long list- “6 kitchen appliances are essential?” From what I have observed-during my daughters four apartments and 10 roommates- is that these six kitchen appliances seem to be the most used by busy young people.

1. Microwave

Some apartments come with these- which saves a nice chunk of change.

In my daughter’s last apartment situation the apartment didn’t come with a microwave.

She and her roomate at the time didn’t own a microwave either. They pooled their money and bought the Below Microwave at Target.

They got a great deal and it works well.

2.Smoothie mixer

Smoothies are big with my daughter’s friends. They make quick “healthy” breakfast and snacks- and they tend to eat them on the go. This Magic Bullet individual smoothie maker is awesome- she owns one and we own one.

They make an individual smoothie quickly. They clean easily. And they are little- so they are so easy to store.

3. Toaster

Small toasters seem to be good enough to get the job done and not take up a lot of precious kitchen counter space. My daughter’s requirement- slots big enough to hold bagels.

4. Keurig

The Keurig coffee makers are so popular that in most of my daughter’s roommate situations they have ended up with two in the apartment!

5.Brita

I have to say I don’t think I know a college student who doesn’t own a Brita. I think -by far- this is probably the most popular kitchen accessory.

Honestly- in one apartment- the water was so iffy the cat would only drink Brita water!

6. Air Fryer

Air fryers are awesome- and they are very popular with the college age crowd too.

What my daughter likes about her air fryer is that it is versatile and she can cook something quickly without warming up the whole kitchen.

This 4qt is the perfect size. It does not take up a lot of counter space and is still able to cook a meal. It is not too bulky either.

Recommended Kitchen Extras :

• Dishwasher Detergent and/ or Liquid Dish Soap
• Dish Drying Rack- if no dishwasher
• Area rug or small kitchen rugs
• Trash Bags
• White Board for Fridge- helpful for roommate messages and chores list

1. Couch 2. Extra Seating 3. Coffee Table 4. End Table 5. TV. 6. TV Stand 7. Table and Chairs 8. Bar stools 9.Area Rug 10. Floor Lamp 11. Table Lamps

Essential Apartment Furniture

This can be one of the most fun parts of the apartment to decorate. For my daughter and her friends they tried to do themes- like farmhouse cozy for their first apartment. Her second roommate was a “plant dad” and between she and he they pieced together a kind of cottage core meets boho vibe.

Whether or not our students care about aesthetic or not- here are the very practical things they will need to furnish their main living spaces.

Bonus– Scroll to the bottom of this post for cost cutting hacks for the first college apartment.

1. Couch or Washable Couch Cover

Couches are easily one of the more expensive purchases for a first apartment. For my daughter’s first apartment one of her roommates brought a new one with her-it is actually the one linked below. It was a great all around couch- and all of the roommates treated it well.

If a new couch isn’t in the budget a good quality couch cover over a used couch is a great option. Throw a few cute throw pillows and a decorative blanket- and voila, cute couch!

2. Extra Seating

Extra seating along with a couch can help make the living room area more welcoming.

3. Coffee Table and End Tables

Coffee and end tables do get a lot of use in the first apartments- from pizza nights to study nights- they are very useful.

4. TV, TV Stand or Mounting Hardware

If your student’s apartment doesn’t come with a tv- my daughter actually had an apartment that did- I do recommend this Vizio that we bought for her. Her last two couple of apartments did not come with televisions.

Target often has well priced televisions and good sales. Also look at Costco– if you have a membership there. We’ve been very happy with our television purchases from both places.

5. Table & Chairs

Most of the apartments my daughter has lived in have had room for at least a small dining room table and chairs. She and her roommates made a lot of memories at those dining room tables.

6. Bar Stools

Perfect for adding additional dinner seating if you apartment has a kitchen counter ledge.

7. Area Rug

Area rugs can be practical as well as bring a bit of unique style to our kids first apartment.

In our daughter’s first apartment the area rugs helped to cover the wood floors. They brought a little more life to the place and helped their feet not to get as cold in the winter. For her last two places the area rug was placed over the regular carpet- for decoration.

8. Floor Lamp and Table Lamps

In most of the apartments we have toured-or our daughter has been in- lighting has been in short supply.

If she was lucky enough to have in the ceiling lights they often didn’t give off a lot of light. For every apartment we have had to budget for some extra type of lighting like floor and table lamps.

9. Extra Pantry Shelf

May student apartments or first apartments are short on cabinet space and storage space.

Extra pantry space can be created from extra bookshelf or any other furniture that has shelves on it.

For each of my daughter’s apartments the extra pantry space as been kind of makeshift -with baskets being used to help organize it a bit and make it look like less of an eye sore.

Important Extras:

• Roku
• Throw pillows
• Throw Blanket
• Command Strips to hang pictures without drilling

Laundry Essentials

We have found that many apartments come with a washer and dryer on the premises- if not in the apartment itself.

Regardless of where your laundry is located this list will help make sure your kids have everything they need do their laundry.

1. Favorite Detergent and Fabric Sheets

May I offer a suggestion- If you child is very active, likes to workout, or just lives in a hot climate- I cannot recommend enough Tide with Febreeze and dryer sheets with an odor fighter in them. Snuggle and Gain each make a fabric sheet with an odor fighter. They cut through the stinkiest smells- and I have a cross country runner and a soccer player.

3. Stain Removing Pen- Tide

My daughter carries one in her purse- perfect for keeping a stain from setting in.

4. Laundry Hamper and Basket

We bought both of these for my daughter way back in 2019- they have held up great!

The hamper holds a lot of clothes and the portable cloth basket holds a lot and it perfect for fitting in the backseat of her two door car- while also carrying her detergent and fabric sheets in it!

5. Drying Rack

Drying racks are not only great for drying lingerie, sweaters, but wet socks and clothes after running to class in the rain- or a snow fight.

6. Iron and Ironing Board

A decently priced ironing board will hopefully stay with your student long past their college days and into their first adult job.

Table top ironing boards are a space saver and a good alternative to a full size ironing board.

Extra:

• Steamer

Apartment Cleaning Essentials

In my opinion- cleaning supplies are one of the most essential purchases for your new apartment. Once upon a time I was a cleaning lady- I take cleaning products very seriously.

The cleaning products that I am recommending come from experience as a profession- mixed with the idea that they have to be convenient, easy, yet effective for our kiddo to use them in their space.

1. Vacuum Cleaner

My daughter has this exact stick Shark Vacuum cleaner. It is great for a place that has a nice mix of non-carpeted surfaces and carpeted. It also has a bag of attachments that come with it.

If your student has an apartment with a lot of carpet and rugs and some non-carpeted surfaces- the Shark upright vacuum is a great choice. I have owned it for over 5 years and it vacuums great!

2. Swiffer Mop- Cleaning Pads and Swiffer Dusters

The Swiffer line of products makes it soooooo easy to clean.

The mop is efficient and the dusters come scented and they pick up the dirt well too!

3. Multipurpose cleaner

Great for cleaning bathroom, kitchen or any other place around the apartment.

4. Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Glass/Mirror Cleaner, and Shower Cleaner

Having been a cleaning person- I am VERY particular about bathroom cleaning supplies. I will only recommend things that will get the job done and streak free.

I recommend toilet bowl cleaner without bleach– I’ve ruined too many things with its subtle splashes.

Also, while I think Scrubbing Bubbles shower cleaner is awesome- it can be fragrant.

If your kiddo is sensitive to fragrance– I highly recommend BonAmi. It’s an environmentally friendly powder product that cuts through soap scum VERY effectively. It’s also great on kitchen and bathroom sinks.

5. Paper Towels or Cleaning Rags

Paper towels can be good for cleaning surfaces and ok for mirrors and glass. However they won’t hold up well to scrubbing a tub.

For tubs and other surfaces using a microfiber cloth or rag will work effectively.

Money Saving Cleaning Tip:

If you have any old towels, washcloth, or bed sheets they make great reusable cleaning rags.

• Old Towels & Washcloths: Cut into smaller, usable pieces. Old wash clothes are already a good size.
• Old sheets – smooth kind- they make great rags for cleaning glass or mirrors.

6. Cleaning Gloves and Bucket / Cleaning caddy

Tall cleaning gloves that go above the wrist are great for cleaning.

I also recommend keeping all of your supplies in a bucket or cleaning caddy. It helps keep it all organized and allows you to take the supplies easily from room to room.

7.Broom & Dust Pan

8. Trash bags

If your student can swing it- heavy duty kitchen trash bags and that also have an odor eliminator in them are great to have.

Recommended Extras:

• Lysol Wipes- for cold and flu season, stomach bug, ect.
• Disinfectant Spray
• Dish Soap

Organization and Storage Essentials

From what we have found- college apartments lack storage and so you have to get creative and take advantage of every space available.

• Freestanding pantry / shelving– each apartment my daughter has been in they’ve utilized old bookshelf and other things to create extra space for storing food and snacks.
• Baskets for storage– small ones make the make shift pantry more organized, bigger ones are great for throw blankets and extra pillows.
• Under sink storage– Amazon and Target have many good options at good prices
• Underbed storage
• Command Strips and Command Hooks

Health and Wellness Apartment Essentials

Stuff happens and it’s great to have these health and wellness essentials on hand for when it does.

1. Air Purifier

Many of my daughters friends- and she- have air purifiers. I’m not sure what it is about apartments- but she started having allergies when she moved out. The Mooka Air Purifier was at such a great price we decided to give it a go and see if it would help with her allergies- and it did.

• First Aid Kit
• Thermometer
• Tylenol
• Ibuprofen
• Allergy Medicine
• Vaporizer & Fluid
• Cough Drops

Apartment Essentials You Won’t Want to Forget

This list came about through trial and error and have found them to be incredibly important.

• Wi-Fi Extender
• Small Tool Kit
• Batteries
• Flashlight
• Extension cords
• Power strip
• Battery pack for phone

How to Cut Down on the Cost of First College Apartment Essentials

These some of the best ways that we have found to save money when our daughter moved into her first college apartment. We also utilized some of these strategies as she moved into her other apartments too.

1. Thrift Stores/ Garage Sales

Great place to find dinnerware, drinkware, silverware, cutlery, additional furniture and dressers.

2. Split Cost with Roommates

My daughter and her last roommate split the cost of a microwave. We’ve know some roommates that have done that with couches too.

3. Everyone Brings Something

Easiest and cheapest way to get all the apartment essentials. It does take a little coordination- but it is totally worth it.

4. Facebook Marketplace

A great place to find just about anything you will need for an apartment or home- often at good prices too.

5. Shop Sales

Signing up for email coupons to your favorite stores or going to the sale section of your favorite stores website can provide you with some great discounts.

Some of my favorite stores to score a great deal:

• Anthropologie
• Home Goods
• Marshall’s
• Big Lots
• Walmart
• Overstock
• Wayfair
• Target

6. Family and Friends

Everytime my daughter moves, a family member or friend comes out of the woodwork asking us if she could use this or that. She’s been given a couch, nice bed linens, a good knife set, throw rugs, and so much more. It has been such a blessing!

7. Dollar Store

Great place to grab inexpensive cooking and baking supplies like measuring cups, spoons, and bowls. We’ve also found some good quantity pyrex and glass food containers there.

The Ultimate First College Apartment Essential Checklist- Printable

My four page College Apartment Essentials Printable checklist will help make sure you have everything you need for your students big move in day.

Just click on the link below and print.

I hope your kids have an awesome year in their first apartment!