College Apartment Checklist: The Only List You’ll Ever Need

You might require a college apartment checklist if you’re moving out of your college dorms and into your first apartment. But, of course, you might not be sure what things you need for an apartment, what to bring, and what you can leave behind.

If this is your first time moving on your own, it can be overwhelming. Luckily, we've put together a college apartment checklist to make sure your new apartment has all of the essentials. Our comprehensive apartment checklist will outline everything you need to know about moving from your bedroom to your first college apartment or dorm room. Let’s dive in!

College Apartment Bedroom Essentials

Since you probably have most of your bedroom items on hand already, it’s a good place to begin your apartment essentials list. This college apartment must-haves list has you covered, whether you want to give your room a total makeover or use your old sheet set from freshman year.

Bedroom Furniture

As you transition from a dorm to an off-campus apartment, you may enjoy the newfound space. However, the cost of furnishing your space may be a bit steep, especially considering that your dorm likely came equipped with a bed and desk. To stay within budget, include affordable furniture options on your first college apartment checklist, such as those available at popular retailers like Target and IKEA.

• Comfortable chair
• Desk
• Dresser
• Nightstand
• Box spring
• Bed frame

Remember, most of this stuff will be temporary. So there's no need to break the bank on luxury furniture for your apartment shopping list.

Sleeping Essentials

Saying goodbye to that twin-size bed resting upon a slab of wood will feel so good. Although we recommend investing in cheaper furniture for your college necessities list, you shouldn't skimp on a mattress. You'll likely be sleeping in it for the next three years at the minimum.

• Mattress
• Mattress pad/mattress topper
• Sheets
• Pillows and pillowcases
• Comforter
• Duvet cover
• Blankets

The mattress isn’t only one part of a good night's sleep. Don't forget the rest of your bedding for your college apartment essentials.

Lighting

Another part of your college apartment decor you do not want to overlook is your lighting. Lighting is one of the few non-negotiable college dorm necessities, perfect for getting in some late-night reading or studying or helping you brighten up your room. Consider adding a floor lamp or desk lamp to your apartment must-haves list

Window Treatments

As a college student, sleep is critical. To capitalize on your sleeping hours, add curtains or blinds for your room to your ultimate college packing list.

College Bedroom Decor Essentials

Coming up with unique college apartment ideas for decor is the fun part! Here are a few cool things for an apartment you should consider adding to your college apartment packing list:

• Tapestries
• Photos
• Pillows
• Posters
• Area rugs

Consider some of these items must haves for apartment decor.

Miscellaneous College Bedroom Essentials

You've got the basics. Now, here are some college apartment bedroom ideas to buy to make the room fully functional.

• Fan - If your apartment doesn't have A/C or it doesn't reach your room, a bedroom fan is crucial.
• Space heater - Similarly, if your apartment’s heat isn’t the strongest, a space heater could save you during cold winter nights.
• Additional storage boxes/containers
• Trash bin
• Hangers
• Shoe rack - Buy a hangable one if you need extra space.
• Mirror
• Alarm clock - If you don't trust your phone.
• Dry erase board
• Additional lighting
• Bed bug mattress cover

Although these items may not seem like apartment necessities, they are simple items that can really help make your space feel like home.

College Apartment Kitchen Essentials

If you are coming from a dorm room that has nothing more than a microwave and a toaster, you might not realize just how many things you need to stock a sufficient kitchen. While you can get some of these items for cheap, there are certain things you won’t want to skimp on.

Dishware

Buy at least four of each (service for four) when getting these dishware items together for your new apartment.

• Water glasses
• Mugs
• Soup/cereal bowls
• Plates

As you see fit, you can consider adding things like serving platters and wine glasses as well.

Kitchen Utensils

Stick to the basics, including your silverware and knives. Don’t stress about having all the latest kitchen gadgets.

• Vegetable peeler
• Bottle opener
• Can opener
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Cutting knives
• Silverware

Cheap coffee machines might still make a great cup of joe, but a dull chef's knife from the dollar store has a better chance of cutting you than your food.

Cookware

If you don’t plan on cooking a lot, you can get by with just grabbing a few essentials.

• Large baking dish
• Rimmed baking sheet
• 10-inch frying pan
• 2-quart saucepan
• Large stock pot

Try to snag some old pots and pans from your parents if possible, as it’ll help you save a few extra bucks.

Kitchen Appliances

There are a few key appliances you’re likely to use frequently, so make sure to focus on those before buying a ton of fancy gadgets.

• Toaster oven
• Toaster
• Coffee pot
• Tea kettle
• Microwave

If you’re worried about taking up too much counter space in the kitchen, explore the many portable options available

Pantry Essentials

To check off your college apartment checklist, you’ll want a few pantry must-haves. Start with what you know you’ll use often and worry about adding more later on.

• Oil
• Condiments
• Spices
• Pepper
• Salt

You don’t have to have a wide array of cooking spices, oils, and condiments if you don’t cook frequently.

Kitchen Furniture

You’ll probably want to keep your kitchen pretty simple in your college apartment. Here’s a small list of what to look for first.

• Bar stools
• Chairs
• Kitchen table

If you have a counter you can eat at, you might even be able to get by with some bar stools and forgo the table altogether!

Kitchen Cleaning Supplies

You’ll be responsible for cleaning up after cooking, so make sure you have some cleaning essentials on hand.

• Recycling bin
• Trash bin
• Trash bags
• Hand soap
• Dish soap
• Sponges
• Paper towels
• Multi-purpose cleaner

Note whether or not you need specific cleaning products based on your kitchen, like stainless steel cleaner or ceramic cook top cleaner.

College Apartment Bathroom Essentials

Leave behind your shower shoes, shower caddy, and bad memories! The bathroom in your apartment will be a huge step up in terms of quality and cleanliness.

Toiletries

Buy these things first. No functional bathroom is complete without these essentials.

• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash
• Face wash

Bathrooms require lots of small purchases, which is where your college apartment checklist can truly come in handy.

Toilet and Tissue Paper

Find out if your apartment comes equipped with a toilet paper holder. If not, you’ll need to purchase a standalone one or one to mount yourself.

• Toilet paper
• Toilet brush
• Tissue paper

Make sure you also have tissue paper readily available in your bathroom..

Towels and Bathmats

Before moving in, check out the bathroom and take note of what is or isn't included. In particular, check for towel bars and adequate storage above or under the sink.

• Bath towels
• Hand towels
• Towel hooks/towel bars - if your apartment doesn’t have them already
• Bath mat

Consider what hardware is available in your bathroom and what you might need to purchase to accommodate your needs.

Shower Curtain and Accessories

There are endless options when it comes to shower curtains and accessories. Although it may not seem like the most exciting purchase in the world, a good shower curtain can end up making a bold, personalized statement.

• Shower curtain liner
• Shower curtain hooks
• Shower curtain

Adding a personal touch in the bathroom can help spruce up your living space.

College Living Room Essentials

For the most part, you will likely have many of these items that you can bring along from your dorm room. If you live in a city with a lot of other students, check out Craigslist for large pieces like couches and coffee tables. Students are constantly moving in and moving out, so you will often see this type of stuff pop up for a cheap price or potentially for free.

Living Room Furniture

Start with purchasing some entry-level furniture to make your living room come together. If you are looking for places to score affordable furniture, we've compiled a list of some of our favorites.

• Chairs/seating
• TV stand/entertainment center
• End tables
• Coffee table

Students are constantly moving in and moving out, so you will often see this type of stuff pop up for cheap, if not for free.

Living Room Decor

Now, make your apartment come to life! The level to which you decorate your new apartment is going to depend on your personality. Of course, some couch pillows and blankets are going to make it feel a whole lot cozier.

• Couch pillows
• Throw blanket
• Area rug
• Floor lamp
• Wall art

Do your best to thrift as much as you can when it comes to living room decor to help save on costs.

Lighting

You will probably want some extra lighting in your living room. Adding extra lighting can help make a space feel warmer.

• End table lamps
• Floor lamps
• Fairy lights

Depending on your style, you can use different color lighting to create the ambiance you are looking for.

Miscellaneous College Apartment Essentials

While we’ve covered the basics, there are still a few items that don’t quite fit into the categories listed above. Here are some miscellaneous college apartment essentials.

• First aid kit
• Paper
• Tape
• Scissors
• Pens
• Batteries
• Extension cords
• Surge protectors
• Basic toolkit
• Small broom and dustpan
• Vacuum

Remember, you don’t have the latest technologies when it comes to furnishing your first apartment. Stick to the basics and upgrade along the way as you see fit.

Make Your Move: Start Apartment Hunting

So there you have it, the complete college apartment checklist with all of the apartment essentials. Hopefully, this helps make your transition from dorm to college apartment a smooth and successful one.

Seeking out your first college apartment? Apartment List is here to help. Just take our quiz to start apartment hunting and view the thousands of personalized options we have to offer.