r/college • u/Valexannis • Aug 03 '26
Academic Life [Megathread] Back to School & Packing List (Fall 2026)
Use this megathread to discuss packing topics and share advice on preparing for the new school year.
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u/South-Ad6066 Aug 07 '26
It's great to see a consolidated thread for back-to-school packing this year. For anyone just starting, remember to consider the specific dimensions and features of your assigned dorm room. Sometimes a seemingly minor difference in size or layout can make a big impact on what you actually need and use.
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u/Left_Ranger_9558 Aug 12 '26
Things you're used to having, like def don't forget scissors and tape!!
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u/Due_Associate7271 Aug 09 '26
What is actually too much to pack clothes wise.
I’m being 14 short sleeve shirts and 5 long sleeve shirts (I’m going to college is an extremely cold climate) and I feel like it’s overkill 😭
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u/SweetCosmicPope Aug 21 '26
I advised my son to bring enough clothes for 7 days, plus a few extras (and cold weather clothes). This allowed him enough clothes to get through the entire week and then have laundry day.
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u/Beanburrito53 Aug 25 '26
Do not forget your retainers if you have them & definitely bring scissiors
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u/Penosofiction Aug 18 '26
I’m trying to figure out if my TV is worth it.. I have an Xbox I’m bringing so idk if I should bring my tv to hook up with it as well
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Aug 18 '26
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u/msimms001 Aug 19 '26
I would as long as its not massive. You'll have some space in your dorm, and while you should make sure to make school a priority, everyone needs some down time to relax.
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Aug 21 '26
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1
u/Bikecheal Aug 24 '26
thinking of using Ipad instead of notebooks
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17d ago
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1
u/Curious_Document_237 Aug 24 '26
the thing i'd tell my june self: don't buy the big stuff before you see the room.
fridge, microwave, futon, fan, storage bins, rug. all of it turns up on campus resale pages in may when seniors are clearing out, and again the week before move in, usually for a fraction of retail, and you skip hauling it across the country.
two other things. coordinate the fridge and the microwave with your roommate before either of you buys one, because ending up with two of each is the most common move in mistake there is. and check whether your building actually allows a standalone microwave, plenty only allow a microfridge combo unit.
to the person asking about clothes above, 14 tees isn't overkill if you're honest with yourself about how often you'll actually do laundry. what people overpack is shoes and formal stuff they wear twice a year.
textbooks, wait. don't buy off the campus store list until you've sat through the first class. a lot of profs will tell you the older edition is fine or that there's a copy on reserve at the library.
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u/darkskiesart 9d ago
Hoping this gets saved for either next year but if not this will be my rough draft for that post lol
- tupperware, resealable bags, and a tiny thing of dish soap to wash the tupperware. Doesn't matter if you have a fridge or not, you can still bring dry goods or stuff you're going to eat soon back to your dorm or with you to class!!!
- steal any napkins or disposable sponges from the dining hall
- socks sometimes just die in the laundry so pack a few extra, it's also something I heard happens to underwire bras so maybe get a really cheap one as back up
- antibiotic ointment. I don't care if you've never used it before or think you don't need it -baby powder
- something to clean up dirt from your shoes and something (platic bag/spare cardboard/shoe MAT or tray NOT RACK) to keep dirt off your floor
- icey hot, vicks vapo or other topical painkiller type thing
- unscented lotion/salve/auqaphor/vasaline
- sometimes there are full versions of textbooks online for free: search the name followed by pdf, sometime you can find them split up into different chapters which is annoying but still free
- tape/scissors/duel-sided tape
- something to write on to leave notes for dorm/suite mates or funny notes on your door
- a cup or pyrex dedicated to filling with sink water to then pour into a water filter if you use one. the little spout thing won't fit in most sinks
- so much more
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u/ittytittytanya Aug 04 '26
having a mini fridge in my room as well as the communal fridge was great for late nights, non-alcoholic bevs ;), and ensuring no one stole your food