What I Bought for my College Apartment

It can be SO daunting when you are deciding what you need to get when moving into an apartment. College apartments are so exciting at the same time – it is a symbol of freedom and independence especially from the dining hall food haha. I lived in my beloved college apartment on-campus for my Junior and Senior year of college. I had so many great experiences in my college apartment, and I know you all will in yours too. That being said, I have made a massive college apartment list, in order to help y’all when shopping and packing for yours.

Please note that this master list is catered to a furnished apartment. All furniture items that are needed will probably be determined by yourself based on your own apartment needs and desires. Happy shopping and best of luck!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

The Ultimate College Apartment List

Bedroom

  1. Mattress pad and/or topper
  2. Bedding
  3. 2+ sets of sheets
  4. Pillows
  5. Pillow cases and/or covers
  6. Rug
  7. Mini fridge (if needed)
  8. TV (if desired)
  9. Dresser organizers
  10. Jewelry tray(s) and/or necklace rack
  11. Jewelry organizer(s)
  12. Perfume tray (if desired)
  13. Makeup organizer(s)
  14. Hair tools
  15. Hair brushes
  16. Hair tools/brushes organizer(s)
  17. Alarm clock
  18. Throw blankets
  19. Heated blanket/weighted blanket (if applicable)
  20. Lamp(s)
  21. Decorations

Bathroom

  1. Toothbrush holder
  2. Storage containers and/or organizers
  3. Over the shower rack
  4. Bath towels
  5. Hand towels
  6. Wash cloths
  7. Bath matts
  8. Medicine
  9. First Aid kit
  10. Bandaids
  11. Mini trash can
  12. Mini trash bags
  13. Cleaning supplies
  14. Plunger
  15. Decorations

Work Space

  1. Textbooks
  2. Book shelf
  3. Desk chair pillow and/or back relief
  4. Notebooks
  5. Chargers
  6. Computer mouse
  7. Monitor(s) (if desired)
  8. Mousepad
  9. Planner/to do list (if needed)
  10. Pencils
  11. Pens
  12. Calculator
  13. Sticky notes
  14. Index cards
  15. Stationary
  16. Erasers
  17. Pencil lead
  18. Pencil sharpener
  19. Tape
  20. Tape dispenser
  21. Stapler
  22. Staples
  23. Mini trash can
  24. Mini trash bags
  25. Desk lamp
  26. Note pad
  27. Books
  28. Checkbook
  29. Stamps
  30. Envelopes
  31. Files
  32. File holder
  33. Folders
  34. Binders
  35. Backpack
  36. Notebook paper
  37. Printer paper
  38. Printer (if applicable)
  39. Printer ink
  40. Decorations

Closet

  1. Mirror
  2. Shoe rack
  3. Hangers
  4. Storage bins
  5. Clothing Rack (if needed/desired)

Kitchen

  1. Set of utensils
  2. Plates
  3. Bowls
  4. Paper towels
  5. Paper towel holder
  6. Soap dispenser
  7. Dishwasher detergent
  8. Sponges
  9. Dish soap
  10. Hand soap
  11. Cups
  12. Wine glasses (if of-age)
  13. Can opener
  14. Wine bottle opener (if of-age)
  15. Beer bottle opener (if of-age)
  16. Scissors
  17. Kitchen knives
  18. Cutting boards
  19. Ziploc bags
  20. Aluminum foil
  21. Plastic wrap
  22. Trash can
  23. Trash bags
  24. Magnets
  25. Brita water filter
  26. Recycle bin
  27. Water bottle(s)
  28. Mugs
  29. Tumbler(s)
  30. Kitchen appliances (my favorite include – my mini Keurig, my Instant Pot, my Crockpot, my Ninja Air Fryer, my KitchenAid Hand Mixer, and my Fondue Makers)
  31. Toaster
  32. Blender/food processor
  33. Pans
  34. Pots
  35. Skillets
  36. Cooking utensils
  37. Spices
  38. Non-perishable food items
  39. Casserole dishes
  40. Dutch oven
  41. Tea towels
  42. Placemats
  43. Tablecloths
  44. Table runners
  45. Cooler/lunch bag – my favorite is the Scout Pleasure Chest!
  46. Napkins
  47. Food storage containers
  48. Ice cube tray
  49. Ice packs
  50. Microwaveable bowl with lid
  51. Measuring cups
  52. Mixing bowls
  53. Decorations

Living Area

  1. Couch cover
  2. TV
  3. Throw pillows
  4. Board and/or card games
  5. Rug
  6. DVD’s
  7. Game console (if applicable)
  8. Decorations

Laundry Room

  1. Laundry detergent
  2. Fabric softener
  3. Dryer sheets
  4. Anti-wrinkle spray
  5. Iron
  6. Ironing board
  7. Clothes Hangers (1-4)
  8. Hair remover roll(s)
  9. Vacuum
  10. Cleaning supplies
  11. Laundry basket
  12. Hamper
  13. Swiffer
  14. Swiffer wipes
  15. Broom

Miscellaneous

  1. Device chargers
  2. Air purifier and/or humidifier
  3. Fan(s)
  4. Storage bins and/or plastic storage drawers
  5. Plants (if desired)
  6. Febreeze/Glade
  7. Candles and candle lighter (if allowed and desired )
  8. Scent plug-in’s
  9. Command strips and hooks
  10. Fake plants (if desired)
  11. Craft supplies (if desired)
  12. Holiday decorations (if desired)
  13. Clorox wipes
  14. Essential oil diffuser (if applicable)
  15. Speaker(s) (if applicable)
  16. Face masks and/or face shield
  17. Multiple bottles of hand sanitizer
  18. Door wreath/welcome sign
  19. Door mat

Here’s to making memories in your own apartment very soon!

XOXO – Katie <3

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