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
- Mattress pad and/or topper
- Bedding
- 2+ sets of sheets
- Pillows
- Pillow cases and/or covers
- Rug
- Mini fridge (if needed)
- TV (if desired)
- Dresser organizers
- Jewelry tray(s) and/or necklace rack
- Jewelry organizer(s)
- Perfume tray (if desired)
- Makeup organizer(s)
- Hair tools
- Hair brushes
- Hair tools/brushes organizer(s)
- Alarm clock
- Throw blankets
- Heated blanket/weighted blanket (if applicable)
- Lamp(s)
- Decorations
Bathroom
- Toothbrush holder
- Storage containers and/or organizers
- Over the shower rack
- Bath towels
- Hand towels
- Wash cloths
- Bath matts
- Medicine
- First Aid kit
- Bandaids
- Mini trash can
- Mini trash bags
- Cleaning supplies
- Plunger
- Decorations
Work Space
- Textbooks
- Book shelf
- Desk chair pillow and/or back relief
- Notebooks
- Chargers
- Computer mouse
- Monitor(s) (if desired)
- Mousepad
- Planner/to do list (if needed)
- Pencils
- Pens
- Calculator
- Sticky notes
- Index cards
- Stationary
- Erasers
- Pencil lead
- Pencil sharpener
- Tape
- Tape dispenser
- Stapler
- Staples
- Mini trash can
- Mini trash bags
- Desk lamp
- Note pad
- Books
- Checkbook
- Stamps
- Envelopes
- Files
- File holder
- Folders
- Binders
- Backpack
- Notebook paper
- Printer paper
- Printer (if applicable)
- Printer ink
- Decorations
Closet
- Mirror
- Shoe rack
- Hangers
- Storage bins
- Clothing Rack (if needed/desired)
Kitchen
- Set of utensils
- Plates
- Bowls
- Paper towels
- Paper towel holder
- Soap dispenser
- Dishwasher detergent
- Sponges
- Dish soap
- Hand soap
- Cups
- Wine glasses (if of-age)
- Can opener
- Wine bottle opener (if of-age)
- Beer bottle opener (if of-age)
- Scissors
- Kitchen knives
- Cutting boards
- Ziploc bags
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Trash can
- Trash bags
- Magnets
- Brita water filter
- Recycle bin
- Water bottle(s)
- Mugs
- Tumbler(s)
- 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)
- Toaster
- Blender/food processor
- Pans
- Pots
- Skillets
- Cooking utensils
- Spices
- Non-perishable food items
- Casserole dishes
- Dutch oven
- Tea towels
- Placemats
- Tablecloths
- Table runners
- Cooler/lunch bag – my favorite is the Scout Pleasure Chest!
- Napkins
- Food storage containers
- Ice cube tray
- Ice packs
- Microwaveable bowl with lid
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowls
- Decorations
Living Area
- Couch cover
- TV
- Throw pillows
- Board and/or card games
- Rug
- DVD’s
- Game console (if applicable)
- Decorations
Laundry Room
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener
- Dryer sheets
- Anti-wrinkle spray
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Clothes Hangers (1-4)
- Hair remover roll(s)
- Vacuum
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry basket
- Hamper
- Swiffer
- Swiffer wipes
- Broom
Miscellaneous
- Device chargers
- Air purifier and/or humidifier
- Fan(s)
- Storage bins and/or plastic storage drawers
- Plants (if desired)
- Febreeze/Glade
- Candles and candle lighter (if allowed and desired )
- Scent plug-in’s
- Command strips and hooks
- Fake plants (if desired)
- Craft supplies (if desired)
- Holiday decorations (if desired)
- Clorox wipes
- Essential oil diffuser (if applicable)
- Speaker(s) (if applicable)
- Face masks and/or face shield
- Multiple bottles of hand sanitizer
- Door wreath/welcome sign
- Door mat
Here’s to making memories in your own apartment very soon!
XOXO – Katie <3