Necessities for Your First College Apartment

Whether you are moving off campus or into an on campus apartment, your lifestyle will change from what it was in the dorms. You will not have a cleaning crew to clean up after you and your roommates, and you will have more space and more to pack.

Here is a list of what you should provide for your first college apartment. You should take this list to your roommates and discuss who will be responsible for bringing which items. With most of these things, it is only necessary to have one or two, but some have to be brought by everyone.

Kitchen:

Pots and pans

Baking sheets

Cooking utensils (such as tongs, a mixer, and spatulas)

Silverware (all roommates should bring an individual set)

Microwave

Plates, bowls, and cups (everyone provides their own)

Kitchen table and chairs

Rack for drying dishes

Dishwashing liquid and sponges or rags

Strainer

Toaster oven

Paper towels

Waste basket

Ice cube trays or bags of ice

Enough groceries for at least a week to two weeks; everyone can buy their own and should make sure they write their name or initials on food and drinks

Living room/common area:

End tables

Floor pillows

Beanbag or rocker chairs

Couch pillows

Throw rug

Floor or table lamp

TV set

DVD player/VCR

Coffee table

Land line telephone and answering machine

Stereo system

Wall clock

Bathroom(s):

Shower curtain

Bath mat

Toilet paper

Bathroom cleaner

Cleaning wipes

Cleaning brush

Toothbrush holder

Waste basket

Towel rack

Hanging rack for shower supplies

Plunger

Antibacterial soap

Hand towels

Other Useful Items (not required):

Mop and broom

Dust polish, rags, and wipes

Extra packing supplies, such as milk crates or vacuum bags

Vacuum cleaner

Garbage bags

Recycling containers

Fans or air conditioners

Coat rack

Hangers for in hall closets

Doormat

Curtains or blinds

Air freshener

Wall clocks

Your apartment may already have (check with your landlord to make sure):

Sofa and/or love seat

Refrigerator and freezer

Oven and stove

Smoke detectors or a fire extinguisher

Carpeting

As far as your bedroom is concerned, your packing list won't change much from what you were bringing when you lived in the dorms.

This is not meant to be a final list on what you need to pack for your apartment, and you do not need every item if you and your roommates feel you can do without. However, your lifestyle outside of class will not be the same as it was your freshman year. As long as you pack enough to adapt accordingly, you can easily survive without some of the things on this list.