Printable College Dorm Checklist For Guys- Pack Like a Pro

Starting the college journey? To make the transition smoother, I’ve put together a printable college dorm checklist for guys, perfect for anyone gearing up for this exciting new chapter. Whether it’s a first-time college experience or a return to campus life, this checklist will help keep things organized and stress-free.

Printable College Dorm Checklist For Guys

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Essential Dorm Items for Guys

Packing for a college guy is undeniably easier than packing for a college girl—trust me, I know from experience! Guys typically stick to the basics and don’t need as many accessories, beauty products, or outfit options. While college girls often pack for every possible scenario, most guys prefer a simple, practical wardrobe and essentials.

That said, just because packing is simpler doesn’t mean it’s stress-free—especially when your college guy isn’t keen on planning or organizing. To make the process smoother for both of you, I’ve created a free printable college dorm checklist specifically for guys. It’s designed to cover everything they’ll need without overwhelming them (or you) during move-in prep.

What to pack for College guys

Below is a comprehensive college packing list I put together to ensure we have everything for Connor on his next college adventure! A printable college dorm checklist for guys will help you get organized. Not only are there the clothes to pack for guys, but also all the other items to pack for your college guy. It is a full college essentials for guys, so take a look!

Below is everything on this printable dorm checklist for guys.

1. CLOTHES

My suggestion is to pack two weeks’ worth of clothes. Two reasons for this. One, dorm rooms are not known for storage space, two, your guy will learn to do laundry when they do not have any clean clothes! The optimal amount of clothing also depends on factors like laundry access, climate, and personal style, but a balanced wardrobe typically includes:

Everyday Basics

• 7-10 T-shirts: For daily wear and layering.
• 3-5 Casual Shirts: Polo shirts or button-downs.
• 5-7 Pairs of Jeans/Chinos: Versatile and durable.
• 2-3 Pairs of Shorts: For warmer weather or casual wear.
• 1-2 Dress Pants: For formal occasions or presentations.
• 1 Suit or Blazer: If the college or program requires formal attire.
• 7-10 Pairs of Underwear and Socks: Enough to last a week without doing laundry.
• 2-3 Pairs of Pajamas/Loungewear: Comfortable for dorm life.

Athletic and Activewear

• 3-5 Workout Outfits: Moisture-wicking shirts, shorts, and socks.
• 1 Pair of Sneakers: For sports or the gym.
• 1 Pair of Slides/Flip-Flops: For showers or casual wear.

Shoes

• 1 Pair of Casual Shoes: Everyday use.
• 1 Pair of Dress Shoes: For formal events.
• 1 Pair of Boots (if applicable): For colder weather.

Accessories:

• 1 Belt
• 1-2 Hats/Beanies: Depending on the climate.
• 2-3 Ties: If needed for formal settings.

Miscellaneous:

• 1 Set of Swimwear: If swimming or water activities are likely.
• 1 Robe: Comfortable and practical for communal bathrooms.

If your college guy is going to a college with seasons, then pack for the first semester only, with some layering pieces as it gets colder. Then, when they are home for winter break, this is a good time to switch out some of the clothing above and replace it with warmer items.

Go to stores for guys’ clothes

This is a short list of on-trend, but reasonably priced apparel for guys. You can find everything you need in the stores below for clothing and accessories

1. Old Navy– great for basics like t-shirts, sweats, etc
2. American Eagle Outfitters– Go to the place for denim jeans; they have a wide variety
3. H&M– Perfect to find some more fashionable items without breaking the bank

Outerwear:

• Hoodie/Sweatshirt: For casual comfort.
• Light Jacket: For cool days.
• Heavy Coat: If in a colder climate.
• Rain Jacket: Weatherproof and packable.

2. DORM TOILETRIES

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Floss and Mouthwash
• Deodorant
• Body Wash/Bar Soap
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Face Wash and Moisturizer
• Razor and Shaving Cream
• Hair Styling Products (Gel, Pomade, etc.)
• Comb or Brush
• Lotion

Personal Care for the dorm

• Nail Clippers
• Tweezers
• Chapstick
• Cologne/Body Spray
• Cotton Swabs and Cotton Pads
• Hand Sanitizer
• Sunscreen
• Aftershave

First Aid & Health

• Pain Relievers (Ibuprofen, Tylenol)
• Cold Medicine
• Band-Aids and Antiseptic Cream
• Allergy Medication
• Personal Prescriptions
• Thermometer
• Multivitamins

Shower and Hygiene Gear

• Shower Caddy
• Bath Towels (at least 2)
• Hand Towels and Washcloths

Grooming Tools

• Electric Razor/Trimmer
• Nose/Ear Hair Trimmer
• Hair Dryer (if needed)
• Tissues

Miscellaneous

• Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener
• Stain Remover Stick
• Air Freshener or Room Spray
• Toiletry Bag for Travel

A portable caddie is a great way to store and bring to a bathroom all your toiletries, especially if shared in a hallway.

3. PERSONAL ITEMS FOR GUYS

Guys do not need to decorate a dorm room to the extent that girls do; however, if you pack the below, he will have some semblance of personal space in his dorm room to start the college year off in comfort and familiarity.

• Photos of Family and Friends
• Posters/Wall Décor
• Throw Blankets and Pillows
• Comfortable Bedding (Sheets, Comforter, Pillows)
• Favorite Books/Magazines
• Small Mementos or Keepsakes
• Backpack

A backpack is a non-negotiable. Northface makes a really good product. This is specific to water-repellent finish and the ability to stand unsupported. On the outside, it has two water bottle pockets and, of course, a laptop sleeve with many more organizational pockets.

4. BEDDING

Most Dorm rooms have XL beds, so you must buy the XL twin sheet sets and buy 2 sets! Most college students will not change their sheets for weeks, sometimes months. You can test this theory by putting a note and $20 under their sheets. When they finally change the sheets, you will get a call thanking you for this found money!

Mattress topper! The mattresses are covered in plastic, which is not a nice feeling under a pair of sheets. Invest in a mattress topper/ mattress cover to add additional softness and comfort

5. TECH ELECTRONICS

All college students will go off with their laptops but will need additional tech items. The most valued add-on is AirPods. They offer free engraving on the case, so there will never be a mistake about whose AirPods these are!

6. ROOM ESSENTIALS

Love this lamp for the adjustable neck, light features, and multiple charging. A great all-in-one for a dorm room.

Another must-have is a mesh collapsible hamper. My son has used his for the last 4 years, and now it is time to replace it. Below is what I am getting for him. What I love about this is that you can pack it up as an additional bag and fold it up to nothing when not in use.

Two good places to store additional clothes or supplies are by using the space under the bed. These flat boxes can easily be pulled out or pushed back in.

7. SUPPLIES

When living in a dorm, you will need to pack some essential cleaning supplies.

1. Persil Discs Laundry Detergent Pacs– my family’s favorite! Even my son prefers this over any other brand
2. Clorox Bleach Free Disinfecting Wipes– these
3. 6-Outlet Surge Protector with 4ft Extension Cord– Surge protector is a requirement in all dorms
4. Command 3 Hooks– these hooks come in a variety of sizes. Hang everything on dorm walls without damaging them when you move your student out.
5. Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush Toilet Cleaning System – I actually use this in my own house. So easy and flushable!

8. MEDICAL

The last phone call you want from any college student is that they are hurt. So, yes, make sure that they have their medical card, know what insurance they carry, and how to use their college health services on campus.. Having a first aid bag readily available in your student’s dorm is a handy way to keep first aid essentials on hand.

To ensure you can stay informed about your 18-year-old college student’s medical information, you’ll need a HIPAA Authorization Form and a Medical Power of Attorney. The HIPAA authorization allows you to access their medical records and discuss their health with their providers, while the medical power of attorney grants you the authority to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are incapacitated. 

9. Miscellaneous items

There are always items that do not fall into exact categories so I made this on the list with some extra blank boxes to easily fill out for your college guys needs. Some of these items for my college student are:

• Reusable water bottle
• Tool kit, A small kit comes in handy to tighten up a screw, put togther a small item.

10. SHARED ITEMS

In any dorm situation, whether it be a room off a hallway with a shared bathroom for the floor, or a suite that consists of multiple dorm rooms with a shared bathroom, you will essentially need to share some items. Check with your college to find out the rental for mini fridges and microwaves, since they have specific requirements. You can split the college year cost with all the roommates, and it makes this very affordable. Check out the printable college dorm checklist for this section to see other items that your college guy can share the cost of with his roommates.

11. SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Most college kids will be using their laptops to write their papers and even take notes in class. However, there is a section on this college dorm checklist for guys for basic school supplies that can sit on their dorm desk.

Desk Essentials

• Desk Lamp with Adjustable Lighting: For late-night study sessions.
• Comfortable Chair Cushion: For long study periods.
• Whiteboard Markers: If using a whiteboard.
• Corkboard/Push Pins: For important notes and reminders.
• Disinfecting Wipes: To keep the desk clean.
• Desk organizer: to hold pens, paperclips and loose items

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Tech and Gadgets:

• Laptop/Tablet: Essential for coursework and research.
• Laptop Bag or Sleeve: For protection and easy carrying.
• USB Flash Drive: For file transfers and backups.
• External Hard Drive: To store large files and projects.
• Portable Charger/Power Bank: To keep devices charged on the go.
• Noise-Canceling Headphones: For focused study sessions.

12. BLANK SECTION

This section is intentionally left blank to accommodate your unique needs. Dorm life varies greatly from person to person, so it’s important to consider your individual lifestyle and preferences when packing. Think about any specific hobbies, personal routines, or comfort items that might not be included in a general dorm checklist. Use this space to list additional items that will make your dorm experience more comfortable, functional, and reflective of your personality.

13. NOTES/ EXTRAS

A few blank lines are here so you can take quick notes of last-minute items or even tasks to get done before or while you are moving your college guy into the dorms.

Hope this was helpful! I will be printing my printable college dorm checklist for guys and will start getting everything together so there is no stress about forgetting what he needs for this upcoming school year.

Printable College dorm checklist for Male Freshmen

Download your free printable college dorm checklist below. Super helpful, and you can even color-code it for easy viewing. Bring it into Canva and use it digitally so you don’t have to keep a hard copy.

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This post is all about a Printable College Dorm Checklist For Guys

Last update on 2025-07-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API