College Packing List Tools and other items - Some Ideas

Tool Talk
#1

Over on ToolGuyd - the topic of what tools to include in a new user’s gift bundle - or college dorm room kit came up.

While it is a bit off-topic for tools - I thought to share a more generalized packing list - developed in the 1990’s - it might be a bit dated but here goes - This one was for male students:

        Personal		
Band Aids (box)	2
Bath Soap	6
Brush	1
Check Book	1
Comb	1
Combination Locks	2
Credit Card/Wallet	1
Deodorant	2
Extra Eyeglasses	1
Key Chain/Keys	2
Mousse	1
Mouthwash	2
Nail Clippers	2
Razor - Conventional	5
Razor - Electric	1
Shampoo	2
Shave Cream	2
Shower Thongs	1
Soap Box	1
Thermometer	1
Tissue Packs	2
Tissues - Box	2
Toilet Kit Bag	1
Toothbrush	1
Toothpaste	2
Tylenol	1
Umbrella	1
        Books		
Bartlett's Quotations	1
Brewer's Dictionary	1
Dictionary	1
Excel	1
MS Word	1
PowerPoint	1
Style Manual	1
Synonym Dictionary	1
Thesaurus	1
Windows 	1
         Linens/Bedding		
Boxes - Rubbermaid	4
Desk Chair Pillow	1
Hangers	box
Mattress Cover	1
Over Door Hook	2
Pants Hangers	3
Pillow Cases (extra)	2
Pillows	2
Quilt	1
Rug (buy locally)	1
Sheet Sets (xl twin)	2
Towels	7
Travel Bag	1
           Bicycle		
Bicycle	1
Locks	1
Spare Inner Tube	1
           Cooking/Eating	
Bowl	1
Can Opener	1
Glasses	2
Hard Candies	1
Iced Tea Mix	2
Microwave Container	1
Paper Plates	pkg.
Paper Towels	2
Plastic Utensils	2box
Plates	2
Pot Holders	2
Snack Crackers	2
Trash Bags	box
Wastebasket Bags	box
Water Bottle/Pitcher	1
         Tools	
      Bike Tools	
  Allen Wrench	1
  Open End Wrench	1
  Pocket Tool	1
  Pump	1
  Tire Bar	1
Flashlight	1
Hammer	1
Pliers	1
Pocket Knife	1
Screwdriver - combi	1
             School Supplies	
3-Hole Punch	1
Book Bag	1
Calculator	1
Calendar/Pad	1
Color Inkjet Paper	1
Computer Paper	1
Erasers	1
Fun Tack	1
Glue Sticks	2
Highlighters	6
Inkjet Cartridge - blk	3
Inkjet Cartridge - clr	2
Pad	1
Paper Clips (boxes)	2
Pencil Sharpener	1
Pencils	12
Pens	10
Postage Stamps	10
Push Pins	Box
Ruler	1
Scissors	1
Stapler	1
Staples	1
Tape	2
White Out	3
Writing Paper	Box
             Cleaning	
Bottle Brush	1
Dryer Sheets	1
Dustpan	1
EndDust Electronic	1
Glass Cleaner	1
Handi-wipes	Pkg
Laundry Bag	2
Laundry Detergent	2
Lysol Spray	1
Sponges	2
         Appliances	
Batteries	4
CD Player	1
CD's	?
Clock Radio	1
Computer/Printer	Set
Desk Fan	1
Desk Lamp	1
Long Phone Cord	1
Radio/CD Player	1
Small TV	1
Spare Bulbs	2
Tel. Answer Machine	1
TV Cable	1
         Clothing	
Baseball Cap	1
Belts	>=1
Casual Pants	>=5
Dress Pants	>=1
Dress Shirts	>=1
Dress Shoes	1
Flannel Jacket	1
Handkerchiefs	Opt.
Rain Jacket	1
Robe	1
Shorts	>=7
Sleepwear	>=2
Sneakers	2
Socks	>=7
Sport Shirts	Opt.
Sweatpants	2
Sweatshirts	4
T-shirts	>=7
Ties	>=1
Undershirts	>=7
          Winter Clothing	
Boots	1
Glove Liners	2
Gloves	1
Winter Jacket	1
Scarf/Neck Gaiter	1
Sock Liners	5
Winter Hat	1
Winter Pullover	1
Wool Socks	5
#2

Wow, pretty comprehensive! I would have a few comments:

  • Any attempt to tell a kid what clothes to bring will be mostly futile. You may be able to give advice re winter gear IF they are moving to a much colder climate.

  • Fun-tack, Blu-tack, etc. will release unexpectedly, dropping posters in the middle of the night, etc. They also contain some kind of oil, and can stain both walls and posters. 3M makes Command adhesive strips or dots that work well, and can be removed without trouble.

  • If they don’t have one already, they could likely use a multiport USB charger. And small backup power supply to carry in their bags would be very handy.

  • I believe most dorms don’t allow heating appliances like hot pots, but some allow microwave ovens or inductive heating plates. If you get the latter, add a 1-quart pot that is induction-compatible. A microwave is more versatile, but bulkier.