start here guide on dorm therapy

Packing for College

You’ve decided on a school — now it’s time to get your stuff there! From what to bring to what to leave at home, here’s your foolproof, no-sweat packing plan.

Shop for *Everything* You’ll Need in Your Dorm

The Great Big List of the Best Places to Shop for Your DormDorm Decor
Stuck on where to shop for your dorm essentials? This list has got you covered.
Yanel SiqueirosNew York University '27
May 19, 2025
The 44 Dorm Essentials Every College Student Needs (Trust Me, I’m an RA!)Organizing & Cleaning
Um, it’s brilliant.
Angie AriasSUNY Oneonta '25
Aug 22, 2025
The Anatomy of the Comfiest Dorm Bed Ever (for Sleeping, Studying, and More!)Dorm Decor
Yes, a comfy dorm bed *is* possible.
LJ SmelkerLIM College '25
May 19, 2025
13 Dorm Items That People Always Forget to PackCollege Life
Save yourself the hassle and add these items to your packing list now.
Angie AriasSUNY Oneonta '25
May 19, 2025

Map Out Your Big Move to College

6 Items You Should Split with Your Roommate to Make Your Dorm Room Feel Way BiggerOrganizing & Cleaning
Here’s how to cut down on the clutter.
Emma ZawackiUniversity of Missouri '26
May 19, 2025
9 Things You’ll Regret Taking to College Your First Year, According to SeniorsCollege Life
Learn from their mistakes.
LJ SmelkerLIM College '25
May 17, 2025
The Ultimate Timeline of When to Pack for College

Follow this college packing countdown to save yourself from last-minute chaos. Copy by Mia Clancy

I Truly Can't Get Over This Brilliant Headboard HackDorm Decor
BRB, going to DIY.
Isabella HussarRutgers University '25
Apr 6, 2025
I Think This App Is the *Best* Way to Make Phone WallpapersCollege Life
I can't even choose my favorite!
LJ SmelkerLIM College '25
Apr 8, 2025
This $3 Bag Is “Everything I Want in a Snack and More”Food & Recipes
It tastes like this diner classic.
Max MillerOberlin College '25
Apr 9, 2025
This Freshman Created the Coziest Cottagecore Dorm Dorm Decor
It’s so multifunctional!
LJ SmelkerLIM College '25
Apr 11, 2025
The “So Good” $2 Potato Chips from Walmart That Everyone Is Talking AboutFood & Recipes
You need to try!
Ashia Aubourg
Apr 7, 2025
The “Delicious” Store-Bought Dumplings You Should Always Have in Your Freezer, According to 3 ChefsFood & Recipes
The “wrapper-to-filling ratio is spot-on.”
Ali Domrongchai
Apr 4, 2025
The $39 Scalloped Furniture Item You Could Basically Use *Anywhere*Dorm Decor
Such versatility!
Isabella HussarRutgers University '25
Apr 19, 2025

Pack Up All Your School Stuff Like a Pro

The Only Clothing Packing List You’ll Ever Need for CollegeOrganizing & Cleaning
Here’s how to figure out exactly how much to pack.
Mia ClancyUniversity of Vermont '27
May 19, 2025
I Packed for a Semester in a Single Suitcase — Here’s Everything I Learned About Packing LightOrganizing & Cleaning
“What, like it’s hard?”
Kailey SamarjianStonehill College '26
May 16, 2025
5 Tips for Packing Surprisingly Hard-to-Pack Items (From Posters to Skincare!)Organizing & Cleaning
Don’t let these fragile essentials trip you up.
Alice OhNorthwestern University '27
May 19, 2025

Songs to Soundtrack Your "Packing for College" Montage

From nostalgic bops to feel-good hits, this playlist is packed full of songs to listen to while you get ready to go to college in 3, 2, 1...

Open Playlist
The Packing Hack That Will Save You So Much Precious Dorm Closet SpaceOrganizing & Cleaning
You don’t need to roll up to campus with a bunch of rolling bags.
Madison ReneeThe Savannah College of Art and Design '24
May 18, 2025
Load Up Your Luggage in No Time
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May 19, 2025

Have the Best First Night at College

Take the Stress Out of Night #1
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May 19, 2025
The Sentimental Essential You Need...
May 19, 2025
Designing a dorm room illustration

Next Up

How to Design Your Dream Dorm Room

Dorm room photo of bed