Checklist for Your First College Apartment
Written by: Weida Apartments
For a college student, their first apartment is an enormous milestone. It’s a big step up from a dorm room or that bedroom back at the childhood home! However, those old quarters came furnished with much of what a person needs, while the new apartment is a blank slate. From furniture to cookware to laundry soap, you’ll have to provide all the necessities yourself. That’s a lot to remember! Here’s a checklist to help you make this major transition a smooth one.
Checklist for Your Bedroom
Now that you have a sleeping space to call your own, you’ll want more than a floor mattress and a sleeping bag. However, a bed isn’t the only item in a bedroom. Here are some other essentials to consider:
Note: Unless you signed your lease for a furnished apartment, you will need some furniture. Start with a bed frame and mattress, if there's enough space in your room, you can consider adding a futon to fill some space. Add a dresser or chest (less floor space in a small room) and a nightstand. A desk will also be necessary since after all, you're in college to study.
1.) More Storage
Bins, closet organizers, under-bed storage. If you want to stay organized, it’s almost impossible to have too much storage space.
2.) Bedding
Sheets, pillowcases, pillows, blankets, spreads, comforters.
3.) Lighting
Desk lamps, pole lamps, string lights.
4.) Miscellaneous Items
Wall mirror or dresser mirror, laundry hamper, alarm clock.
Bathroom Necessities
You’ll not only have to stock your bathroom; you’ll also want the supplies to keep it tidy.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1.) Shower Essentials
Shower curtain and liner, shower rod, hooks, and bath mat.
2.) Toiletries
Soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss.
3.) Towels
Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths.
4.) Cleaning Supplies
Toilet brush, toilet bowl cleaner, general bathroom cleaner, cleaning rags, air freshener.
What You'll Need For Your Kitchen
The kitchen becomes the heart of many apartments, the spot where friends gather. It needs to be comfortable and well-supplied:
Note: Unless you signed your lease for a furnished apartment, you will need some furniture for a place to eat, sit, and pull the room together. These furniture essentials can include: a table, chairs, bar stools.
1.) Cookware
Pots, pans, baking sheets.
2.) Cooking Utensils
Spatulas, colander, ladles, stirring and serving spoons, tongs, can opener, pizza cutter, measuring cups and spoons, grater.
Dining utensils. Knives, forks, spoons.
3.) Dishware
Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs.
4.) Small Appliances
Toaster, coffee grinder, coffee maker, blender, slow cooker.
5.) Pantry Staples
Salt, pepper, spices, oil, canned goods.
6.) Cleaning Supplies
Dish soap, dish rack, sponges, dish towels, drying towels.
7.) Other Basics
Napkins, paper towels, aluminum foil, plastic bags, plastic wrap, storage containers.
Living Room Essentials
A well-supplied living room is a perfect place for games, entertainment or just relaxing. Here’s what you and your friends will appreciate:
Note: Unless you signed your lease for a furnished apartment, you will need some essential furniture including: a sofa, coffee table, side tables, chairs, a TV, and an entertainment center.
1.) Entertainment Items
Soundbar game console, streaming subscriptions
2.Decor Area
Rugs, curtains, throw pillows, wall art.
3.) Lighting
Lamps for the side tables, and floor lamps.
Technology & Electronics Checklist
No college student is at home without the necessary electronics. With a place of your own, you might need a few things you didn’t have before. Important items:
Note: Unless you signed your lease for an apartment with Wi-Fi included, you will need internet setup devices including: a router and modem (or combo), cables.
1.) Computer and Accessories
Laptop, desktop, chargers, mouse, keyboard, tablet, power strip.
2.) Speakers
Computer speakers, Bluetooth speakers, smart speakers.
Get Ready for Laundry Day
Some collegians stuff their dirty clothes into a pillowcase and haul them to the washer/dryer, but it’s better to have a few essential supplies:
1.) Laundry Day Essentials
Laundry baskets, drying rack, detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets.
Tools & Maintenance
1.) Plunger
A heavy-duty plunger is great to have on hand.
2.) Fire Extinguisher
A small fire extinguisher is a necessity in your kitchen.
3.) Basic Toolkit
Select some key tools from what you have on hand, or use one of the convenient all-in-one starter kits. Essentials include screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, wrenches, and levels. A socket wrench with sockets and a small power drill are nice to have.
4.) Flashlights
A large flashlight is an emergency necessity, and a penlight is useful as well. Don’t forget the batteries.
5.) Miscellaneous Essentials
Cellophane tape, duct tape, electrical tape, scissors, stapler.
6.) Wall Hangers
Non-permanent hangers such as peel-and-stick picture hooks and adhesive putty.
You don’t want to make an emergency trip to the hardware store because you don’t have the screwdriver you need. Here are some tools and supplies to keep on hand:
Personal Items
Everybody has a few items that they don’t want to get caught without:
1.) Important Personal Documents
If you don’t actually have these in your apartment, they must be in a safe place, and you need to know where they are. Examples: birth certificate, passport, financial records, student loan documents, other college documents.
2.) Medical Supplies
Prescription and OTC drugs and any items that go along with them. A first aid kit.
3.) Personal Care Items
Health and beauty products and personal grooming items.
Decorations to Consider
Apartments can look a lot alike, and you want to make your first college apartment your own. Consider these personal touches, the kind that make a house into a home:
1.) Wall Decor
Posters, flags, prints, personal and professional photographs along with the frames for them.
2.) Greenery
Potted plants and succulents. Also, a vase or two for an occasional treat of fresh-cut flowers.
3.) Surface Decor
Baskets, bowls, pottery, anything that looks attractive on a table or mantle.
4.) Personal Mementos
Family photographs, vacation pictures, souvenirs, and awards. Anything that makes you happy when you look at it.
Ready to Find Your Perfect College Apartment?
Whew, that’s a pretty extensive list. The good news is that you don’t need every single item the day you move in. Some of them you might not need at all. If you use this checklist, however, you’re less likely to find yourself running out in the evening for something you just have to have right now.
Even though there’s much to think about, getting out of the dorms and into an apartment is one of the most rewarding experiences of a college career. When you’ve located the lodgings that are just right for you, use this college apartment checklist to take away the anxiety about having everything that you need. Enjoy your new apartment surrounded by all the things that make living quarters into a place that feels like home.
