A Comprehensive Student Apartment Packing List

Moving into your first student apartment is likely your first taste of true freedom. You’re no longer under your parents’ roof, nor are you stuck in a cramped college dorm. However, since this is such a major life change, it can be difficult to know exactly what you’ll need. Avoid a last-minute run to the store to purchase things you’ve overlooked by following this comprehensive packing list.

1. Cleaning Products

One of the least exciting categories is unfortunately essential: cleaning equipment. To make sure you have everything, think about how you’ll clean each room and the items in that room. At a minimum, you’ll need:

• Trash cans and bags
• A broom
• A duster
• Cloths
• A toilet brush and toilet bowl cleaner
• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• A sponge and dish soap

Find out if your apartment comes with a vacuum before you decide to buy one, since they can be pricey.

2. Personal Care Items

You already have your own toothbrush (don’t forget to pack it!) and towels, but you may share other toiletries with family members, meaning you’ll need to buy some to take to your new apartment. This may include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and body wash.

3. Other Things for the Bathroom

Beyond personal care items, the bathroom needs a few extras. Don’t forget to pack a:

• Shower curtain
• Toothbrush holder
• Soap dish
• Bath mat
• Over-the-door hook for towels

4. Belongings for Your Bedroom

Since you’ll be spending a large amount of time in your bedroom, you need to make it comfortable. You can bring bedding from home (including a favourite pillow) or purchase new sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. If your room has a closet, it may not have any hangers — bring those, along with a rack for your shoes. For extra storage, pack some clothing bins. Finally, make the room feel like your own with a rug and decorations for the walls.

5. Furnishings for the Living Room

A rug, as well as a throw blanket and some pillows, will help your living room feel warm and inviting. You may also like to be able to adjust the lighting with a floor lamp — especially if you want to read at night. If you’re sharing with roommates, an idea could be to ask everyone to hang one picture on the wall to make the space belong to all of you.

6. Utensils and Appliances

Equip the kitchen with everything you’ll need to be able to cook. The exact utensils you should bring will depend on what dishes you want to prepare. At a minimum, this will include:

• Pots and pans
• A cutting board
• A set of knives
• Dishes
• Silverware
• A vegetable peeler
• Mugs
• Glasses
• A dish towel
• A drying rack
• Oven mitts
• A can opener
• A bottle opener
• Food containers
• A cheese grater

If your kitchen lacks small appliances, you may also need to bring a microwave, coffee maker, and toaster.

7. Tools and Safety Supplies

Never wait until an emergency arises to purchase basic tools and safety suppliers. To start, you need a first aid kit. You can purchase one that comes with everything you’ll need or compile your own. A second kit to have is a tool kit. Again, you can find one with all the basics; however, if you like to make repairs yourself (make sure this is allowed in the terms of your lease), you may want a few extras. You may also need to make repairs to your clothing. Create a basic sewing kit with a needle, a few colours of thread, and some buttons. Lastly, your kitchen may come with a fire extinguisher, but if it doesn’t, you should buy your own.

You’ll need to pack far fewer things if you find a furnished apartment. For fully-furnished apartments near Waterloo University, choose King Street Towers. Our student housing comes with everything you need to live comfortably. Browse our photo gallery, including a 360-degree view of the suites, to see where you could be living next semester.