Off-Campus & Apartment Living

The College Apartment Checklist (2026)

Everything your first apartment needs that the dorm never did. Check items off as you go — your list saves automatically on this device.

Is your place furnished? Purpose-built student housing usually is (bed, desk, sofa included) — you mostly need soft goods and kitchen. Unfurnished rentals need everything. Filter the list:

Living room

Sofa or futon unfurnished shop
Coffee table unfurnished shop
TV both shop
TV stand unfurnished shop
Area rug (5x7 or 8x10) both shop
Floor lamp (many rentals have no ceiling light) both shop
Bookshelf or storage shelf unfurnished shop
Table for meals (bar table works in small units) unfurnished shop
Throw pillows + blanket both

Bathroom

Shower curtain + liner + rings both
Bath mat both
Towel set (bath, hand, washcloths) both
Plunger + toilet brush (the classic forgotten pair) both
Bathroom cleaner + toilet paper stock both
Small trash can both
Over-toilet shelf or storage both
First aid kit both

Cleaning & utility

Vacuum both shop
Broom, dustpan + spray mop both
All-purpose, kitchen + glass cleaners both
Laundry detergent + rolling hamper both shop
Iron or steamer both
Basic tool kit (every flat-pack box needs it) both shop
Recycling bin + extra trash bins both
Storage bins both

Setup & admin

Wi-Fi router (student housing usually includes wifi) unfurnished shop
Renters insurance (most leases require it, ~$15-20/mo) both
Surge protectors + extension cords both
Command strips AND real hardware (ask your landlord) both
Curtain rods + wall anchors both
Doormat both
Fire extinguisher (especially shared houses) both

Ready to buy? The apartment shop has a verified pick for every big-ticket line above — and if you're still choosing between dorm and apartment, the off-campus guide covers sizes, leases, and furnished-vs-unfurnished.