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This list provides the bare essentials for any college packing list.  Please leave comments with any things you believe are must have’s for new students.

Extension cords and Power Strips - Most dorm’s are not wired for your convenience.  Internet ports and power outlets may not reach where you want your electronics to be.

Screw Driver and Hammer - You never know what you’ll have to put together or take apart.  I guarantee you will use these before you graduate.

Decent length coax and ethernet cables - Same issue as the power outlets, to place your tv and computer where you want, bring extended length cables.  15 feet is generally enough.

Business Casual Outfit and Iron (This includes dress shoes) - You’ll need this for all the great jobs you get and award ceremonies you will attend.

Area Rug or Throw Rug - Cold, hard tile or concrete floors get old after a while.

Mattress Pad - Always good when using a matress provided by campus housing.

Alarm Clock - Don’t trust your cell phone as a sole alarm device.  Its a bad idea.

Batteries - Everything needs batteries.

Desk Lamp - You and your roommates will not have the same sleep schedules.  This will give you opportunity to do work in your room.

Laundry Bag or Hamper - Not many dorms have washers and dryers.

Towels (and lots of them) - You wont always have time to do laundry

Shower Shoes - Shared showers are gross.  Enough said.

Microwave and Minifridge (if allowed) - Check with your school first.

Plastic Spoons, Cups, and Plates

Trash Can

Mirror

Fans - Depending on the region of your school, this can be very important.

Bed Risers - Every bit of extra storage space is extremely useful in small dorms.

Brita Water Filter

Laptop

Camera

Checkbook and Debit Card

White Board - Somewhat useless, but often a source of entertainment.

Quarters - Laundry always requires quarters.  Many schools tend to not have any change machines or other facilities for changing cash for quarters.  This can sometimes be a hastle.  Bring enough for a month, buy then $20 at a time from the bank and it will save you a lot of trouble.
Hookah - Tobacco products like cigarettes, papers, and hookahs are often one of the harder things to find in some college towns.  Either bring your smoking stuff with you from home or find a head shop near your college.  Hookah is a great way to relax and socialize with your friends. You need to be careful smoking inside your dorms, chances are your RA (resident advisor) will not like it, you may want to get a vaporizer to keep your activities under wraps.

 Cheap Non-perishable Foods - Stuff like kraft mac n cheese, top ramen, rice, etc.  Always be prepared for when late night hunger arises.