Whether you're a med student planning to live in a dorm or off-campus, you'll need all the creature comforts of home wherever medical school is taking you. In addition to your standard school supplies, you're going to need some specialized supplies for medical school.
We've compiled a comprehensive, categorized medical school packing list below.
And while they can't really be packed, a comfy reading spot, quiet study location, and an outlet for stress will all be critical in medical school. Congrats, and good luck.
School/Home Office Supplies:
- Backpack with laptop case
- Notebooks
- Folders
- Binders
- Pencils
- Pens
- Highlighers
- Dry erase board & markers
- Permanent markers
- Binder/paper clips
- Rubberbands
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Bulletin board & push pins
- Calendar/planner
- Index cards
- Hole punch
- Envelopes
- Sticky notes
- Tape - clear, masking, duct
- Calculator
- White-out
- Stapler
- iPad and Apple Pencil (if applicable)
Medical School Supplies:
Having your own medical supplies ensures you have quality equipment and don’t have to borrow from the school lab.
- Cardiology grade stethoscope
- Blood pressure cuffs
- Tendon hammer
- Otoscope
- Ophthalmoscope
Supplies needed or recommended may vary by school, so check with your school before making major purchases.
- Anatomy atlas
- Scrubs
- Lab Coat
- Question and Review Books
Tech Supplies:
- Laptop
- Phone
- Chargers/blocks
- Portable phone charger
- Earbuds
- Printer/ink/paper
- Extension cords
- Tablet/e-reader
- Wireless mouse and keyboard
- Television
- Streaming device
- Video games
- Bluetooth speader
Tools:
- Batteries
- Tool kit (screwdriver/hammer)
- Nails & screws
- Picture handing kit
- Step stool
- Flashlight
- Lightbulbs
Cleaning:
- Broom and dustpan
- Air freshener
- Trashbags
- Dish soap
- Sponges
- All purpose cleaner
- Hand soap
- Paper towels
- Vacuum
- Window cleaner
- Hand sanitizer
- Sanitizing wipes
Laundry:
- Detergent
- Fabric softener
- Dryer sheets/wool balls
- Bleach
- Hangers
- Basket
- Stain remover
- Sewing kit
- Roll of quarters
Furniture:
- Large desk
- Ergonomic desk chair
- Laptop stand
- Couch/futon
- Coffee/side table
- Table/chairs
- Full length mirror
- Small desk trash can
- Entryway table
Kitchen:
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Coffee cup
- Insulated travel cup
- Reusable water bottles
- Paper plates
- Plasticware
- Garbage bags
- Zip to bags (all sizes)
- Plastic wrap & aluminum foil
- Paper towels
- Toaster
- Coffee maker
- Microwave
- Crockpot
- Blender
- Pots & pans
- Blender
- Cooking utensils -- spatula, tongs, ladle, etc.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Plastic containers
- Trash can
- Eating utensils (forks, spoons, knives, etc.)
- Brita water filter
Bedroom:
- Bed
- Bed risers
- Nightstand
- Lamps
- Fan
- White noise machine
- Earplugs/sleep mask
- Sheets
- Comforter/blankets
- Pillows
- Alarm clock
- Matress pad
- Air purifier (this is just a suggestion if student has sensitive sinus)
Bathroom:
- Robe
- Slippers/flip-flops
- Hair dryer
- Shower caddy
- Loofah/sponge
- Towels
- Hair turban
- Shower curtain
- Shower mat
- Toilet paper
Toiletries:
- Antacid
- Deoderant
- Tweezers
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cough Drops and Cough Medicine
- Vitamins
- Make Up and Brushes
- Hairspray
- Insect Repellent
- Vaseline
- Glasses/Contact solution
- Antidiarrheal Medicine
- First aid kit
- Band-aids or other bandages
- Tissues
- Tampons and pads
- Pain relievers
- Thermometer
- Allergy medicine
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Retainer
- Sun screen
- Mouthwash
- Razors and shaving cream
- Moisturizers
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Nail clippers & files
- Birth control
- Condoms
- Cotton balls
- Q-tips
- Toothpaste/toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Comb/brush
- Hair pins/ties
- Bath & face soap
- Face Wash/Skincare products like toner, hyaluronic acid, etc.
Important Documents:
- COPY of birth certificate
- COPY of social security card
- COVID-19 vaccination record card
- Passport
- Drivers license
- Credit & debit cards
- Lease
- Renters insurance
- Financial aid
- Medical/dental insurance
- Student ID
- Class schedule
- School policies
Clothing:
- Underwear and socks
- Jeans
- Winter coat
- Professional attire (dresses, slacks, and blazers)
- Shoes (Sneakers, Boots, Flip Flops, Flats, Heels)
- Umbrella, Rain Coat
- Pajamas
- Lease
- Bras
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Short-sleeve shirts
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Casual dresses
- Going-out dresses
- T-shirt
- Tank tops
- Sweaters
- Workout clothes
- Scarf
- Belt
- Sunglasses
- Jacket
- Gloves
- Sandals
- Slippers
- Bathing suit
- Purse
- Gym bag
- Hats
Decor:
- Rugs
- Pictures/picture frames
- Art
- Plants
- String lights
Entertainment:
- Books
- Board / card games
- Video game console
- Other hobby material (sewing, painting, etc.)
MedSchoolCoach Helps You Through Medical School - And Beyond!
Congratulations on your acceptance to medical school! When it's time to start studying for USMLE/COMLEX board exams, MedSchoolCoach is here to help with personal tutoring that has helped countless students raise their scores by 23-55 points! Schedule a free consultation and see how we can help you.
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Sahil Mehta
Dr. Sahil Mehta is the founder of MedSchoolCoach and has guided thousands of successful medical school applicants. He is also a practicing physician in Boston where he specializes in vascular and interventional radiology.
