Top engineering colleges like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), etc., medical colleges like AIIMS, AFMC, etc. have always seen a diversified crowd. Thanks to their popularity and the rich history. Getting admissions to these top colleges is always primary but what most students forget is that they've to reside in the hostel. There ain't going to be your mommy who will get you food on your bean bag and wash your dirty clothes.

Hostel life is certainly fun but it is always important to know the essential items you need to carry to the hostel. Here's a list that I had made two years ago prior to joining IIT-Guwahati. This list can be modified and adjusted according to one’s own need and can be used. This list can also be used by anybody who will be staying in a hostel. This might be helpful to all joining various engineering/mdicine or other colleges and will be spending a couple of years in the hostel far away from home. Good Luck because a lot of fun is awaiting!

CLOTHING

• Shirt – Full & Half
• T-Shirts
• Jeans - 3
• Shorts - 3
• 1 Kurta & Pyjama (Might be needed for some events, just a personal choice)
• Undergarments
• Formal Trouser - 1 to 2
• Handkerchief – 4 to 6
• Napkins – 2
• Cotton towel – 1
• Socks – 3 Pairs
• Bedsheet – 2 with pillow cover
• Bedding (Mattress) – 1
• Tracksuit – 1
• Blanket (According to location, take a thick one if its a cold region)
• Pillow (1 or 2 accordingly, local buying suggested)

FOOD ITEMS

• Namkeem
• Dabar Chaywanprash – Saves me from cold/cough
• Ladoo – This is indeed a thing to look for when even canteen is closed and you plan to have a night out before exams/other occasions.
• Some Biscuits
• Hot Plate/Electric Kettle - To make Soups/Noodles/Tea/Coffee

DOCUMENTS (Original & Attested Copies)

• JEE Original Admit Card / Admit Card (if any) for which you are joining the college
• Acceptance Letter
• Offer Letter
• Class XII Mark sheet
• Class XII Passing Certificate
• Domicile Certificate
• Plenty of Passport sized photographs [Needed for Temporary ID & SIM Card]

ACCESSORIES & SPORTS

• Nail-Cutter
• Belt
• Cap
• Raincoat & Umbrella [Don’t ever lend it to your seniors; only do so after you know them].
• Specks (if you have them, of course). Also carry a spare one.
• Wrist Watch
• God Idol – If you plan to pray before dinner, I do so that’s why this is here.
• T.T Racket, Squash Racket, Badminton, Tennis Racket (only if you've inclination towards sports)

FOOTWEAR

• Sports Shoes – Running
• Slippers (Leather)
• Slippers (Bathroom)
• Sandals
• Liquid Polish
• Formal Black Shoes

STATIONARY

• Any religious book
• Notebooks
• Old JEE notes – a few, but generally I didn’t feel they were required
• Pencil Box
• Stapler
• Paper Pins
• Scissor
• Pen Stand
• Metallic Scale
• Highlighter
• Tape
• Fevicol & fevistick
• Lock & Key (2 Pairs)
• Some Rough Books

ELECTRONICS

• Mobile Phone with Charger
• Music Player with USB & Charger [Only required if your mobile phone doesn’t support MP3]
• Scientific Calculator [CASIO fx-991ES preferred Rs 650 in Delhi & Mumbai]
• Screw Driver with Tester
• Torch
• Study Table Lamp
• Camera [Only if you want to take pictures of your beautiful campus]
• Pen Drive [A Must – 4GB good enough]
• Hard Drive (preferably 500 GB or more)
• Laptop with a very good antivirus [preferred in 2nd semester/ 3rd semester will be the best option]
• Inverter (might help during electricity breakdown)

BATHROOM

• Tooth Brush
• Toothpaste
• Tongue Cleaner
• A Carrying Case for above
• Soap Case
• Mouthwash
• Handwash

MEDICINE BOX CONTAINING

• Cotton
• Dabur Pudin Hara (for Stomach ache, gas and indigestion)
• Dentogel
• ORS
• Paracetamol/Crocin
• Amoxicillin
• Relispray – Muscular
• Relispray – Anticeptic
• Dettol
• Crape Bandage
• Soframicin – Antibacterial Cream
• Tiger Balm for Cold / Vicks Vapour up
• Iodex (for Muscular pain)

SOME ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR GIRLS

• Nail paints (if you apply)
• Nail paint remover (if the above holds true for you)
• Hair Oil
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Comb - Both thick and thin
• A lot of rubber bands and clutchers
• Moisturizer
• Body lotion
• Face wash
• Loofa
• Ezee washing liquid to wash woolens
• Sanitary Napkins - buy in bulk if brand conscious

Hope it Helps. Do leave your views about the list and also suggest other items. We'll include it within the list. Share it with others!!