College students often face unique challenges when it comes to moving. Whether you’re heading to your first dorm, switching apartments, or moving off campus, picking the right size moving truck is a smart way to save money and avoid stress. Unlike a full-house move, student moves are typically lighter and shorter in distance. But that does not mean you can just guess the size and hope for the best.
In this guide, we will walk through how to choose the right moving truck for dorms, what fits in different truck sizes, and how to save on your U-Haul for college move without cutting corners.
What Do College Students Usually Move?
Before picking a truck size, take stock of what you are actually moving. College students tend to bring a mix of essentials and personal comfort items, including:
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Twin XL mattress or mattress topper
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Mini fridge
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Desk chair and small desk
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Clothes, shoes, and storage bins
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Bedding, towels, and laundry supplies
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Computer, monitor, TV, or gaming console
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Lamps, fans, and organizers
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Kitchen essentials (if living in an apartment)
Most student moves involve a bedroom’s worth of items, not an entire household. That means you can usually skip the larger trucks meant for three- or four-bedroom homes.
Best Moving Truck Size for Dorms and Small Apartments
Cargo Van (9 ft to 10 ft)
If you’re moving into a dorm and traveling light, a cargo van is often the perfect fit. This is ideal for students who are:
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Moving solo
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Only bringing bedroom and school items
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Not transporting large furniture
Cargo vans typically offer about 250 to 300 cubic feet of space. You can fit:
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Mattress or futon
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Mini fridge
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A few boxes or bins
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Small shelving units or lamps
Cargo vans are also easy to drive and park, even on busy campuses. If you are not confident in driving a truck, this is a great option.
10-Foot Moving Truck
A 10-foot truck is a step up from a cargo van and gives you more flexibility. Use this size if:
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You have a few pieces of furniture
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You’re moving into a small apartment or off-campus housing
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You’re sharing the move with a roommate
With about 400 to 500 cubic feet of space, a 10-foot truck can hold:
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A twin or full-size bed frame and mattress
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Dresser or desk
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Mini fridge
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Multiple boxes
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TV and electronics
If you’re unsure about what size you need, the 10-foot truck is a safe middle ground for most student moves.
15-Foot Truck
A 15-foot truck may be overkill for many students unless you are:
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Moving out of a fully furnished apartment
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Hauling multiple beds, desks, or sofas
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Moving with multiple roommates in one trip
This truck holds over 750 cubic feet and can support medium-sized moves. If you are helping multiple students or relocating after graduation with furniture in tow, this size gives you the room without making multiple trips.
Tips to Save on U-Haul for College Moves
Renting a truck does not have to be expensive. Here are smart ways to lower your costs:
1. Book Early
College move-in and move-out dates create a spike in demand. Booking your truck early can help lock in a lower rate and ensure availability.
2. Share a Truck with a Roommate or Friend
If you’re moving in the same direction, splitting a truck can cut your rental cost in half. Use labeled bins to keep your belongings organized.
3. Choose a One-Way Rental If Moving Out of State
If you are heading to college in a different state, one-way rentals with drop-off options near campus can save you money and time.
4. Use Student Discounts
Many companies offer student discounts when you show your school ID or use a .edu email. It is worth asking or checking for promo codes online.
5. Avoid Renting on Peak Days
Weekends and end-of-month dates tend to cost more. If your schedule is flexible, moving on a weekday can result in better rates.
Alternatives to Moving Trucks for College Students
While renting a moving truck for dorms is the most flexible option, here are some alternatives:
1. PODS or Portable Storage Containers
Ideal for longer-distance moves or when you want to pack slowly over time. They drop it off at your home and pick it up when you are done.
2. Your Own Car or Family SUV
If you are not taking furniture, you might fit everything into a large car or SUV. Fold down the back seats and load up boxes, bedding, and essentials.
3. Rental Trailers
If you already have access to a vehicle with a hitch, consider a small open or enclosed trailer. These are cheap to rent and good for short moves.
4. Shipping Small Items
For out-of-state students flying to college, ship essentials directly to your dorm or use Amazon lockers near campus.
Packing Smart for a Smaller Truck
No matter what size truck you choose, smart packing can make a big difference:
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Use plastic storage bins instead of cardboard. They stack easily and can double as under-bed storage.
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Disassemble furniture like bed frames or bookshelves to maximize space.
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Use soft items like bedding and clothes to cushion electronics or fragile items.
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Label boxes by room or category to make unloading faster.
What If You Pick the Wrong Truck Size?
If you choose a truck that is too small, you might need to:
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Make multiple trips
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Unload and reload the truck strategically
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Leave some items behind or ship them separately
If the truck is too large, you may end up:
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Paying for more space than needed
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Struggling to secure items safely inside
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Wasting fuel during the move
That is why it helps to use a moving calculator based on item volume or square footage. A good estimate makes your move smoother from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
College moves do not need to be chaotic or expensive. Picking the right U-Haul for a college move starts with knowing what you are bringing and how far you’re going. For most students, a cargo van or 10-foot truck will be just right for the job. Bigger moves with roommates or full apartments may require a 15-foot truck, but anything larger is usually overkill.
Keep your move simple, budget-friendly, and stress-free. Choose your truck size based on the space you need, not guesswork. And when in doubt, always pack early and book ahead.
Need help figuring it out? Try our Moving Truck Size Estimator to see exactly what size works for your college move.