Written by College is so exciting! For most, it’s the first time you truly feel like an adult. However, before you leave to start this amazing journey, you need to pack. Packing for college is relatively easy, it’s what to pack that causes headaches. No need to worry, because we are here with some tips on what you should and shouldn’t pack for college!
- Sheets and pillowcases
- Make sure you know the size of your dorm room bed, typically they are twin XL’s, and pack an extra set for when you don’t feel like doing laundry.
- Towels
- We suggest two or three. Make sure to bring quick drying towels and avoid the thick plush ones, as they take forever to air-dry.
- Hangers
- Make the most of your closet! We suggest thin hangers or velvet hangers. They’re a great space saver!
- Laundry Bag & Detergent
- The laundry room is almost always a hike away, so be sure to bring a laundry basket that you can wheel, drag, or carry like a backpack. Choice of detergent is up to you, but don’t forget to bring dryer sheets, bleach, and a stain treatment– those basement parties will wreck your clothes everytime.
- School Supplies
- This is not like first grade where you have a massive list of school supplies required, but you do need some things. Make sure to bring a backpack, laptop, folder, USB drive, notebook(s), and pens and pencils. Those are the must haves. You can get whatever else you need as you go. We suggest bringing these from home as your school’s bookstore sells out quick. Each class will let you know what textbooks to rent or buy.
- Toiletries
- Make a list of every item you use in the bathroom for your daily morning/night routines and bring it all! Put all shower related items in your caddy (don’t forget shower shoes!), and have a small pouch for your toothbrush, skincare, and other sink-only products.
- Pro Tip! Pack your toiletries in your caddy when you move. It makes sure it’s all in one spot and easy to unpack.
- Clothing
- This is by far the hardest part of packing for college, so let’s break it down.
- – Do bring the basics: tank tops, t-shirts, sweatpants, leggings, jeans, ect. This will be the bulk of your clothing. Limit the amount of pants you bring as those can often be reworn and take up the most space.
- – Don’t bring anything you have not worn in the last year: If you didn’t wear it at home, are aren’t going to suddenly wear it at college. It’s best to leave those items at home or donate them.
- – Do bring party clothes: Bring a few shirts, pants, and dresses for parties. Have most of your party clothes be on the casual side as most of your parties will not be formal. However, do bring 2-3 fancier pieces for socials, greek-life events, and so on.
- Pro Tip! Bring a fracket (frat jacket) if your college has cold weather. A fracket is a jacket that is very cheap or one you wouldn’t mine losing or seeing get destroyed– which commonly happens at frat parties.
- – Don’t bring out of season clothing: You don’t have the space in your dorm room for all seasons. Bring a transitional jacket and 2-3 sweaters initially. You can swap your warm weather and cold weather clothes when you go home to visit over the holidays or during a long weeked.
- – Do bring a buisness worthy outfit: You never know when you’ll need to look proffesional. You only need to bring one buisness outfit. You may need it for an interview, class presentation, etc.
- – Don’t bring high school apparel: You will not end up wearing your high school gear at college. You will find that almost everyone only wears sweats and sweatshirts that rep your college, rather than their high school.
- This is by far the hardest part of packing for college, so let’s break it down.
- Shoes
- Don’t bring too many shoes. This is all you need: 1-2 sneakers, 1-2 heels/ dress shoes, rainboots, slippers, 1-2 slides/ flip-flops, and 1-2 casual shoes.
- Pro Tip! Bring one pair of shoes that you don’t care about to wear to parties. People will spill drinks and you might step in some questionable liquids… so bring shoes that you are okay seeing get dirty or destroyed.
- Luggage
- Only bring luggage you can fold up, put under your bed, or put in the corner. You don’t need more than one suitcase. However, if must, bring suitcases that can be stored inside each other to save space. Your dorm room is small, so don’t lose space trying to store a lot of bulky luggage.
- Appliances
- Check in advance to see what appliances are offered to you and your school’s list of approved and prohibited appliances before bringing anything. Based on whether on not your school allows it, consider bringing these things:
- – Keurig
- – Microwave
- – Iron/ small steamer
- – Mini-fridge
- – TV
- Be sure to consult your roomate about these things as well. Split up who buys what if you both plan to use it!
- Check in advance to see what appliances are offered to you and your school’s list of approved and prohibited appliances before bringing anything. Based on whether on not your school allows it, consider bringing these things:
- Cleaning supplies
- This has never been more important than it is now. If you want to stay on campus this semester, take the precautions needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. That means cleaning and disenfecting your room regularly. Be sure to bring disenfecting wipes, sprays, a swiffer, and a broom or vacuum.
- Décor
- We get that you want to make your dorm room as homey as possible, but don’t go overboard as it is only nine months! Make it easy on yourself and only bring a few memorable things like some pictures, lights, or a tapestry. Take a look at our dorm décor guide for some tips and tricks!
- Pro Tip! You don’t need as many pictures as you think. A few will work perfectly. So no need to print 50 photos — unless you really want to.
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