You did it! You’ve made your college decision. Now it’s time for you to pack up and make your way to campus. But be careful what you pack. It may seem like you need to bring everything from your third grade spelling trophy to your custom wall art, but think twice before you pack everything you own. Many college students end up bringing things they don’t ever need or use. Given the small size of most dorm rooms, less really is more. Here are a few things you don’t need to bring to college.
Prohibited Items
I know, this one may sound obvious, but in the excitement of planning your room with your new roommate(s), it’s easy to forget that things like candles are a fire hazard, and pets are usually only allowed in special circumstances. Be sure to review your college’s list of prohibited items before you start packing. Typically, prohibited items are sent home or confiscated, so you won’t get to use them either way. It’s safer (and lighter when packing), for you to leave all such items at home.
ALL Your Clothes
It can be tempting to bring all of your clothes with you — for every season and every occasion. You don’t know if the weather might suddenly change or if you’ll get invited to a ball. While that may be true to some extent, be realistic. If you are going to school where it is always warm, you probably won’t need a winter jacket. Alternatively, if you’re going to school in a cooler region, you may find that it’s better to buy a winter jacket once you’re at school. Pack for what you think you will wear, and consider changing out your wardrobe when you return home for breaks throughout the year.
Furniture
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, dorm rooms are SMALL. There is very little extra space in most dorm rooms, so don’t bring any extra furniture that you don’t absolutely need. Not only is furniture expensive, it can end up making your room feel crowded and smaller than it really is. If you’re really set on bringing some furniture, try to get room dimensions first and see if it will fit without being in the way.
Bulky Luggage
You’ll likely have to store your luggage in your dorm room, where you don’t want it to take up prime real estate — or become a tripping hazard. If you are driving to school, consider packing in storage pieces you can repurpose once you transfer your clothes to the dresser and closet, and ask family members to bring any bulky suitcases home with them, or consider collapsible luggage.
Appliances and Technology
You may be a neat freak and need to vacuum every day. Or you may like to print every single page you read. But think twice before bringing appliances like vacuums and larger technology like desktop computers and printers that take up space and aren’t necessary as most dorms have vacuums available for residents, and most college libraries offer free printing. Part of college is adapting to an environment that’s different from the one you are used to. Learning to be flexible and adjusting how you work and live are good skills for life.
Trying to decide what to bring to college can be overwhelming. Not everyone wants or needs the same things. Think about what you use every day, and what you might be able to live without. More often than not, someone else may have brought something you didn’t, and they’ll be happy to share. When it comes to the tight spaces that are dorm rooms, less is more, and packing that way can help you feel calmer and more relaxed when you are in your room — something all college students need. Happy packing!
On Topic
We asked some college students what they couldn’t live without on campus — and what they wish they had left at home. Here’s what they had to say.
Of all the things I brought to college, I used noise cancelling headphones the most. They are perfect for cramming sessions — and for muting loud roommates. – Emily, University of Pittsburgh
I highly recommend having a small supply of disposable plates and utensils on hand for those days you skip the dining hall and order food. Also, be sure to have a good surge protector and multiple chargers. – Ian, University of Michigan
A large, easy-to-carry laundry basket is super helpful for those dreaded laundry days. Also, bed risers make it easy to increase your storage area — you can fit so much stuff under the bed! I remember buying a lot of dorm room storage things ahead of time that didn’t end up fitting or being necessary. I also had a lock/safe that someone recommended I get — I never used it. – Erin, Providence College
I rarely used my printer. It was nice when I did need it, but I would have been just fine using the library printers. – Andrew, University of Connecticut
