If you’re one of the more than 1.3 million applicants who was accepted to college and starting this fall, it’s time to start thinking about what to bring. But how do you determine what you need to bring versus what you want to bring? And how do you make sure you have everything you need without overpacking? Here are some tips and tricks to help you successfully pack for college.
Make a List
In a recent study conducted by OnePoll for DoorDash, one in five people admitted they inevitably realize they’ve forgotten something after they arrive at their destination. You don’t want to be that person, missing a critical item when you land at college. So before you haphazardly start throwing clothes and accessories in a suitcase, take a step back and figure out what you really need to pack. Make a list of all the things you need and those you’d like to bring. Seeing the items on your list will help you understand how much you’re trying to pack. Use the list to narrow down what you need to bring and spot potential extras that you may have space for. Most important, the list can help ensure you don’t forget to pack the important things.
Pack Items You Don’t Use Every Day First
To make packing a bit more manageable, first pack what you don’t use every day or won’t need until you’re actually at school. Items like school supplies and extra toiletries are great to pack early so they won’t be missed in the packing blitz that will happen closer to your moving date. Starting early also provides a sense of accomplishment that some packing has been completed.
Bring Seasonal Clothes
It may be tempting, but packing your entire wardrobe would take up tons of space in your limited dorm room closet. Instead, think about the weather you’ll likely encounter at school. Do you live in the Upper Midwest but are heading south for school? If so, you can safely leave heavy sweaters at home. Likewise, you may need to purchase winter gear if you’re going to a colder climate. Consider buying clothes at your destination or online and have them shipped to your dorm to save suitcase space. If you’ll be returning home throughout the year, swap out clothes that are no longer in season and return to school with what you’ll need for the months ahead.
Get Creative
We typically think of packing as putting clothes, toiletries, and some essentials in a suitcase. But when you’re packing for college, there’s more to it. Get creative to maximize your space. Use soft items like towels as packing material and fill mini fridges, handbags, and backpacks with smaller things during the move. Creative packing can help cut down on the number of boxes you use and the amount of space you need to transport everything.
Ask for Help
For nearly two decades you've had everything at your fingertips — it’s OK if you find deciding what to pack or how to pack a bit overwhelming. Ask for help from family and friends. Sometimes you just need another set of eyes and hands to help make packing more manageable.
Whether you’re going to college down the road, across the country, or abroad, college is a big adjustment and the challenge begins with packing. Make a list, do a little bit at a time, and ask for help. When you finally arrive at school with everything you need to start the school year off right, you’ll be glad you took the time to plan your packing.
ON TOPIC
We asked current college students and some recent grads what they wish they knew before they arrived on campus. From schedules and dorm rooms to general philosophies, these nuggets of advice can help jumpstart your transition to college.
Get involved early.
I was so worried about my classes and the increased workload when I started college that I missed out on a lot of social opportunities. I wish I joined at least one club right away. I also think joining our AISES College Chapter would have made my transition to life away from home easier because I would have met people with common interests and I wouldn’t have felt as alone. Eventually I found I could balance my schoolwork and enjoy some of the countless social events on campus. Actually, I learned that I really needed those opportunities to have fun and blow off some steam. — Alex, University of Idaho
Admit you’re not a morning person.
After getting up for school every morning my whole life, I didn’t think twice about registering for 8 a.m. classes. What I didn’t realize was how late I’d be getting to bed, and how easy it was to take advantage of lax attendance policies and roll over when the alarm went off. My GPA took a hit, and I had no sympathy from the professors. Now I avoid early classes and schedule my day to start at a more realistic time for me. — Ian, University of Michigan
Dorm rooms don’t have to be Insta-worthy. I got so caught up in making my dorm room super cute that I ended up having too much unnecessary stuff. Sure, I had great move-in photos, but the reality of such a tight space quickly set in. There was too much to move off my bed to sleep comfortably, but nowhere to put it. The knickknacks and cute accessories were in my way when I wanted to spread out and study at my desk, and the dust ruffle that was meant to complete the esthetic and hide my storage got in my way when making my bed and accessing the stored items. A tasteful but minimalistic approach to dorm room décor is much more practical — and can still make a great setting for a selfie. – Kristy, University of Arizona
Have fun, but remember why you’re there.
College is an exciting time when you’ll hone in on what you want to study and start the path to the career of your choice. It also often comes with hefty price tag. Don’t waste the opportunity (and your money). Strike the balance between fun and diligence — be sure you’re up to date on assignments before planning a night out. While I don’t encourage skipping class, if you need a mental health day take one — but don’t make a habit of it. Remember you’ll need to make up what you miss in the classroom. Enjoy your time at school, but always keep your objective, which is your future, top of mind. — Erin, University of California, Berkeley
Shut out negativity. Being a woman in a competitive engineering program comes with its challenges — unfortunately they’re not all academic. I was met with ignorant male counterparts telling me that I didn’t belong in the program or that I’d never succeed. I was not prepared for all the negativity and had to learn to block it out. Rather than let those men cut me down, I used their comments to motivate me. I’m so glad I continued on the course I set for myself, and I encourage anyone on the receiving end of disparaging comments to stay strong and true to themselves. — Kiran, University of Pittsburgh
