So it’s time to pack for college. It can seem like a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time living away from home. Here are some straightforward steps to help get you started.
Do your homework.
Every school is different, so your first step should be reading any housing guidelines. Pay close attention to details about bed size, storage, and whether appliances like coffee makers and small refrigerators are provided. Look for rules about what’s permitted. Are you allowed to hang pictures, a calendar, or a whiteboard — and if so, are certain types of picture hangers required? (If you need certain hangers, bring them with you — the school bookstore is sure to be sold out.)
Be sure to email or call your school with any questions that aren’t addressed online. For example, are there printers that students can use? What about irons, ironing boards, and hair dryers? Is there a ceiling fan, or should you bring a small desk fan? Are there wastebaskets or built-in desk lamps? Given COVID-19 concerns, what are the school safety and wellness guidelines?
Make a manageable list.
Make a packing list at least a month ahead of time and revisit it as you collect more information. Resist any tendency to overthink it. “It’s not that complicated,” advises Sergio Ocampo of movebuddha.com. “So many college packing lists out there are full of ‘just-in-cases’ that make the entire thing overwhelming.”
Begin with the essentials, then add or subtract items depending on your circumstances. Here’s a suggested starter list.
• Face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes
• Water bottle
• Backpack
• Clothes (at least a week’s worth plus one “business-casual” option) and comfortable shoes
• Clothes hangers
• Shower shoes
• Toiletries
• Towels with a distinctive pattern or color (bath, hand, and face — 3 to 4 of each)
• Bedsheets (check on the size required) plus pillow/pillow protector. If you are driving to school, consider bringing your own pillow.
• Laundry bag and initial supplies
• Power cord with surge protector and USB ports
• Small tool kit
• Basic first aid kit
• Storage bins or under-the-bed storage trays or bags
• Earphones
• Umbrella
• Electronics and office supplies (Will you need to Zoom? Consult with your school about what you’ll need.)
• Important documents (e.g., driver’s license or government ID, health insurance card, and, if you plan to get a job near campus, copies of your birth certificate and social security card)
• Duct tape (you never know!)
Don’t overpack.
If you pack too much, you’ll be short on space. “Track your activities for a month and take note of every item you use,” suggests Ocampo. “This will help you see which belongings are necessary.” A few pro tips:
• Decide about the “nice to haves” once you’ve lived there a while. Maybe you’ll realize it would good to have an area rug, a full-length mirror, or a closet organizer. But you don’t have to know everything ahead of time. Get settled in first.
• Avoid bringing hard-sided suitcases. They can be difficult to store and create clutter. Instead, opt for duffel bags or collapsible storage bags (and don’t forget under-the-bed storage).
• You don’t need a year’s worth of toiletries — they take up space too. Pack enough for a couple of weeks, then restock.
• Know how you’ll get stuff you don’t pack. Research nearby stores. Consider ordering items online and having them delivered. (Back-to-school merchandise often goes on sale after September). Budget to make a few purchases once you have your bearings.
• Have secure, clean, and cashless ways to pay for things. This means at least two options, whether credit or debit cards (which can be pre-paid), wallet apps, gift cards, or vouchers.
“Pack” your self-care strategy too.
No matter how expertly you pack, any new environment will feel strange for a while. Adapting takes time. At the risk of eyes rolling: Things like sleeping, eating, and hydrating really do matter. Remember who you are, and don’t be afraid to stay in touch with family and friends. Also, consider reaching out in new directions to campus resources and groups like AISES. “As Indigenous people, we often think back to what our ancestors modeled and advised as inspiration,” writes American Indian College Fund President and CEO Cheryl Crazy Bull in the Native Pathways Guidebook. “Our ancestors, including our parents and grandparents, wanted us to be able to take care of ourselves and our families. They fought incredible battles so that who we are as tribal people would survive and thrive with our identities intact.”
As you stay on your path, you will find your strongest footing. Pack what you know you’ll need. You’ll gain clarity about the rest as you go.
On Topic
Kaitlyn Marie Deal is a junior majoring in elementary education at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She is a proud member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, and serves as an ambassador for all Native people as the reigning Miss Indian North Carolina.
What should be your first step when packing for college?
Sit, reflect, and consider items you absolutely need or use on a daily basis. I personally love to write a list of all the things I need to make sure I don’t leave anything out. I even include small things like phone chargers because the small things can be easily forgotten.
What should you consider before shopping and packing?
Consider the possibilities of anything happening on campus (outing events, sporting events, and even weather events like hurricanes). Keep items in mind that will remind you of home in case you feel homesick or lonely.
What are five must-includes when packing for college?
Clothes, bedding, school supplies, snacks, and something to make your living space feel “homey.”
How can you avoid over-packing?
I can’t stress enough how important making a list is for me. It keeps me very organized and focused on bringing only items that I will need.
When should you start the packing process?
I love to get things done early. Being prepped and ready to go prevents anxiety and will also help to ease your nerves, BUT don’t pack too early. Packing and preparing too early will only lead to adding things to your list of must-haves!
