No tags yet.
Tips for College Packing
As I go into my third year at my university, I feel I have some knowledge on how to best pack for college, especially if you're going to be a freshman.
I've always liked packing since it's a sign of going somewhere and hopefully, doing something new! If you treat packing like this, it makes it less of a hassle and more of an adventure. Also a step closer to your final destination.
1. Make A List
You can find plenty of "Ultimate College Packing" lists online, especially on Pinterest. That's always a good starting point. They will not include everything you need and they will include a lot of stuff you don't need. So make your own list from what you find!
You can make the list colorful and decorative or you can make a Google Doc so it's easier to edit and keep with you.
Note: You do not need to include everything on your list. You can generalize, especially with clothes. Like shirts, pants and shoes are obvious to include. But be sure to list key items you won't want to forget, like umbrella, rainboots, swimsuit, or work shoes.
2. Research Your Dorm
Hopefully you know where you're living before school starts. Most colleges and universities allow freshman to tour residence halls so they have an idea of what the room will look like and what will be included. For me, I had orientation for a week where I got to live in the freshmen residence halls and experience what it would be like, which was helpful to know how much space I would have in my desk and wardrobe.
A tour can also show you different configurations of the furniture in the room so you can feel out what will work best for you. (and your roommate if you have one!)
3. Do not bring BIG UNNECESSARY Items
This is why researching your dorm is important. So you know what furniture you will be given and what furniture you may need to acquire. This is so you don't bring a fridge if the dorm has one or you bring a big bookshelf that won't fit in the room. This will help save you, your parents grief, and your roommate lots of grief during move-in.
It is good to know how high the beds can lift so you can get storage bins to put under your bed. Under-the-bed storage bins are great space savers and organizers. These can be big items, but they can also be necessary and useful.
4. Only Bring Seasonal Clothes.
Then Exchange them over Breaks.
Now if you don't plan on going home ever, then ignore this one. But for those of you who will for at least the big Winter break and Spring break, this is important. Do not pack all of your clothes to go with you to college. I'll explain what I pack and how I exchange my clothes so you can catch my drift.
For the beginning of fall semester: pack summery clothes and some fall clothes (like 3/4 length shirts and capris).
Exchange over fall break: take home flip flops and summer dresses and some shorts. Bring back long sleeve shirts and jeans.
Exchange over Thanksgiving break: take home shorts and summer shirts. Bring back jackets.
For Winter Break: bring all summer clothes home and bring home warm clothes for the break.
Coming back from break: Now take all winter wear to school (hats, scarves, coats, sweaters, etc.)
Exchange over spring break: take home all winter wear and leave jeans and some cardigans. bring back flip flops and shorts.
And that should give you a good idea on how to do this clothing rotation. It gives you more space in your already small closet and if done correctly, can reduce the amount of clothes you take home at the end of the year.
Note: I live in Virginia and this is based off of the weather we tend to get here. It is pretty wild and inconsistent but this gives a rough idea.
5. Bring a piece of Home
This is the most important tip I can give. I am very sentimental so having pieces of home or just showing my personality/identity really helps to keep me sane through all the college messes. Only bring items that bring you joy and make you happy so you don't go overboard, but do bring a few momentos.
These can range anywhere from stuffed animals to pictures to photo albums to knick knacks to baubles to posters and canvases. Whatever makes you feel better when you look at it should be considered for your dorm room.
Hope these tips find you well and happy packing!