#bts2020

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It’s easy to get carried away packing for college. It is both exciting and daunting. Since I am within reasonable driving distance (3 hours), I definitely overpacked. (I even packed things that I immediately sent home with my parents). While I will be recommending items in this post, my main piece of advice is to be selective with what you pack. Furthermore, it is a great time to get rid of things that no longer add value to your life. I mean think about it, if you can get away without the given item for a whole school year, do you really need it? Besides, it is amazing to come home to a clutter-free bedroom. 

If you plan on getting a job, you will need some official forms of identification. I would recommend packing a passport (if you have one) since a social security card is best left at home. I am mentioning this first because I didn’t think of it and as a result, my parents had to overnight my passport to me. On a somewhat related note, you can check out my most recent blog post on banking and personal finance.  

Dorm Basics:

For starters, you will obviously need to pack plenty of clothes. I like to have about two weeks worth of clothing. While you won’t need them immediately, be sure to have a winter jacket and boots. I am from Vermont so I already owned these items and left them at home until Thanksgiving break. At least for students of color, it is possible to get free lightly used jackets from the Office of Multicultural Affairs Winter Resource Room. Also, if you really need financial assistance, you can apply (under emergency and medical expenses) for funding to cover the cost of winter clothing. Depending on your specific clothing, you will also want to have clothes hangers. Related to clothing, you will need a laundry hamper and laundry detergent. I would also recommend stain remover. While you need to pay for laundry, you do not need quarters. Instead, it is best to preload money onto your OneCard. This is more convenient and saves you money. A load of laundry (washer and dryer) costs $2.70 when using your OneCard or $3.00 when paid with coins. 

Next, you will need bedding. It is worth noting that college beds are Twin XL. From my experience, the dorms are kept really warm so I definitely never needed a comforter. I would highly recommend investing in a mattress topper to make the bed more comfortable. Also, if you enjoy studying or reading in bed, a back pillow is really nice to have.  

The dorm lighting isn’t the best, so I would recommend getting a basic desk lamp. Also since there aren’t always many well-located outlets, a power strip is a near necessity. For the beginning and end of the school year, a fan is a must (especially if you’re on the fourth floor like I was). That said, if you have a roommate you may only need one. Beyond basic toiletries, you will also want to have a shower caddy and shower shoes (cheap flip-flops). For storage, I found clear plastic under-bed bins to be quite useful. 

School Supplies:

I keep a pencil pouch in my bag containing some basic stationery. Specifically, a black pen, a blue pen, a four-color pen, a yellow highlighter, Wite-Out, pencils (mechanical and wooden), an eraser, a sharpener, extra lead, mini scissors, and a mini stapler. Okay, so not that basic but actually really useful to have. While it is only so often that I need the scissors, I am sure that other people have really appreciated that I carry them. I also keep my graphing calculator in my bag. In terms of other stationery, I keep extra pens, pencils, and paper in my dorm room. I also keep tape, a hole puncher, and binders with old school work. You can read about my college organization system here. Also, if you’re curious about the technology I use in college, I have already written an entire blog post on just that. 

Nice Things to Have:

Be sure to bring things that make you smile. For instance, a beloved stuffed animal (see above in Dorm Basics). And no you are not too old for stuffed animals! Furthermore, photos of friends and family can make great decorations. One wonderful gift that I received was a custom calendar with photos of my friends and family. If you enjoy snacking, be sure to pack some of your favorites. (That said, don’t go overboard since there is plenty of real food to eat and many people pack more than they will actually consume). If you are a tea person, bring your favorite ceramic mug and perhaps a travel mug as well. I also liked having a small jar of honey for my tea. To be more environmentally friendly, consider bringing your own utensils. Don’t freak out, since it is only grab-and-go (lunches at Hubbard and Chapin) that use plastic utensils. I personally carry around a small metal camping spork. 

Lastly, if you have a hobby that requires physical items, be sure to pack them. In many ways, college is a new beginning, but you must also stay true to yourself and not give up hobbies that you value. In my case, this meant packing my guitar (actually two of them and a ukulele). Best of luck preparing for and dreaming about college.