Moving into a dorm can be an exciting time. For some people, it’s the first time they’ve been away from their parents, had to make their own schedule, or learned to co-exist with a roommate (or a few). All of these things carry a certain level of expectancy with them. However, one thing you shouldn’t have to stress about is what to bring with you. Here, we go over the necessities and some things you may want to skip.
The first time packing for college can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Try breaking down what you’ll need according to different groupings. A good baseline of categories to go by includes bedding, cleaning/laundry, academic supplies, room, kitchen, clothing, toiletries, important documents, miscellaneous, and lastly, shared items for the common area (if living with a roommate). If this still seems scary, we’re about to break it down further:
When looking for sheets, keep in mind that most colleges provide their dorms with standard XL twin beds (but be sure to double-check with your school’s website beforehand).
Before moving into a dorm, you’ll need to pack for a multitude of occasions. You’ll need clothes for class, weekend outings, job fairs, sporting events, etcetera. It may help to plan your packing around some non-negotiable items you’ll need for most outfits. Some clothing you’ll need the whole school year, such as…
More specific items should be dictated by the climate of the school you choose. For example:
The season and location of your school matter! If you chose somewhere with four seasons, pack items you’d wear for late summer through fall/early winter- remember, you’ll likely be going home for breaks, so you don’t have to stress about packing your heavy winter coats yet. If you choose a school that has the same climate all year round, make sure to bring clothing that fits that weather range. At the same time, (if you have the room) it may be a good idea to pack more when moving into a dorm. This way, you have time to adjust to your area and routine and decide which items are a necessity, and which ones you can bring back with you on break.
Additionally, you’ll probably want to bring…
These items are optional, it may be a good idea to hold off on purchasing these until after you get to school, that way you can get a better feel for which items may be a necessity for you.
Remember, you don’t have to buy all these things before moving into a dorm. Research your school’s surrounding area to see what stores are nearby, and save space during your journey by moving in first and purchasing some of these things locally. That way, you can also make adjustments once you’ve moved in. College can be intimidating, but packing doesn’t have to be!
