New classes, new people, new experiences. So many things to look forward to when you are about to begin your freshman year of college. But on top of this excitement, every recently-graduated student carries a burden of stress. Will I like my new classes? Will I be friends with these new people? Will I enjoy these new experiences? These fears sit in us because we do not know what to expect. This fact makes it difficult to pack for college. What exactly do I bring to casually leave home for the first time ever? Luckily, our good friend the internet has many sources to help us. Countless blogs, articles, and other pages provide advice for items "every college freshman must bring." While I will admit that I cross referenced several of these lists and found them helpful before leaving home, I also came across many suggestions that I personally found to be quite absurd. Instead of criticizing them and then creating my own list that will undoubtedly be criticized, I have decided to criticize them and compile a list of things that a college freshman does not need to bring to their first year in the dorm.
1. A mini ironing board
You think you need it. You don't. It will only take up your already-limited storage space.
2. Tons of shoes
I suggest one pair of heals, tennis shoes, flats, sandals, and maybe boots, depending on your location. You don't dress up often enough to need multiple pairs of heels. Plus, flats work for most occasions.
3. A waste bin
Some of the articles out there forget that you are going to live in a dorm, not an empty apartment. Most school will provide basic furniture like a desk, chair, and yes, a waste bin. This applies to other large items like extra lighting, mirrors, or furniture pieces. Wait til you get there to assess what you need.
4. Too many school supplies
So college is harder than high school but I used WAY less school supplies. Yes, you should have your own stapler and scissors, but you do NOT need a binder, notebook, and folder for every class. This is because most materials are online and not handed out like they were in high school. I suggest one composition notebook for each class.
5. A year-long supply of anything
Before I left for college, I was nervous I would never be able to get to the store, especially without my car on campus. So I brought spare shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, and other toiletries. That was dumb, and it took up space. You'll be able to get to the store. Trust me.
6. New everything
Yes, I think we all get excited about being able to decorate our own little spaces, but don't go too far overboard. I could have brought the same bedding and storage bins from home, but got caught up in the culture of buying all new for college.
7. A mini keyboard
This is a personal example, and might be specific to my college. But I brought my mini keyboard so that i could practice piano and continue with my artistic outlet. However, on my campus, there are several pianos open to student use. I never ended up using that cheap plastic thing; it just collected dust under my bed.
8. New clothes
Unless you actually don't have clothes without holes or ones that fit, skip the clothes shopping your first year. ESPECIALLY since you have to buy so many other supplies. Your clothes are all new to these people, so who cares if you've already worn it a few times? No one will know.
9. Your car
A lot of schools (like mine) don't allow first years to have their car on campus. Other schools charge you an arm and a leg for parking. If you find yourself in the former situation or trying to avoid the latter, don't stress! It is more than likely that your school will have a good bus or shuttle system to get you around campus and into town. Pro Tip: make friends with upperclassmen for those late night In-N-Out runs.
10. Your fears!
Chill dude. College is so fun, and there are very few problems that will prove to be catatrophic during your first year. Enjoy your classes, new friends, and experiences.
