As someone who needed an entire U-Haul to move into her freshman dorm, I can confidently say that over packing for college is very very easy to do. In order to reduce the amount of trips you need to take up the elevator (or stairs if you’re unlucky), here’s 10 things you DO NOT need to bring to college.
1. A Ton Of T-Shirts
At school you get what feels like a never ending number of free t-shirts for attending football games, basketball games, and for just moving in. Of course you’ll need some, but you truly don’t need a full drawer of t-shirts at school. I’d say stick to 5-7 and then you’ll get more once you arrive.
2. More Than One Printer Per Dorm Room
So, personally, I loved having my printer in my room because I didn’t have to make the hike to the library to print out essays, study guides, or embarrassing pictures of my floormates. However, my roommate and I each had a printer which was just unnecessary. It’s a much better idea to decide for one person to bring the printer and to split costs of ink and paper. It will take up less of your valuable space on your desk or dresser and make life so much easier.
3. Tons of Bags
You really only need a few bags besides your backpack at school. I would recommend bringing a duffle bag for weekend trips home, a purse or two for day trips, maybe a bag for the gym if you actually go (go you if you go to the gym- I wish I had your motivation). At school, I got at least 20 free drawstring bags from multiple different organizations. College isn’t like high school where people bring cute bags like Longchamps to class all the time. A solid backpack is really what you need. So, do yourself a favor and chill on the number of bags you bring.
4. Cases of Water Bottles
Instead of bringing cases of water, I recommend getting a Brita Pitcher or water bottle. Cases of water take up A TON of space and are bad for the environment. Just refill your pitcher or reusable water bottle and you’ll be set.
5. An Entire Closet of Shoes
Okay, I love shoes as much as the next person, but I really didn't change up my shoe choices very much. I brought around 25 different pairs and only wore about 6. All you will really need is a pair of rain boots, snow boots, sneakers, shower shoes, slippers, a nice pair of shoes, and a pair of crummy shoes that you can wear out if you decide to go party. Cutting down on the number of shoes you bring will save you so much closet space in your already tiny closet.
6. A Ton of Desk Supplies
Your desk is one of the very few flat surfaces you have to use as storage for everything you need for the 8 or so months you have at school. Of course, you will need notebooks, writing utensils and all of that jazz, but don’t get bulky storage containers. You will absolutely need the space on your desk for things that aren’t related to academics like makeup, pictures, and other miscellaneous items. Get some minimalistic desk supplies and you should be good! Also, having a packed desk makes the room feel so much smaller than it already is.
7. A Desktop Computer
Unless you are a computer science major or something along those lines, I don’t really see the need of having a desktop computer. Definitely, invest in a laptop. They are really convenient, portable, and take up much less space on your desk than a bulky desktop.
8. A Significant Other
Okay, so I’m only partially serious with this point. As someone who was dumped over the phone the night before I left for college, sometimes a relationship isn’t really worth all the struggles with long distance. If you disagree with me, completely ignore this point. However, from experience, I feel like it’s better to go into college single and able to meet other people without jealousy or other similar feelings being an issue. I promise, going into school heartbroken is just not a good feeling. I definitely recommend seriously thinking it through before you leave for school.
9. Prejudice
I feel as though everyone is low-key prejudiced about something. Maybe you don’t think you like people that go out often, or people who like to spend a lot of time watching Netflix in the room. I absolutely recommend leaving these thoughts at home. You’ll never know who you will be able to meet and click with. Who knows, maybe someone you thought you would never be friends with will become your #1 best friend on Snapchat and your best friend in real life.
10. Privilege
This is honestly the most annoying thing in the world. I’m sorry, but if mommy and daddy pay for everything, that’s fine, but don’t act snobby about it. Don’t complain about going on an amazing vacation or whine about everything. Your college friends or roommate will be turned off from you IMMEDIATELY. Regardless of what high school you went to, you’re at the same school as everyone else. Going to a top notch private school does not make you any more important than anyone. The same sentiment applies to if you come from a family with money. Do everyone a favor and check your privilege at the door.