Packing for a semester away at college is hard; you don't want to leave anything behind because you think that maybe someday you might need it, but you also don't want to overpack and clutter up your already tiny dorm room. Here is a list of things you'll definitely regret packing.
1. An iron
Let's be real, how many times have you actually ironed your clothes in your life? And how many times will you iron at school? You'll have to set up an ironing board, rig an extension cord to plug the iron in to the one, inconveniently-placed outlet in your dorm, wait for it to heat up; it's all just too much work. Don't bring an iron.
2. Decorations
Dorm decor is super trendy and super fun, but super unrealistic. Pictures are going to fall of the wall and there are only so many trinkets you'll be able to fit on the surface of your desk. Aside from a few picture frames and maybe a couple of throw pillows, don't go all out with decorations, they'll just end up taking up space. Besides, you'll accumulate enough stuff throughout the semester to personalize your room.
3. Every Single Piece of Clothing You Own
Of course you need plenty of clothing options to choose from, but you don't need that many options. Dorm storage is tight so bringing every single bulky sweatshirt and baggy tee shirt you own is going to do nothing but take up valuable closet space. And don't lie to yourself, you're going to go on late-night online shopping sprees no matter how many clothes you bring. Leave room for those unnecessary purchases.
4. Food You Bought in Bulk
Snacks are a necessity; the dining hall always seems to be closed at the times you're most hungry and your wallet can't always handle another purchase from Domino's. Buying snacks in bulk, however, is a bad move. Sure, 100 granola bars for $10 seems like a great idea while you're packing, but I guarantee that once you're 40 bars deep into that bulk package, you won't be able to eat another chewy chocolate trail mix bar for a very long time. Instead, buy snacks throughout the semester, you'll want the variety.
5. Extra Pillows and Blankets
You might sleep with 4 pillows, 3 blankets, and a few stuffed animals at home, but that won't fly in college. Your dorm bed is way too small for all of that stuff and good luck finding a place to store it. Of course, you'll want to bring a comforter, a blanket, and a pillow, but anything more than that is too much. Chances are, the heat will be blasting in your dorm all winter long anyways and you won't need that extra bedding.
