So you've decided to go to college in the South. First of all, congratulations on your great choice! Whether you are attending a big, state university or a small, liberal arts college there is definitely a lot to consider when packing for your first year. From my experience, here are some things I ended up needing or wish I had brought.
Craft. Supplies. Even if you don't know how to craft, you best be prepared to learn. I haven't mastered painting Lilly Pulitzer patterns on every other object in my dorm room, but I have become quite the glitter and Mod Podge artist. I bought a very small cooler about a year ago, but that task is still too daunting.
Clothing is where I failed the most in preparation. This packing and planning needs to be strategic. Bring more than you need, because if one tailgate dress ends up posted on Instagram, you can't wear it to your friend's dance recital the following week. God forbid it ends up on social media twice in a year! Lilly is a fantastic option, but don't overdo it or you'll look like you're trying too hard. Same with monogrammed pieces. Also, buy ample storage and organization to fit it all into your dorm room. Be prepared to share. A girl's dorm hall is essentially a massive clothing exchange. Don't worry about stocking up on those trendy "Southern" T-shirts. You'll collect plenty through your sorority and other school functions. Plus, don't Southern Proper shirts mean more when you steal them from boys?
Makeup. Like crafting, if you don't know how to wear makeup, you'll learn. Likely some kind soul who will eventually become your girlfriend for life will teach you. Yes, you need it all: concealer, foundation, setting powder, eye shadow palettes, brush, bronzer, mascara, lipstick and all the brushes to go with it. Your hair is not immune to the South either. That'll be teased and ironed into perfect form. Forget what you'd learn in your 8 a.m. biology class you'll rarely wake up for, this is the knowledge you will need for the rest of your life.
Shoes. You'll obviously need an array of Jack Rodgers for the warmer months (and a fake pair to trash at tailgates) and Bean Boots for yoga pants and Patagonia pullover weather. A pair of knee high leather boots are also suitable for almost every post late-September event. Ideally, these would be Tory Burch, but a reasonable budget has to be acknowledged, so any pair without too many adornments will do. Another necessity: cowboy boots.
There you have it. Your fail-proof packing guide for any girl attending college in the South.
