Incoming Freshmen: DON'T Bring This To College!
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Student Life

Incoming Freshmen: DON'T Bring This To College!

Even if you think you're packing lightly, you probably aren't.

Alexa Reider
Aug 03, 2019
Pennsylvania State University
326
Incoming Freshmen: DON'T Bring This To College!
CollegeExpress

When I was buying things for my first year of college, I was naive about what to bring and what not to bring. Sure, there were lists of suggested items to pack, but everyone is different. If you're anything like me, this list will be a big help for you. These are my opinions, but who knows? Maybe following these suggestions will leave you with more free space in your dorm.

Here are a few things NOT to pack for college:

1. A planner for class. 

This might just be me, but I bought a planner and used it for only the first month of class. Eventually, I just used the Reminders app on my phone as well as Google Calendar on my computer. I also made friends with people in my classes, and we all kept each other in check for assignments and exams.

2. Excess clothes. 

I cannot stress this one enough. I brought WAY too many clothes to school with me. They took up valuable space I could have used for something else and were practically unnecessary because I wore leggings, t-shirts, and sweatshirts every single day. Sure, it's fun to dress up every once in awhile, but I've found that I focus better in class when I'm wearing comfortable clothing. This also applies to shoes.

3. A body-sized mirror. 

So many people think they need to haul a body-sized mirror to school! The dorm rooms have mirrors, and even if they don't, a handheld mirror works just as fine and is easier to carry when you're moving in and moving out. Not to mention, the bathrooms have mirrors as well.

4. Candles. 

This was tough for me too, because I love candles. They're an obvious fire hazard if left unattended. Most schools have policies that prohibit candles, but if your school doesn't have this rule, I still recommend not bringing them with you. A safe alternative is a scented wall plug-in. I like to change mine depending on the season. Winter Candy Apple during Christmas, anyone?

5. Don't buy books ahead of time. 

And while this isn't technically an item that you can bring from home, this is advice I wish I knew during my first semester: Wait until you go to your classes to buy your textbooks! On syllabus day, your professors will preach to you that you need the book for their class or you won't pass. Though this may be true for some classes, ask around. Find people who took the class previously and get their input. Also, test the waters for a week or so. If you don't deem the textbook necessary, don't buy it! You'll save potentially hundreds of dollars.

If you have friends going into their first year who don't really know what not to bring to school, share this with them. I went in completely clueless and it ended up being extremely inconvenient for my living situation.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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