For any freshman starting their new life at college, this fall will surely be a time of both discovery and excitement. However, it might also come with its fair share of stress. Last year, as I began making preparations to move into my new dorm, I found myself hung up on one thing in particular: packing. This was something that I hadn't really given much thought to until I'd actually gotten out my suitcase and started to fill it with clothes. As I began to realize that I wouldn't be able to bring everything, packing became a sort of battle between what I thought I would need and what I really wanted to take.
If you're a freshman this year, you might find yourself in the same predicament, but fear not! This past year has given me far more insight into what should and should not be taken to college, and I have some tips that will help you decide what's really worth bringing.
The main thing to keep in mind when packing for college is that you'll want to make sure your clothes are well suited to the weather conditions at your school. For example, someone in the heat of Texas would probably not need to pack the same clothes as a student in the New England area. However, if you plan to go anywhere in the Midwest, be prepared to experience the full range of seasons. For the fall semester, a good mix of both short- and long-sleeved shirts, as well as shorts and jeans, would be advisable.
Also, don't forget about breaks. For those who plan to return home, breaks are a great opportunity for a wardrobe shift, especially if you anticipate a seasonal change. Fall break is the perfect time to exchange the tank tops and sandals for flannel and boots. By switching out your clothes in this way, you will be able to maximize your storage space, while also giving your style a fresh vibe.
When deciding what else to bring (besides clothes), the most important thing to remember is that less is more. If your haven't used something for three years, it's obviously not a necessity. Remember that your storage space isn't infinite. As far as large items are concerned, the only thing I've found to be useful is a mini fridge. Microwaves may come in handy as well, but I never had one, and I never really found myself wishing I did. However, this was mainly because we had a communal kitchen on our floor. This is something you may want to research before going out and buying a brand new microwave. The kitchen--if you have one--will usually include a fridge as well, but unless you don't mind food thieves, it would be best to store your goods elsewhere.
Entertainment appliances, in my opinion, are a bit of a packing gray area. Some people (myself included) find it useful to have TVs in their room, for all your typical Netflix marathon emergencies. However, I've found that most people go without and never have any regrets. This is because the year is 2016, and anyone can watch TV shows and movies from the comfort of their laptop. TVs may be useful for large groups of people, but if you're just watching by yourself, they're not necessary. The only exception to this would be if you plan on bringing a gaming system. I'm not much of a gamer, but I did have a Nintendo Gamecube in my room (yes, they still exist), so having a TV to go with it was rather convenient. However, none of these things were extremely essential to me. My advice concerning entertainment would be to take what you're comfortable with, but don't feel like any of these things are necessities.
Finally, if you have any doubts about what to bring, just ask yourself one question: "Is this something I'd be uncomfortable living without for the next few months?" If the answer is yes, then you should probably take it. Even if you forget to bring something important, most things can be shipped or brought back over a break. Also, remember that you'll probably end up with more space than you'd originally planned. Dorms may seem small, but they're designed with storage in mind. Besides, as the year goes on, you'll get the feel for what you can and can't fit. Also, don't forget that this should still be an exciting time for you. Stress might come later; for now, just enjoy your first year of college!