To all my fellow Iowa students, we have a week until we head back to school for Spring semester. This means getting all our last minute shopping, hanging with family, and packing done before we have to make the drive back to Iowa City. As a senior, I've had much experience with forgetting things at home when packing in a rush to get back to school, so I listed five of the most important things you need on your packing check list:
Apartment keys
You haven't used them in a month, so you probably don't even remember where you put them. If they aren't attached to your car keys, like mine aren't, you probably put them in a "safe space" to forget about. This has happened to both me and my boyfriend, so make sure you triple check your pocket for your apartment keys before heading back to school or you'll be breaking down your door or standing in the cold until a roommate gets there.
Expensive groceries
This is your change to get store brand cereal so get your parents to take you to Walmart and grab you some of your favorite name brand groceries before you go back to school and have to be all Hy-Vee brand. This will save you money and a trip to the grocery store so it's a two for one!
Toothbrush
This is also something I feel like a lot of people forget about because when you're packing your toothbrush probably isn't in your room so you don't think to pack it. You used it (hopefully) that morning, so it isn't something you can pack ahead of time, and usually ends up being something you forget. Although it's an easy couple dollars to replace, it forces you the inconvenience of going to the store the day you get back so don't forget to check your bathroom before leaving to go back to school.
Phone/computer charger
Again, this is probably something you can't pack ahead of time because if you are like me you're using this up until the morning you leave. It's typically hidden behind/under your bed and unless your phone or computer is dying you really don't think about it. This is a pricier to replace and a dead phone is honestly a tragedy so leave a note for yourself or set an alarm on your phone so you don't forget these two important items.
School ID
Similar to your keys, you probably haven't used your school ID in a month, but you'll definitely need it when going back to school for things like the gym and taking tests, so make sure you didn't put it in a weird place. Mine usually stays in my backpack or wallet but I know people who have left it at home and had to pay the fee for a new one, so double check to make sure you have it and you'll be set.
I am the world's biggest over-packer, but I forget something 9/10 times so I truly do know the necessity of a check list and double checking your packed items. I hope these five things make it back with you to school, and that you have a great Spring semester!
