After finishing my first year of college, I think I've figured out everything I could've left behind and everything that I loved having. Obviously this depends on where you're going to school and what you like to do/wear, but most of the things I've learned about what you do and don't need feels pretty universal.
Here are five things you WON'T need to bring:
1. A bunch of pairs of heels
Honestly, all those glamorous evenings you have planned in your mind don't actually happen. You're going to end up needing crappy shoes for any party you go to. Things spill and if you get anything on that new pair of Steve Madden heels you've been dying to wear, you'll be pissed. Also you'll just end up taking them off. Stick to having one or two pair (especially for Kentucky-Keeneland goers.)
2. Hardback books
There are two reasons not to bring these. One: they're bulky. Where on earth are you going to store them? Two: You won't have that much down time for reading. If you do get down time, I can guarantee it's spent sleeping.
3. Too many formal clothes
Like with the heels, you just won't wear them. It's nice to have enough for formals and, again, Keeneland or racetracks or events but too many dresses will weigh your closet down.
4. All your stuffed animals from home
I've seen people try and fail to repack all of their stuffed animals at the end of the year. It's just not worth it. They'll be right where you left them when you get back if you leave them at home.
5. Furniture
Most dorms provide you with all the furniture (yes, minimal, but still) you may need. You have a bed. You have aset of drawers. You have a desk. You have a closet. You don't need much else and you won't have room for much else.
On the other hand, having these things might make your life a little easier:
1. Comfortable bedding
You'll spend a LOT of time in your bed. From taking naps during the day to watching Netflix on your laptop until three in the morning when you finally decide to sleep. Make it cozy.
2. Enough t-shirts to last you a laundry cycle
You'll find your wardrobe reduced to that of a "trashwalker..." and that's okay! Just keep your trashwalking clean and bring enough t-shirts that'll last you putting off laundry for two weeks.
3. A raincoat/ umbrella
This depends on your location, but it will probably rain. A lot. Don't make yourself miserable by walking through campus without the proper gear. It's better to be dry and comfortable than to add wet clothes to that already questionably large laundry pile.
4. Good shoes
You're going to walk a lot. Bring shoes for it. Whatever shoes suit your feet. I recommend a good, broken-in pair of Birkenstocks or some kind of running shoe. You'll thank yourself later when you see a girl trying to break in a new pair of shoes running to the bathroom with a blood filled shoe trying to figure out how to fix her mistake (me.)
5. Pictures of your dog
You'll miss your dog most. Bring pictures, it's worth it. Bring your dog if you can, but chances are your dorm and your mom won't allow it. Pictures are the second best.
Figuring out what is and isn't necessary for your dorm room can take some time, but some of these hard and fast tips might speed up that process!