There are a lot of things you need to bring with you to college. Some obvious like your bedding, shampoo, etc, but there are plenty of little things upperclassmen will tell you to pack too: dry-erase board and markers, portable chargers, door stops, etc. The summer before my freshman year I read all of the "What To Bring To College" articles I could find on FaceBook and Pintrest. But here are the things I definitely could have gone without:
1. Duplicates
I thought I would go through 3 tissue boxes before Thanksgiving... stick to one and worst case scenario you make a target run a few weeks in.
2. All of my clothes at the same time
I'm sure you have some really cute sweaters, but September is warmer than you think. Bring them back with you from Thanksgiving.
3. All of my shoes
Definitely bring rain boots, sneakers, and whatever else you wear on a weekly basis. Throw in a pair of heels if you have some but don't bring every pair of shoes you own, you won't need them.
4. Tons of snacks
Don't go to Costco and stock up, you won't be eating in your room as often as you think. Besides, not snacking is a sure way to fight off the freshman 15.
5. All of your hobbies
Bring a book or two and if you're into art bring your sketch book, but you'd be surprised at how little free time you end up having once you get involved on campus.
6. All the purses/bags
Bring a cross-body and cute tote but don't bring all of your bags, even if they match one particular outfit really well.
7. A bed full of decorative pillows
Yes your move-in pics look really cute, but by week two I guarantee they spend more time on the floor than on your bed. Stick to one or two.
8. Plastic Utensils
Save the planet. Invest in a handful of reusable utensils and a plate and a bowl or two.
9. Old notes
Someone told me to bring my high school notes if I was taking a similar course in college.... yeah don't bother with that. Everything you need to know will be in your professor's notes or the textbook.
10. My high school mentality
You graduated. Leave all of you old insecurities and judgments behind you. If you meet people who are stuck in high school, avoid them until they realize you're big kids now, no one cares who you were before college. (it's a good thing, trust me)
Leave all of this behind and you'll be ready to take on the fall semester.
