What To (And Not To) Take To College
Are you heading to college next month? As a staff we smile when we think of those cars, trucks and vans that arrive on campus with first-year students in them. They usually are overflowing with all sorts of things, only to have the parents head home with the vehicle half full because some of what arrived with them just doesn’t fit, isn’t necessary, or the roommate already has one so you don’t need yours there too. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but here are some thoughts we hope you find helpful:
WHAT TO TAKE:
Academics/Office Supplies
- A calendar where you can lay out your fall schedule of classes; note the dates of papers, exams and any other course obligations; and map out campus activities you want to be sure you attend
- Binders, folders and pads of paper for organizing your course notes and work
- Backpack (be sure to get one with nicely padded straps so it won’t hurt your back or shoulders)
- A list of important phone numbers, email addresses and mailing addresses (both personal and academic)
- Stapler, three-hole punch, paper clips, note cards, pens and pencils, highlighters
Technology/Electronics
- Cell phone (check to see if you will have good service coverage in the area your college is in)
- Alarm clock (if you don’t have a cell phone)
- USB flash drive to store your files (it’s smart to get one that you can keep on your key ring so you can minimize the chance of actually losing your files. Also be sure to back them up regularly on your computer or a cloud environment so that all of your files are not solely on a flash drive.)
- MP3 player and earphones
- Laptop
- An iPad or Nook (Check with the school to see if any of your textbooks are e-books. You can download them on the iPad or Nook and then not have to carry around heavy textbooks)
- Power strip (check to see if the school has any restrictions/specifications on these)
- Inexpensive camera
- Small refrigerator
- Microwave
Basic Needs/Care
- Pillow and sheets (typically extra-long twin sheets, but be sure to check with your school)
- Plenty of towels and wash cloths
- Water bottle so you can stay hydrated on the walk to class
- Flashlight
- Laundry items (laundry bag, detergent, fabric softener, quarters, etc.)
- Favorite photos, posters and “must haves” from home (but remember the limited space in the dorm rooms)
- Mounting tape/poster putty to hang the posters/pictures on the walls (most schools will not allow you to hammer nails into the walls)
- Shower bucket with shower shoes, soap dish, etc.
- All of your personal care items, such as: toothpaste, a few toothbrushes, shampoo, etc.
- An oscillating fan or window fan if your dorm is not air conditioned or has poor air flow
- Clothes (be sure to pack a swimsuit, exercise clothes, a nice outfit or two for interviews or presentations, and then regular clothes for going to class and hanging out with friends. Try to just pack for the current or up-coming season and not the whole year.)
- Umbrella
- Simple foods to store and cook (and not all snack foods. Be sure to get healthy foods to fuel your body and brain. Also, don’t forget dining utensils, cups and plates.)
- A first aid kit and important medications (prescriptions and also standard pain relievers like Tylenol/Ibuprofen)
- A sewing kit
- All-purpose cleaner or sanitization wipes to clean your dorm room and keep it fresh and germ-free
WHAT NOT TO TAKE:
- Large appliances/furniture
- Expensive jewelry
- Video games (you’ll have lots of other uses for your time)
- Candles (take an air freshener instead)
- Hot plates/toasters
- Car (may be a big hassle, expensive or even not allowed for first-year students – do a little research before you take it to campus)
- Fire arms (these are not allowed on college campuses, even if you hunt recreationally. Leave these at home)
- Pets (most colleges don’t allow them. A fish is usually allowed, though)
If you know who your roommate is ahead of time, check and see what all they are bringing so that you can coordinate what you need to buy and what they need to buy. This will eliminate duplicate items in such a small space. If you do not know your roommate, you might want to wait to make some purchases until you meet them and make an arrangement to share certain items in order to, again, conserve space in the dorm room.
Publication Date: July 2012
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