As August approaches us, a big change is coming for high school graduates across the country. College is a huge adjustment for many and living in a dorm with another person can be a stressful transition. Maybe you have been planning your dorm room color scheme for months, or perhaps you’re just now thinking about it. Either way, these tips will help you make college move in as easy as possible.
What To Pack for Move In
First things first, you do not need to bring your whole room and then some. Many incoming freshmen make the mistake of over packing. I was guilty of this myself, but in a small dorm room, less is more. Bring clothes that you know you will wear everyday walking to class. Be sure to check out some of your local thrift stores for must have items at a discounted rate. Here is a list of absolute must bring college move in items.
- Tennis shoes
- comfortable shorts and pants
- T-shirts (don’t forget to rep your school!)
- Rain jacket
- Coat
- Nice clothing for going out occasionally
- COMMAND HOOKS
- Extension cords
- Mattress pad (your back will thank me later)
- Desk lamp
- Scissors (you do not realize how often you use them until they are gone)
What Not To Pack for Move in
However, you will need more than clothes. Getting bedding, curtains, rugs, shower caddies and shoes, etc. are all super important to having a comfortable freshman year. Nevertheless, let’s talk about some things you do not need to bring on move in day…
- Printer (there are many on campus)
- Kitchen appliances (any appliance that is allowed in your dorm are typically provided)
- Too many shoes
- Unnecessary decor such as throw pillows and knickknacks that take up space
- Out of season clothing (Switch out your clothes on breaks when you visit home)
Downsizing
Now as you are packing, downsize as you go! There are a lot of things in your old bedroom that will probably never see the light of day again, so why not donate it? There are many ways to donate but pickupmydonation.com will come to you and pick up your donation at a time convenient to you! The site has helped provide over $80 Million in funding for nonprofits across the country. Simply put in your zip code and follow the 4 steps.
It’s Move In Day Advice!
The day is finally here, nerves are high and the trunk of the car is full. You see your room and meet your roommate for the next year and excitement hits. All of your stuff is officially unpacked and you are almost done. Now, you only need a few more essential to complete your college move in day. Stores like Wal-Mart or Costco tend to have just about everything you need. Check out this list for some tips on what to snag on your college move in shopping trip.
- Q-tips
- Case of water
- Non-perishable snacks
- RAMEN
- Nail clippers
- First aid kit
- Air freshener
- Any and all laundry items you did not bring with you
- Storage for under your bed (if needed)
- PLANNER (if you did not use one in high school, now is the time)
- HDMI cords
Once you get settled and you say your goodbyes it is time to meet your neighbors and explore campus! Meeting neighbors is a great way to make new friends and also get to know the people you will be asking to be quiet for the next year. Another great college move in tip to ease first day jitters is to find your classes the day before. So many freshmen are walking around finding buildings and classrooms so on that first day you won’t be late and it is one less thing to worry about!
All in all, you will forget something and there will be something that one of the many packing lists you read will have missed. It is such a fun and scary step in life and it is unforgettable being on your own for the first time. However, remembering to pack only what you need and remember those command hooks, your freshman year will be off to a great start!