Your mind must be confused when you are getting ready to head to college for the first time. Questions like, what should you take with you? What are the things that you can leave behind at home? How will you get all your things to college? Read on and know what should be on your packing list for college.
Colleges usually provide a whole list of allowed, prohibited, and required items in the dormitory. You must ensure that you have a printout of that list and check it with the things you have packed before leaving for college.
If your college is close to home, then a couple of trips to and from college with your stuff stacked in the car will be enough. It, however, gets tricky if you are moving to another state for your studies.
The generally approved items to include in your packing can be divided into bedding, toiletries, laundry, clothes, school supplies, electronic equipment, and food/snacks. Also, since your dorm will be your home for the entire year, you can bring in some of your treasured personal possessions like family photos, favorite books, or any other things that remind you of home. This will help you feel less lonely and have a piece of home in your new place.
It would be a good idea to talk to students already living in the dorms. They will most definitely tell you what the ‘must-haves’ are and what you should not bother with. Another very important step is the careful completion of your housing contract. Any incomplete or wrong information could change your living conditions and expectations drastically.
Bedding and Toiletries
Having your own blanket and comforter can actually help you sleep better. Throw in a few extra bedsheets and pillows. Hand and bath towels, soap, shampoo, hairbrushes and toothbrushes, lotions, cosmetics, shaving kit, some bathroom cleaning products all need to be included. Another essential is a first aid kit and prescription medicines, vitamins, and cough syrup, which should cut down your trips to the dorm healthcare center.
Clothes and Laundry
Closet space will be limited, so only pack clothes that you know you will wear, which should also be appropriate for the college’s weather. A good detergent, bleach, a laundry basket, starch, and iron are must packs. Also, make sure to include good shoes, sandals, sneakers, and formal wear.
School Supplies and Electronics
A strong and sturdy backpack and stationery items, a laptop or a tablet, extra chargers, a good quality headset are again extremely important items that are going to help you throughout your stay in the dorm.
Food and Snacks
The dorm room will Probably have a refrigerator and a common kitchen that might not be as satisfying as you would want. Nevertheless, you might be able to use it to make yourself a healthy meal once in a while. You can store dry food items such as chips, granola bars, and cereal in the dorm. Also, sodas and fruit juices and jams and jellies can be stored easily for when you feel like munching on something. Apart from these, disposable cups and plates are a good idea. You may also require can openers, mittens, foil, and microwave-safe containers.
Other Essentials
Other equally essential items include an umbrella, a handy tool kit, safety pins, locks, and an emergency light. Also, make it a point to always have your student’s ID, debit card, car registration, and insurance papers, your driver’s license, your medical insurance card, Social Security card, emergency contact numbers, or any other documents that you might require during your time in the college dorm.
