College is the first time many students will live away from home. As you transition from living with family members to living on your own, you might not realize everything you need to have a comfortable and safe living space. It’s easy to overlook common items, like curtains or cleaning supplies, but planning ahead and packing efficiently can help you be prepared for the school year. Whether you move across the country or just an hour away, here are some helpful tips and a college packing list for first-time college students.
1. Customize your packing list
When you’re deciding what to bring with you to your college campus, make sure you start with the things you absolutely need, like bedding, school supplies, and shower shoes. Once you have all the essentials for your dorm room, you can add personal touches. Photos of family members and friends, decorations, or a small plant can make your college dorm room feel like home. Adding your personal style to your college packing list will help you stay organized and avoid overlooking something important.
2. Start early
You shouldn’t procrastinate when packing for college. Although you might buy your essential items earlier, you should start packing about two weeks before your scheduled move-in day. Giving yourself a little wiggle room will provide you with time to gather what you need without feeling stressed at the last minute. Plus, starting early will also give you plenty of time to go shopping for anything you don’t already have, like twin XL sheets, a bike lock, or a personal first aid kit. Ideally, you should try to finish packing a few days in advance, so you can spend quality time with your family or in your hometown before you leave.
3. Check your college or university guidelines
Every college or university has its own set of rules regarding what is allowed on campus. There may be some items that are already supplied by the college, such as a desk or wardrobe. Specific guidelines may exist for personal items, like the size of a mini fridge or the power of a microwave. Additionally, your college probably has a list of prohibited items (candles, pets, toasters, weapons, etc.) that are not allowed on campus. To avoid any issues, make sure you read your college's regulations carefully.
4. Talk to your roommate
If you have your future roommate’s contact information, it's a good idea to communicate about the bigger items you plan to bring. You won’t want to lug your TV up to the fifth floor just to find out there is already one in your room. Coordinating on larger items, like the TV, microwave, or mini fridge will allow you to optimize your space, save money, and conserve energy. Also, you may consider waiting to decorate the room until your roommate arrives to prevent conflicts and create a cozy environment that suits both of you.
5. Get rid of stuff you don't need
The transition to college is a natural time to get rid of the things you no longer need or that aren’t serving you. As you’re packing up your stuff, you may realize that it’s not necessary to have 12 sweatshirts, old textbooks, or your soccer cleats from freshman year of high school. Consider selling or donating the stuff that is simply collecting dust or taking up space. Plus, simplifying your belongings can make the move less stressful and your new space more organized and comfortable.
6. Be smart with your packing materials
You don't have to purchase additional storage bins to move your stuff to college. Often, grocery stores have an abundance of sturdy boxes they are willing to give away for free. Another useful moving hack is to keep your clothes on their hangers and cover them with a garbage bag. This will simplify the process of hanging up clothing once you arrive on campus. You can make the most of the space in your car by nesting items inside each other, using folded clothes to protect fragile items, or packing in totes that can serve another purpose later on. Finding clever ways to pack can help you save space in your vehicle and wallet.
7. Look for the best deals
Connecting your credit card to your Amazon account offers convenience, but having college essentials delivered to your doorstep can be expensive. To find the best deals for your dorm, you should research and compare prices. With access to your student ID and email, you may be able to take advantage of student discounts both in physical stores and online. Another option is to explore thrift stores for affordable dorm room essentials. Finally, engaging in buy/sell/trade groups or utilizing Facebook Marketplace in your new college town can point you to affordable second-hand items, such as a bike or furniture, that you won’t have to bring from home.
8. Keep your stuff organized
Safely transporting your things to your college or university is just the first step; getting them into your dorm room is another. Often, there are student moving crews ready to assist you as soon as you pull up. Even if you won’t have college student helpers, you should still label your boxes to ensure nothing gets misplaced. Labels will make it easier to recognize the contents of each box and to know whose stuff is whose, especially if you’re moving in at the same time as other freshmen. When you get to your room, investing in under-bed storage containers or over-the-door hooks, can greatly increase your room’s functionality and organization.
9. Pack seasonally
When moving to a new place, the climate might be very different from what you're used to. Don’t forget to research the local weather patterns and seasonal variations in your new area. This will help you decide which clothing and equipment are necessary and which can be left behind. Remember to pack important items like an umbrella, a sturdy pair of walking shoes, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun or cold. If you are moving nearby, you can keep these items at home and bring them later to avoid cluttering your small dorm room.
10. Ask for help
While you might be excited for your independence and want to prove you can do things on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your parents would probably love to offer guidance on selecting a comforter or deciding whether to loft your bed. You might even have friends who have been through the college moving process recently who would be willing to share their experience. Involving your friends and family in your move can make them feel appreciated for supporting you during this transition.
Preparing to head off to college doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following these tips and using our ultimate college packing list, you’ll be all set for your move. Keep in mind that you don’t have to bring everything at once. You can always buy more items once you’ve settled in and determined what you actually need. But most importantly, try to slow down and enjoy the experience. Moving to college is a major achievement that opens up a world of exciting opportunities. Good luck!
WHAT'S NEXT?📦Once you're done packing, check out these 8 Things Every College Freshman Should Know About Money. 💳A credit card could help you make purchases during packing and once you arrive on campus. Sound helpful? Take our quiz Should I Get a Credit Card for College? |
