Congratulations! You got into the college you wanted, and life is good. You’re ready to dive into this new chapter! Going away for college is indeed an exciting experience, but it’s also a big step towards independence. As a young adult, this represents the first milestone on your path to becoming your future self. To make the process of moving less overwhelming, here are a few key things to keep in mind when you start packing, along with some tips and tricks to make it enjoyable.
I got in, now what?
Feeling a bit lost? Don’t stress; it’s normal. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of essentials to help you navigate this transition smoothly. Your dorm will become your new home away from home, so making it cozy is a priority. Remember, you’re about to share your living space with others, including your bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Going through this list with your future roommate can help avoid bringing too many of the same items. Now, let’s dive into the list, but feel free to customize it to fit your style and habits perfectly.
Bedroom
To make the most out of every hour of sleep, you’ll need:
- Sheets: Check the size of your dorm bed before bringing or buying anything.
- Blankets
- Pillows and pillowcases
- Mattress topper: Many dorms don’t have new mattresses, so a mattress protector is ideal.
Bathroom
Dorm bathrooms might not be luxurious, but having the essential supplies can make them feel more like home:
- Towels: Laundry in college is not as easy as at home, so pack several towels of various sizes.
- Shower shoes
- Bathrobe: Walking around the dorm in a towel is risky, so a bathrobe is a good idea.
- Toiletries: Pack essentials like shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, razors, deodorant and any other personal care items.
- First aid kit and medication: Be prepared for minor injuries and emergencies with painkillers, allergy medicine, a thermometer and other essentials.
Kitchen
While you’ll likely have meal plans, having some kitchen essentials can come in handy:
- Microwave
- Coffeemaker
- (Mini) fridge
- Cutlery
- Plates and dishes
- Can opener
Study materials
Don’t forget the essentials for your classes:
- Backpack/purse
- Notebooks
- Binders
- Pens, pencils, highlighters
- Desk lamp
- Electronics: Laptop, tablet, phone, headphones, mouse, smartwatch, power bank and chargers
Clothes, shoes, and accessories
Pack smart depending on the season, your campus location and your usual attire:
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Accessories
Important documents
As an adult, you’ll need to keep track of important paperwork:
- Birth certificate (copy)
- Passport
- ID
- Driver’s license
- Student ID and other official school documents
- Meal plan
- Personal insurance
- Credit or debit cards
- Car documents (if you own a vehicle)
- Class schedule
Other essentials
Customize this list based on your needs:
- Storage supplies: Reusable bags for shopping, shoe rack, hooks for walls or doors and organizers
- Laundry basket and detergents
- Room decorations
Tips for packing
- Take only what you’ll use and that brings you joy: Avoid overpacking due to limited dorm space. If you didn’t use it in high school, you likely won’t need it in college.
- Print out this list and customize it: Checking things off a list is satisfying and ensures you don’t forget anything.
- Be organized while packing: Label and organize your items to make unpacking easier.
What about storage units?
Even with careful planning, you may not have enough space for everything. Renting a storage unit nearby can be a game-changer, allowing you to bring more belongings and still have room in your dorm. Storage units are especially useful for storing seasonal items, extra furniture and non-essential items. They also solve the problem of what to do with your stuff over the summer, as most students prefer to leave their things in storage rather than transport everything back and forth.
Moving out of your parents’ home is a big step, but with the right mindset, it can be a blissful experience. Happy packing, and don’t forget to have fun!
This article was written by Crina Bulz. With a strong passion for storytelling and content creation, Crina is currently working as a Marketing Writer Intern for Yardi. She is studying Communication and PR, constantly improving her skills in media, copywriting, branding and strategic communication.
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