Joining college as a freshman can be exciting. You’ve heard of all those sweet stories about college life. Now it’s your turn to explore the reality of college life.
It’s a new place for you; you might not exactly know what to pack and what not to pack. So to kickstart this list, there are three golden rules to follow when packing for college.
First, most college dorms usually have limited spaces. Therefore, to avoid congestion, only pack essential items. Second, colleges provide some things which can help you cut down your expenses.
Before you shop for the items, you’ll be carrying, researching, or even asking others during your scheduled college visit to get an idea of the college provisions. Third, you should pack less. Remember you’re not relocating permanently from your home.
Some Top Packing Tips for Freshmen:
1. Know What the College Provides or Prohibits
As a freshman, the worst situation you’ll want to get yourself into on your first day in college is that some of the items you’re carrying are prohibited, or there are similar items to those you have.
So, it’s essential to research what the college provides or prohibits. It will give you a better idea of the items you need to purchase and what to avoid.
Due to safety reasons, most colleges also prohibit students from carrying items that can pose a danger to themselves or other students, such as electric blankets, weapons, electronic cigarettes, fog machines, gasoline, electrical appliances, and candles.
Again, prior research will help you save money on non-essential items and the hassle of bringing all these items to college only to find that these aren’t allowed.
2. Pack the Essentials First
Like in writing essays for college applications, We first mention all the necessary points in form of headings and then cover those in our essay so the same is the case with packing essentials.
Before you go shopping for the items you need to carry to college, you should list all essential items. Essential items are things that you’ll need for daily use.
Therefore, if you fail to shop for some items, you might have a hard time while in school.
You’ll start mailing your parents to either bring essential items you forgot to purchase, send someone to bring them to you, or simply wait until a class break.
Some examples of these essentials include a reading light, lap desk, bathrobe, full-length mirror, first aid kit, shower shoes, umbrella, shower shoes, reusable cutlery, etc.
3. Save Space
Since most college dorms have limited spaces, you’ll want to save as much space as you can when packing items to carry along. You can save space in various ways.
First, you can use essential containers, including trash cans and laundry baskets, that you’ll carry along to pack some of your belongings. It is a priority step that will help you minimize the number of suitcases and boxes you would have used for packing your items.
Instead of using bubble wrap, consider wrapping some of your fragile belongings with blankets or towels. For unbreakable belongings such as quilts or pillows, you can use garbage bags.
Although some of these packing ways may seem awkward, they can help you a lot, especially if you find that the college dorms are a bit squeezed.
4. Try to Keep It Lightweight
When joining college, you should keep in mind that you’re not hiring a professional moving company to help you carry your items.
After all, you’ll not be shifting permanently from your home. Therefore, when packing your belongings, remember to keep them lightweight.
You’re the one who will be carrying the suitcases or boxes with probably your parent or siblings. You should ensure that every suitcase or box has the right weight.
Making the suitcases or boxes heavier will only make you strain to carry them all around until you finally settle in your dorm. If you keep them lightweight, you’ll be comfortable carrying your belongings all through.
5. Pack Your Important Documents in a Safe Way
Your personal and school documents are important. You’ll need to carry some essential documents, including a birth certificate copy, health insurance card, emergency contact list, academic certificates, school ID, among others. Remember to pack all these in a safe place. Documents can get ripped or wet if you pack them with other supplies.
The best and most recommended way to pack your important documents is to pack them in your backpack. A backpack is more secure. Just make sure not to keep your bag throughout your trip to avoid being stolen or left behind.
6. Don’t Forget Your Meds and Vitamins
If you’ve been under medication just before joining college, the last thing you should do is to forget your meds at home. Your health should come first.
Ideally, even before you pack other essential items, you should start by packing your meds. If you forget to pack your meds and other similar items, it might worsen while in college, depending on your health condition.
In addition, you also need to follow the prescribed dosage even if you’re not at home. Finally, when packing your meds, ensure you keep them somewhere safe and dry.
7. Start Packing Early
The clock is ticking, so start packing early. Then, when you’re ready, you can avoid last-minute rush and hassle. You need your body, mind, and things to be prepared as you move to college.
If you decide to start packing at the last minute, there are high chances that you’ll forget some items. Worst, you’re also likely to mix up items.
We recommend packing your items at least two weeks before you join college. The period is enough to prepare everything you’ll need and pack properly in your suitcases or boxes.
You’ll also get the chance to research what the college provides or prohibits so that you can purchase the right items only.
In conclusion, these are some of the top packing tips for a freshman. How you pack your belongings will determine the ease of joining college.
To avoid all hassles, the best thing to do is thoroughly research your college and make early preparations. Your life at college will be smooth if you have all the essential items.
