One of the biggest questions incoming freshmen have over the summer is, “What the heck do I pack?” It never fails…move-in day, freshmen are making multiple trips to Target, and Mom and Dad carry back home half the stuff you brought because you either didn’t need it or you didn’t have room for it. Be sure to communicate with your roommate over the summer. You don’t need two of everything, so divide up some of your shared items. Here are some essential things you (or your roommate) shouldn’t leave home without: Microwave/mini-fridge (if not already provided by the dorm) TV/DVD player Hangers Iron/ironing board (Yes, really. There actually will be times you want to look nice, and you’ll legitimately want to iron your clothes before you head out the door.) Plastic storage bins (Pack your stuff in plastic storage bins rather than cardboard boxes…they’ll serve as great storage after you’ve unpacked) Plastic rolling cart with drawers (Additional storage) Laundry bag or collapsible basket Bathroom caddy Cleaning supplies (Disinfectant wipes are brilliant, and if your dorm is suite style, you’ll need supplies to clean the bathroom with….and that bathroom will need cleaning throughout the year!) Mostly warm-weather clothes, but a few cold-weather clothes for those random cold spells in early Fall. (Switch out your clothes at Fall Break or Thanksgiving) A few nice outfits (If you get a date, you want to look your best) Dorm décor (This is your new home…make it feel that way) Personal pharmacy/first-aid kit: You’ll want to keep the essential over-the-counter medicines on hand. Bedding (most beds are extra long twin size, but be sure to double check with your dorm info), including a mattress pad Tech stuff: computer, power strip/surge protector, extension cords (Check your dorm info about what you need in order to connect to the Internet) Bed risers (if you’re not using a loft) to give you extra storage space Don’t stress too much over packing. With Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Walmart all within a 10-minute drive, there’s nothing you can’t purchase once you arrive on campus.
posted on 24.05.11

One of the biggest questions incoming freshmen have over the summer is, “What the heck do I pack?” It never fails…move-in day, freshmen are making multiple trips to Target, and Mom and Dad carry back home half the stuff you brought because you either didn’t need it or you didn’t have room for it. Be sure to communicate with your roommate over the summer. You don’t need two of everything, so divide up some of your shared items.

Here are some essential things you (or your roommate) shouldn’t leave home without:

  • Microwave/mini-fridge (if not already provided by the dorm)
  • TV/DVD player
  • Hangers
  • Iron/ironing board (Yes, really. There actually will be times you want to look nice, and you’ll legitimately want to iron your clothes before you head out the door.)
  • Plastic storage bins (Pack your stuff in plastic storage bins rather than cardboard boxes…they’ll serve as great storage after you’ve unpacked)
  • Plastic rolling cart with drawers (Additional storage)
  • Laundry bag or collapsible basket
  • Bathroom caddy
  • Cleaning supplies (Disinfectant wipes are brilliant, and if your dorm is suite style, you’ll need supplies to clean the bathroom with….and that bathroom will need cleaning throughout the year!)
  • Mostly warm-weather clothes, but a few cold-weather clothes for those random cold spells in early Fall. (Switch out your clothes at Fall Break or Thanksgiving)
  • A few nice outfits (If you get a date, you want to look your best)
  • Dorm décor (This is your new home…make it feel that way)
  • Personal pharmacy/first-aid kit: You’ll want to keep the essential over-the-counter medicines on hand.
  • Bedding (most beds are extra long twin size, but be sure to double check with your dorm info), including a mattress pad
  • Tech stuff: computer, power strip/surge protector, extension cords (Check your dorm info about what you need in order to connect to the Internet)
  • Bed risers (if you’re not using a loft) to give you extra storage space

Don’t stress too much over packing. With Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Walmart all within a 10-minute drive, there’s nothing you can’t purchase once you arrive on campus.