Packing; What to Pack and What to Buy There

Calling all freshmen! The countdown has begun to the beginning of your first semester in college; but wait, what do you pack? As a freshman it’s hard to remember EVERYTHING you’re going to need for an entire year on your own. It’s also hard to then fit all those bags in your car and actually get them to your destination. So what all do you HAVE to bring and what items can you wait and buy THERE?

Wait and Buy

• Laundry detergent; it’s big it’s bulky, buy it there.
• Have a double bed (or bigger) at home and a single in the dorms? Wait and buy your new sheets/bedding when you get there, you’ll have a lot more space for other items in the car.
• Whether you’re in a dorm or an apartment snacks/food are a must…but there’s no point in making a Costco run before you leave for college, just do it there!
• Considering the purchase a small dresser or nightstand; consider it once you’re there and can see the layout of your room, plus then you don’t have to travel with it.
• All general school supplies (pens, highlighters, pencils, calculators, etc) can be dealt with once you’re already at school. Traveling with little knick knacks like that can be a hassle to keep track of.

Purchase Before

• I suggest purchasing electronics such as a laptop previous to your move. That way you can get a feel for how it all works and have it ready to go when school begins.
• Depending upon where you choose to go to school your wardrobe may need some help; whether it’s buying some warmer clothing or some cooler clothing you might want to think about that ahead of time so that you’re wearing the correct attire when you arrive.
• A good suitcase for traveling home for the holidays is great to have with you before you move, if you get one beforehand then you’ve got one extra thing you can fill with all your stuff!

Hopefully this gives you an idea of a few things to buy now and few to hold off on. Moving is challenging in so many ways the last thing you need to worry about is if you’ve got the right stuff. Next challenge…fitting it all in your suitcases. Good luck!