Helpful Hints
Jun 04 '00 (Updated Dec 17 '00)
So, you're going away to college for the first time, and you have no idea what to bring. After having finished my second year of college, I think that I have finally figured out what to bring and what not to bring.
Clothing
This seems pretty logical, but I always ended up with more clothing than I needed. Depending where you are going to school, you shouldn't need a warm winter coat until at least Thanksgiving. You definitely don't need it when you come up to school at the end of August/beginning of September. So, when you're packing for school, you should put your winter clothes in a box, and your parents can just send it to you and you don't have to worry about them sending you the wrong clothes. Anyway, apart from taking the weather into consideration, take clothing you feel comfortable in ....don't forget to bring one or two "nice" outfits because you'll never know when you'll need them.
Toiletries
In addition to your usual toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, etc) you might also consider taking along some Tylenol/Advil and some other medicine: Ny-quil, Robatussin, Dimetapp. Of course, "pharmacy" brands of these medicines tend to be just as effective and much less expensive. Again, take what you normally use...a trip to CVS or Rite Aid is usually enough to stock up for at least the first two months at school. Bring an extra comb or brush in case you lose the first. Keep it in a safe place, and if you misplace your brush and you're running late, you'll have a backup.
Bedding and Linens
You need at least two sets of sheets. This way, when you go to wash one set, you can put the second set right on. I wouldn't recommend bringing more than three sets, because then they just clutter up your room. The same goes for towels....you shouldn't bring more than about five towels. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with more towels than you need cluttering up valuable room space. Also, a "husband" pillow (one of those big pillows with arms) is great for leaning up against when you're studying/reading.
School Supplies
You probably already know that you need to bring notebooks, pens and highlighters, so I won't say anything about those. One of the most important school supplies is a computer, and if you have the option of bringing a computer, you would be very, very foolhardy not to. Your college will probably have a computer center, but it is much more comfortable to write papers in your dorm room than in the computer center. For one thing, you can eat snacks in your dorm room while using the computer, but you'd probably get kicked out of the computer center if you came in with a big bag of Doritos and a Mountain Dew. Another invaluable resource is a dictionary, and a big calendar for writing due dates for projects and important assignments will help you out a whole lot. If you do bring a computer, be sure to bring a lot of printer paper. You will be surprised how much paper you can go through. One other important item is a desk lamp, especially if you are living in a double or triple. If you're up late studying and your roommate wants to go to bed for an early class, both of you will be happy that you have a lamp.
Electronics and Appliances
Usually before you get to college, you will have a chance to talk to your roommate. This is an excellent opportunity to agree on who will bring what. Most colleges will allow you to have a fridge and a microwave in your room. Some colleges have independent companies who rent "Microfridge" units (a fridge with an attached microwave) to students, and this seems convenient, but it ends up being a bit of a hassle. A fridge in the room is better than a microwave, in my opinion, but a microwave is very nice too. You might also want to bring a television and/or a stereo. (Keep in mind that if you only listen to CDs, as opposed to tapes or the radio, that a computer can double very nicely as a stereo, saving you valuable space.) Personally, I think it's nice to have a TV in my room, but if you get easily distracted, maybe you should consider leaving the TV at home - it will turn into a tool of procrastination.
Odds and Ends
Bring a couple of rolls of quarters with you, especially if your college uses coin operated washers and driers. Quarters can also be used to buy sodas and things from the snack machine. A durable plastic mug is great for hot beverages. Also, bring a couple rolls of toilet paper; the bathrooms sometimes run out of toilet paper of Fridays, and they aren't restocked until Monday. You don't need to buy a 12 pack or anything, just a couple of rolls. An air freshener can be nice too. Bath and Body Works sells room sprays in most of their scents, and they also have something called a "jelly jar" that has solid scent inside of it that disintegrates over time and smells nice.
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