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Congratulations! You’re on your way to college. You can put all the standardized tests, the applications, and the rest of the stress behind you and embark on this new adventure. Education and independence await, but you have to prepare for it.
And that starts with packing. Which clothes, books, and artwork are coming with you? What do you need to go shopping for?
To help you prepare, follow this list of what every new college student might need.
Key Points
• Essential school supplies include physical planners, notebooks, specific tools such as calculators, depending on class requirements, and digital devices.
• Students living in dorms should pack shower supplies, including shower shoes, a caddy for toiletries, towels, and possibly a bathrobe for convenience.
• Packing a suitable wardrobe involves considering personal style, weather conditions, and budget-friendly shopping options such as thrift stores and couponing.
• Comfortable walking shoes are crucial for navigating large college campuses, but bring only necessary pairs to save space.
• Check school restrictions on what can be brought, and plan to share items with roommates to reduce costs.
School Supplies
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the only necessary supplies are a laptop and phone. Additional supplies can help students manage their college courses.
Even though phones and laptops have built-in calendars, also having a physical planner can be a good idea. Writing information down can help you remember it better, and it can be less distracting having school information in a physical planner, away from all those social media apps.
When it comes to taking notes, some professors don’t want students on their computers during class, while others may not mind. It’s a good idea to have a notebook for each class just in case, along with pens, pencils, and highlighters.
Make sure to check the specific course requirements. You’ll likely need some textbooks (you may be able to pay for books with student loans, if you have taken any out). Also check the syllabus for each class. It should be available early enough to read through so you can see whether the professor listed any required materials. If you’re taking a math class, for example, a specific type of calculator may be required.
(Tip: Since paying for college can be a stretch, look into renting books and equipment instead of buying them outright.)
Depending on how many books you have to lug around campus, you may want to invest in a new backpack or messenger-style bag. Some students like a small bag with roll-aboard-style wheels if they have to lug it long distances. The most suitable bag will likely depend on your schedule, how big your campus is, and how many classes you have in a row.
It might be good to wait to buy this item after you have selected your courses and know what each day is going to require.
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Shower Supplies
Students who choose to live in dorms will need to bring shower supplies with them. Sharing a bathroom is going to be another adjustment when starting college. There are a few must-haves for a comfortable experience.
• Shower shoes are one of these musts. A cheap pair of flip-flops will do the trick. These are shoes that are worn only while taking a shower. What’s the deal? They help to prevent athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that can result from public showers. Just make sure to rinse and dry off the shoes after each use.
• A shower caddy is another essential. Most students will likely be walking from the dorm room to the shower, so they’ll have to bring all shower supplies with them. A portable container makes this much easier.
• Shower supplies are also a must. The caddy will have room for your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and so on, and some also come with hangers, so they could be hung up in the shower. When choosing a shower caddy, look for one that is waterproof and has holes in it so it doesn’t fill up with water.
• Don’t forget the towels. At home, there’s always a stack of clean towels ready to be used. This won’t be the case in dorms.
• You might also want to have a bathrobe you can throw on while walking from the dorm room to the bathroom and back.
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Wardrobe
This can be one of the most fun parts of packing: thinking about what you’re going to wear. After all, it’s an opportunity to present your best self or a whole new you on campus.
You may have a stellar closet full of clothes you can’t wait to take with you. Or you may want to go shopping and take a break from the looks that you loved in high school. You’ll also have to consider the weather. If you grew up in Florida and are heading to Maine for freshman year, you’re going to have to get gear that’ll keep you warm.
If you’re the sort of person who wants an entirely new wardrobe for college, it’s wise to learn how to save money on clothes and uncover the joys of everything from couponing to hitting thrift stores.
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Don’t Forget Shoes
College campuses are much bigger than most high schools, so investing in a good pair of walking shoes is important. Classes may end up being a solid 15- to 20-minute walk away from each other.
This can take a toll on a student’s mood and physical comfort if they try to handle that walk in heels, unsupported sandals, or ill-fitting shoes.
Shoes take up a lot of space while packing, so try bringing only the necessary pairs. If your college is in a state that will experience cold or snowy winters, make sure to invest in some warm boots.
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Bedding and Room Necessities
What else do students need to bring to a college dorm? Most dorm rooms come with a bed but not sheets. Pack a couple of sets of sheets and a nice comforter. Some college students also recommend bringing a mattress pad and backrest pillow because you may spend more time in that bed than expected. Not living on campus? If you’ll be staying off-campus, look for furnished apartments to minimize your costs.
One important note: Look into the school’s list of restricted items so you know what you should not bring to college. The college may also list the furnishings that come with the dorm room. Check out your school’s website first so you don’t buy something that’s already there.
It can also be helpful for students to contact their roommates ahead of time and see if they’re planning to bring anything that could be shared. That could be a move that helps make college more affordable.
It’s not a bad idea to pack on the light side to help you avoid overbuying and spending too much on things you don’t need. If you get there and find that you do need additional things, most items can be ordered online, anyway.
Planning how to make the most of the small space provided in a college dorm is going to be great practice for when you’re ready to move into your own apartment.
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The Takeaway
Packing for college doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting with the basics, such as smart school supplies, essential shower gear, versatile clothes, and comfortable walking shoes, you can fully prepare yourself for campus life. Remember to check your school’s restricted items list and coordinate with your roommate to avoid buying duplicate items. Pack light, since you can easily order extra things online once you arrive.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
What are the essential bedding items to bring to college?
Most dorm rooms provide a bed frame and mattress but not bedding. It’s recommended to bring two sets of sheets (often twin XL), a comforter, pillows, and a mattress pad for added comfort. A backrest pillow can also be useful for studying or relaxing on the bed.
How can students avoid bringing unnecessary items to college?
To prevent overpacking, students should consult their college’s list of provided items and prohibited belongings. Additionally, coordinating with roommates can help avoid duplicate items, and packing lightly allows for purchasing additional necessities after arrival if needed.
What is a practical approach to packing for college?
Adopting a minimalist approach by bringing only essential items can make the move-in process smoother. Since most items can be purchased or ordered online after arrival, starting with the basics and acquiring additional items as needed is often more manageable.
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