Back in the old days, packing for college didn’t involve renting a U-Haul to take your student to College. My parents and I packed up my Dad’s Cadillac with clothes, bedding and school items like pens, notebooks, and my typewriter, and we were done. Over the years, that expanded but I was still able to put almost everything except two larger pieces of furniture into my Chevy Nova. Those days are over.
When we brought my daughter to college in 2016, we rented a mini-van and most of her stuff was crammed into it. And even though her side of the room looked crowded, she kept in it immaculate condition. She also had the advantage of underbed storage, which made that all possible. And even after all of that, we still didn’t have some things she wanted, so during orientation, I traveled to a local store and picked up a few things she could use. You know what? Several of the things we brought to campus in August came back home by Thanksgiving, totally unused. We had learned our lesson.
What’s the involved parent to suggest about packing for college?
How to Start
Well, as I’ve noted before, don’t let them take their favorite sweater, for reasons you can read here.
You can find online several lists of items to bring to college. College InfoGeek has a list you can download and use as a checklist. The College Board offers one as well, actually my favorite of these links. Another list is offered through Her Campus, though theirs is far too extensive for me.
The challenge with all these lists is that they are just too long: most students don’t need all this stuff, yet when the see the lists, they feel that just have to have everything on them.
Sure, bring their clothes, but not their entire wardrobes unless you have no choice. Keep in mind your student can do laundry every week or two! And make sure the normal academic things they’re used to, such as spiral notebooks, pens, etc. are included. The lists noted above contain plenty of items to consider.
My Must-Haves
Here are my must haves: take them with a grain of salt.
Bed risers if they’re allowed. They give your student much more underbed storage and don’t raise the bed too high, something like 9 inches. Get the kind that includes outlets since residence hall rooms often don’t have enough.
Power strips with surge protectors – at least three. Don’t rely on old-fashioned extension cords for safety reasons.
Shower shoes/ flip/ flops. Your student doesn’t need to discover the “joys” of athletes foot during their first semester.
Reading lamp for bed, and desk lamp.
Flash drives.
Laptop if you can afford one. There will be some in computer labs, but this gives your student added flexibility. Make sure to purchase a protective bag, too: you don’t want to have to replace a laptop too soon.
Collection of tools or small tool bag. Our daughter got one for Christmas a couple of years before college and often found herself the only student on her floor who had a hammer, awl or screwdriver.
Command strips. They really do work great, and can be removed cleanly. The maintenance staff are happy to see them.
Shower caddy. Gotta carry that shampoo to the bathroom somehow.
Refrigerator (shared with roommate)
Microwave if permitted. Share this with a roommate if possible.
Things I wouldn’t worry about bringing include matching bed spreads, comforters, or lots of kitchen supplies unless your student is cooking in an apartment. Most students don’t need coffee makers, because they aren’t allowed to have them in regular rooms. Have your student check with their college to see what is and isn’t allowed, in fact, you should check their as well. You might be surprised by how may common items are prohibited.
Also, I don’t recommend bringing a TV. Your student may still enjoy TV programs, but someone else will have one. Plus students are accustomed to watching their shows on their laptop or phone using Netflix, Hulu or another streaming service. Save the space in your car and ditch the TV.
I’d also recommend against bringing a gaming system, instead just bringing some of your student’s favorite games. Again, someone is bound to have a gaming system in their residence hall or floor, and this is a great way to meet other students.
My Daughter Speaks
Having recommended against both TVs and gaming systems, our daughter, who is a senior and third-year Resident Assistant says that many students bring their TVs because of their gaming systems, and game frequently. In her view, both TVs and gaming systems are fine to bring and needn’t distract students from academic success. So, make your own decision in consultation with your student.
After a semester or so—even earlier, your student will know exactly what they want or don’t want at college, and you may be surprised how little they can get along with. Just let them take the lead, and no, they probably don’t need a jewelry safe.
Let’s hope their ideal list of items to bring isn’t too long!