A Guide: Preparing For College

Packing For The Dorm

Packing for your new dorm room can be quite an adventure. What should you leave, and what is worth taking? Do you really need all your shoes? What about dress clothes? Should you bring the CD player? Below are some tips for how to pack for the big move.

Tips:

• Try to contact your roommate ahead of time to find out what he or she plans to bring.
  
  
• Make sure you are not duplicating large items such as televisions, stereos or telephones.
  
  
• Find out what size bed your dorm room has and pack linens accordingly.
  
  
• Determine how likely it is that you will need dressy, formal or "date" clothes. For instance, if you are planning to join a sorority or fraternity, you will probably need more formal clothes than if you're not.
  
  
• Bring mostly casual wear for studying. Try to select clothes that can all be washed in the same cycle if you want to make laundry easier.
  
  
• Pack a bathrobe, shower slippers, towels, and personal care items such as your hair dryer.
  
  
• Toss in some school supplies, but remember that you can buy those on campus.
  
  
• Pack your computer equipment securely in the boxes it came in, and be sure to bring two good power strips.
  
  
• Take posters and tapestries for wall coverings. Take personal photos and mementos to dress up shelves and desks, and to remind you of home.
  
  
• Bring throw rugs or used carpet as floor coverings.
  
  
• Pack emergency items such as battery-operated radios and flashlights, as well as practical items such as a hot pot, mini refrigerator or microwave, if such things are allowed. Some schools sell or rent refrigerators and microwaves to students. It can sometimes be cheaper than bringing your own.
  
  
• Most dorm beds are extra-long twins, which are about 80 to 84 inches in length. If you tend to get cold during the night, consider taking an extra blanket or two.
  
  
• Sleeping bags make good portable beds for camping trips or extra guests.
  
  
• Some dorms charge a fee for holes left in the walls. Use double-sided tape for hanging posters.
  
  
• Duct tape. It really does come in handy.