What Should I Pack for Freshman Year of College?

It’s an exciting time! Your journey to college is on the brink of transitioning into your journey through college. You have been following a purposeful path with major and school exploration, all the testing, applying to your top choices, taking school tours, attending interviews, and writing essays, all while managing to graduate from high school. You know where you’re headed next, and now it’s time to get ready to go there. 

Congratulations! You’re going to college! ...What on earth are you supposed to pack?

Preparation is Key When Packing for Freshman Dorms

The good news is that students have been packing for college for several decades. Researching what to bring will be one of the simpler projects you’ve undertaken in the last few years. Start with your university’s Incoming Freshman materials. They most likely have a web page dedicated to your packing checklist that contains details about what resources are available in your dorm, what is not permitted, and what will fit in your space.

Another great resource is the Off-to-College Checklist created by CollegeBoard. If you already have your roommate or suitemate assignments, start a group chat to divide the communal items, such as coffee maker, refrigerator, and microwave. Be sure to find out what sizes and voltages are allowed. If you plan to share a printer, make sure it has wireless capabilities, and ask everyone to bring a cartridge of ink or toner.

Chances are, your parents have already joined a Facebook group for the parents of your college. Rather than shake your head in embarrassment, ask them to search the group discussions on packing. Parents of older students will be able to share their experiences about things their kids thought they needed but didn’t, or things they discovered were needed after they moved in. Sometimes your real needs don’t completely match the checklist, and relying on people with prior experience is very helpful.

Consider Your Own Comfort and Self Care

Remember that your dorm or suite will be home for the next several months. You will do your best work in an environment that makes you feel comfortable. While college is a great time to try on new facets to your identity, don’t overdo it to become someone you’re not. It’s okay to bring sentimental items from home. It may also be wise to invest in a quality pair of noise cancelling headphones. You and your roommates are bound to have differing schedules at some point, and making sure you can have quiet time when you really need it is important.

Forgot to Pack Something for College? Don’t Panic!

Once you move in, you will discover something you need but don’t have. That’s okay! We live at a time in history when every material need can be met fairly easily. Make plans to get to the nearest big box store, or order what you need online. Better yet, ask your parents to get it and send it to you in their first care package. Alternatively, wait a week or two to make sure it’s really something you need. You might find you can live without it.

Packing for college is one of the fun parts of your experience. Try to relax and enjoy piecing together the elements of your new home. You’ve done the hard work; consider this part of your reward. As you step into this next leg of your journey, take time to reflect on how far you’ve come and dream big about where you’re headed.