As an incoming college student, I was both super excited to move into my new room and super overwhelmed when I would try and think about what I should actually bring with me. After all, how on earth was I supposed to fit a couch, a piano, a TV, and a roommate into one room? I spent hours scrolling, trying to figure out what exactly to bring, and found myself still clueless. My goal in this blog is to ease these concerns by extending a few pieces of advice and providing a master packing list.
Talk to Your Roommate!
While it probably seems rather obvious that you should be communicating with your roommate, I would challenge you to also be talking to them about dorm topics. Fantasy football is great, and there will certainly be plenty of time to talk about that, but now is the time to discuss your room. Be sure to communicate with your roommate about items like a fridge, microwave, garbage can, vacuum, coffee maker, and floor rug, as these are often items that are shared between roommates. Believe me, you do not want to have two mini-fridges in the same room!
Don’t Pack the Day Before You Leave
As someone who is habitually guilty of not packing until the absolute latest possible opportunity to do so, I would strongly urge you to make a different decision when it comes to how you will pack. When your parents begin to say, “Hey, you should start packing,” three weeks before school starts, it’s probably because they are wise, not because they want you to be miserable. Not only will this relieve much stress when you get closer to moving in, but it will also allow you to check what you have and what you don’t have once again before you leave.
There Are Other Stores Nearby!
You may find yourself worried because you are simply certain that you forgot something. And if you’re anything like me, chances are you probably did. My freshman year, one of my closest friends managed to forget all of his socks! Don’t worry, though. There are many stores around Cedarville and the Cedarville area for anything that you need. Between the Dollar General across the street and the Target 20 minutes away from campus, you will find it quite easy to find any items that you forgot at home.
Stay in the Word
I want to remind you that college is going to be challenging. Your entire world is going to look quite different very soon. However, while everything else will change, the Lord remains constant. A passage like Psalm 136:1 has meant a lot to me:
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
for His steadfast love endures forever.
Stay in the Word and abide by it, as this is the best tip I could possibly give you when it comes to battling a whole array of move-in week fears.
This upcoming year will be a time of great joy and great growth for you, and I am ecstatic to be able to see how the Lord uses it to shape you for the rest of your life. Welcome home! I am so excited to be able to be a Yellow Jacket alongside you.
My Master Packing List
Now, I said that I would provide a packing list, so here is a potential list that you could use. This may not include everything that you will want, but hopefully it gives you a good starting place!
Dorm Room
- Pillow and pillowcases
- Comforter
- Sheets
- Desk lamp
- 50-ft string of lights
- Throw blanket and pillows
- Laundry basket
- Snacks
- Hangers
- Garbage can
- Fan
- Mattress pad and cover
- Command hooks
- Under-the-bed storage
- Room decoration
Clothing
- Underwear
- Socks
- Jeans
- Pants
- Belt
- Sweatshirts/hoodies
- Pajamas
- Shorts
- T-Shirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweaters
- Dress shirts
- Athletic wear
- Jackets
- Coats
- Gloves
- Hat
- Scarf
- Swimsuit
- Everyday shoes
- Running shoes
- Sandals
- Boots
- Sunglasses
Desk/School Supplies
- Backpack
- Notebooks
- Binder
- Planner or bullet journal
- Pens/pencils
- Folders
- Highlighters
- Notebook paper
- Calculator
- Ruler
- Binder clips/paper clips
- Sticky notes
- Index cards
- Stapler and staples
- Scissors
- Whiteout
- Tape
Bathroom and Toiletries
- Bath towels and hand towels
- Washcloths
- Shower shoes
- Loofah
- Shower caddy
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Mouthwash
- Floss
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
- Q-tips
- Lotion
- Skin care
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Medicine (cold medicine, Advil, cough drops, etc.)
- Melatonin
- Band-aids
- Neosporin/Hydrocortisone
- Vitamins/supplements
- Chapstick
- Sunscreen
- Nail clippers
Electronics
- Laptop and charger
- Phone charger
- Extension cords
- Earbuds/headphones
- Speaker
- Power strips
Cleaning/Laundry
- Laundry detergent
- Stain remover
- Paper towels
- Vacuum
- Multi-purpose spray
- Dish soap
- Trash bags
- Clorox wipes
Convenient (you will not need all of these unless applying for a job)
- Driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Banking info
- Car registration and insurance
- Debit card
Kitchen
- Water bottle
- Mugs
- Brita filter pitcher
- Insulated mug/tumbler
- Ziploc bags/plastic containers
- Plastic utensils/paper plates
- Silverware/plastic dishes
- Knife/cutting board
Miscellaneous
- Tissues
- Umbrella
- Duffel bag/suitcase
- Games
- Sleeping bag
Shared Items
- Rug
- Coffee maker
- Curtains
- Microwave (1000 watts max)
- Mini fridge (4 cubic feet max and rated to draw no more than 2.5 amps)
Major & Year: Biblical Studies, class of 2027
Tags: #freshman, #freshmen, #gettingstarted, #studentlife, #tips, Getting Started, incoming students, male student, packing list
Posted in: College Life, Getting Started, Practical Tips, Student Guide, Uncategorized