<p>Over the years, College Confidential has featured lots of threads about what to take to college. But last week, CC's Dave Berry told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that packing for college is "like being at a buffet ... You tend to overestimate what your need is."</p>
<p>Instead, Dave recommended "spreading everything a college-bound student is thinking about packing out on the floor and then putting three-fourths of it back."</p>
<p>(1) A Mattress – I kid you not. My freshman year a boy’s parent bought a mattress when they heard how small the beds were. They ended up taking it back home when they dropped their kids off. Just bring a comforter.
(2) A safe – I understand you want to keep your stuff safe, but if it is too valuable in the first place, either keep it with you at all times or don’t bring it at all!</p>
<p>Another consideration isn’t just what to pack but how many.</p>
<p>For instance, when my family went on vacation last month, I knew I’d need t-shirts, but I realize with hindsight that I could have survived without six. Likewise, you college students probably don’t need to bring your entire set of “Days of the Week” handkerchiefs. You should be able to get away with just “Monday.” (But your “Days of the Week” underwear collection could be a different story. I wouldn’t stop packing before at least “Friday.” )</p>
<p>In other words, there is lots of stuff that can’t go onto the “Put-Back” list but definitely qualifies for the “Cut-Back” roster!</p>
<p>Keep in mind that you are not trekking into the wilderness. You can buy most things once you get there - particularly t-shirts, sweatshirts and sports clothing.
Don’t bring clothes you don’t wear at home. You won’t wear them at college either.
Don’t bring a huge pile of stuffed animals for your bed. If you must, bring one.
Don’t pack your stuff into a hard-sided suitcase either. A nice carryon with wheels is probably a good idea.
Don’t bring an iron or an ironing board.</p>
<p>If you live in a warm place (like southern CA) and are going to a cold place (like New England), you don’t need to outfit yourself as if you are going to the Arctic. Really - it’s New England. We do have coats up here - and we have a better selection that you do.
(You should bring some real shoes. A co-worker of mine showed up here outside BOston from southern CA with : flip flops and sneakers. )</p>
<ul>
<li>Personal books, novels, etc. You could possibly bring one of your favorites, but even if you adore reading, just leave the book collection at home because there will be plenty of books available that you can check out at the library AND… you’ll be too busy reading for your classes anyway.</li>
</ul>
<p>And sometimes there are even stores in the wilderness. One time, in fact, I climbed Mt. Washington and sweated through all the t-shirts in my backpack. So, when I reached the summit, I was freezing in a wet shirt and finally succumbed to the overpriced gift shop where I bought another one for the climb down.</p>
<p>But it annoyed me. It seems unnecessary to purchase gear that you already have at home just so you won’t have to pack it. But for those who were planning to buy new stuff anyway before heading to school, it can often make sense to wait and get at least some of it once you get there. Not only will that save some schlepping, but also it can be helpful to see what the campus style is like (and maybe the climate, too) before deciding what you’ll really need.</p>
<p>Oh, a Desk. Unless specified by your university that a desk is not provided, don’t bring a desk. We’ve had so many kids do this. And coordinate with your roommates, plus check your room provisions…don’t end up with 3 microwaves and 3 mini fridges because you both brought one AND one was already provided. =P Trash can is usually provided too.</p>
<p>I have always ironed my clothes before wearing them and didn’t intend to break that habit. Do most schools provide irons/ironing boards, or is it just unnecessary for a college student to iron their clothes regularly - in your opinion?</p>
<p>People are making it sound like you should leave clothes at home… I thought one should bring all of their clothes… I mean, you will be living there and all?</p>
<p>If you are flying and plan to camp once you arrive at your college (don’t laugh this happened to a friend’s daughter last year), DO NOT take those little Sterno cans in your luggage. You will get a nasty fine from the FAA if you are caught.</p>
<p>Do not try to sneak alcohol in IN YOUR MINIFRIDGE. Some idiot did this a couple years ago and the moment their fridge was set down, the door on it popped open, and the RA just so happened to be walking in. Needless to say, fastest write-up in the university’s history.</p>
<p>@ksar, a mini ironing board and small iron (one that can be stored away easily) are ok, if you HAVE to iron…but honestly most clothes I have at school don’t need ironing. I’m really not sure that there would be an iron/ironing board available from residence life.</p>
<p>@nattilee, it depends on how much you have in the way of clothing, and how close to home your school is. If you live far away from school, more clothing may be necessary, but remember that you have limited space. Pack seasonally, and don’t pack things you never wear. It’s also nice not to have to lug tons of clothes back and forth from school to home for visits because ALL your clothes are at school.</p>
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Do most schools provide irons/ironing boards, or is it just unnecessary for a college student to iron their clothes regularly - in your opinion?</p>