Here are some of our favorite items not to pack:
Kitchen appliances
Most dorms will have a common room with a refrigerator and a microwave to share. Things like a blender or a toaster might sound appealing, but unless you’ll be doing your own cooking, there’s no reason to stock your dorm room like a kitchen. Save your money for snacks and leave the heavy stuff at home. (Note: One small appliance that many college students do find useful is the mini-fridge. Some dorm rooms come with them, but if yours doesn’t, check in with your roommate first—you definitely don’t need to double up.)
A printer
The computer lab will have one when you need it, and many professors will accept digital submissions anyway.
A vacuum cleaner
How much cleaning are you planning to do? (Sorry, parents. It’s true, though.)
Furniture
Your dorm will provide the basics, and they likely won’t let you swap anything out—so there’s no need to bring extra shelves or a dresser or desk chair.
Extra-long twin sheets
This one might be a little controversial, but consider this: For the rest of your life, you will never sleep in another “extra-long twin bed.” Queen-size sheets from home will work just as well if you tuck them in tightly, and they’ll be useful in your first apartment after college, too.
Bed risers
These are popular for creating extra storage space under the bed, but many dorms now ban them.
Curtains, twinkly lights, and candles
These often appear in stock photos of dorm rooms, and they might seem nice for creating a cozy vibe, but they’re fire hazards and are usually not allowed.
Clothing for all seasons
What you need depends on the climate, of course, but it’s a good idea to start with what you’ll use in the first few months. You can always grab more sweaters or a warm coat when you’re home for winter break.
A shower pouf
You know those scrubby things that somehow appear on every must-have list for dorm life? Skip it. Bring a set of towels from home, including a few face cloths you can rotate through when you’re delaying your laundry run. (But really, don’t delay too long.)
Pets
Everyone will be happier if the puppy (cat, guinea pig, bunny) stays home.
But do bring… something to remind you of home.
This is the thing that isn’t on any packing list except yours. Maybe it’s a favorite book, your childhood stuffed animal, a family recipe, a framed photo, or something else entirely. Whatever it is, bring something you can turn to in a moment of homesickness. (Just in case.)
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