Chapter Thirty-Four: What to Pack for College....Sarah Edition!

Well, this is it.
Tomorrow is the day I move into my dorm.
The absolute first post in this blog was all about how excited I was to begin my life and see the world in a new and different way. I'm now on the brink of experiencing my dream...and I'm absolutely terrified.
I'm actually shaking as I type this. I've read countless blogs and pinterest posts about moving in and they all say the same thing: "You're going to cry. A lot."
I've already done a lot of that and I haven't even moved out yet. Ugh.
Anyway, I've been packing for college for a good couple of months, and I have kept track of it all. I've done this for a number of reasons:

1. I need to know what I should be returning home with
2. I need to know what I didn't use didn't need after all so I can pack better next time
3. I wanted to compose a list for you

There are countless other "What to Pack for College" lists out there, so mine will probably be no different than the others. 

Well, I guess mine is a little different. This is my "Before-I-Have-Actually-Been-To-College" list. Later on in my blog posts I might update it with a "Things-I-Really-Think-You-Need-In-College" list. Do I recommend you follow my list? No. Do I recommend you follow other lists? No. 

Why? The only person who knows what you like and what you use is YOU (and maybe your mother...they notice things). So when you are packing for college, don't limit or stretch yourself to meet someone else's experience. 

This list is a long one, so bear with me. Let's get started!

Bathroom

I was lucky enough to be rooming in a suite this year, meaning I have my own bathroom to share with one other person. My list will probably be very different for someone who has a community bathroom.

• Toilet Brush
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Foaming Bath Cleaner
• Febreze
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Hand Soap
• Shower Curtain
• Shower Hooks
• Bath towels 
• Toilet Paper (6 rolls)
• Box of Tissues
• Shampoo
• Conditioner 
• Loofah/Wash cloth
• Body wash/soap bar
• Razor blades
• Sunscreen
• Lotion
• Medications (Daytime/Nitetime, Pamprin, Ibuprofen, etc.)
• Vapor Rub (When you are congested and can't breathe)
• Q-Tips
• Feminine Products
• Retainers
• Make-up
• Make-up Brushes
• Make-up Remover
• Face wash
• Contacts (bring extras!)
• Contact Cases (2 cases)
• Contact Solution
• Toothbrush (I am bringing 2)
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Floss
• Nail Clippers
• Small Scissors
• Eyebrow Pluckers
• Deodorant (Don't be that guy...)
• Mirror (a small one that stands on its own) 
• Straightner
• Hair Brush
• Comb
• Hair Ties

Kitchen

I do not have a kitchen, but you will need some small kitchen supplies. Some residence halls even provide a "community kitchen" for students who want to cook a nice home meal once and awhile.

• Tupperware (26 pieces)
• Grater
• Oven Mitt
• Dish Brush
• Sponges
• Lunch Bag
• Dishes (big plate, small plate, tiny plate, big bowl, little bowl) - all from the thrift store for under $5!
• Reusable Grocery Bag
• Mug
• Kitchen Towels (2)
• Silverware
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cup
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Microwave (coordinate with roommate!)
• Fridge (coordinate with roommate!)
• Ziploc Bags
• Popcorn (5)
• Ramen (5) - Don't stock up on this...Not very good for you
• Canned Chicken (5)
• Canned Peaches (2)
• Instant Ramen (1)
• Mac and Cheese (6)
• Kellog's Pastry Crisps (2 boxes)
• Water (24 pack)

Office/School Supplies

It's hard to shop for a class that doesn't have clear requirements. However, it is better to come over-prepared than not prepared at all. 

• Laptop
• Laptop Table
• Batteries
• Notebook Spirals (2)
• Printer (coordinate with your roommate!)
• Printer Paper (2 packages)
• Ink Cartridges
• Extension Cord 
• Surge Protector (6 outlets)
• 3-Ring Hole Puncher
• Binders (6)
• Desk Drawers (An attempt to keep the desk clear for optimal space to work)
• Paper Clips
• Binder Clips (Can also be used to close bags of chips/other food)
• Rubber Bands
• Stationary (In case you want to be old fashioned and write your folks a letter now and then)
• Post-It Flaps
• Scissors
• Tape Dispenser
• Tape Rolls
• Stapler (Staples)
• Desk Lamp
• Books (Textbooks, Bible...Restrain from taking too many. Only take your absolute favorites!)
• iPad
• Back-Up Drive (Don't lose your work! Back up the information on your computer once and awhile)
• Pencil Sharpener 
• Desk Calendar (Stay on top of your life!)
• Planner 
• Index Cards 
• Notepad Stickeys
• Sharpies (10 pack)
• Notebook Paper (College Ruled)
• Graph Paper (Calculus requires graphing!)
• Filing System (Stay on top of your life!)
• Pens (Black and Blue ink)
• Pencils (Mechanical) 

Bedroom 

It might be shocking to see such a plain and ugly room and know you have to live with it. Make your bedroom your own - with your roommate in mind, of course. 

• Comforter Set (Includes sheets, comforter, pillowcases, etc.)
• Extra Sheet Set
• Mattress Pad 
• Stuffed Animals (Not too many...but bring some of your favorites to remind you of home)
• Wall art (Keep in mind your residence hall probably does not approve of putting holes in the wall!)
• Command Hooks
• Hand Vacuum (coordinate with your roommate!)
• Hangers (36) - Get the same type of hanger if you can...it saves space in the small closet)
• Under-bed storage
• Magnets and Pins (Adds character to bulletin boards, white boards, fridges, etc.)
• Pictures of friends and family 
• Throw Blanket
• Jewelry Box (I did not pack many accessories because I'm not big on jewelry...this is total personal preference)
• Movies (Pack your favorites! My roommates are providing a TV and DVD player...Most Laptops have CD Drives anyway!) 

Closet

I don't know if I have the best list for a closet since I have personally never had to live out of a dorm closet...yet. Packing the right clothes is key! 

• Nice/Cute Shirts (8) - For those days you just want to look like you tried
• Graphic T-Shirts (8) - If you're like me, this is how I like to express myself
• College Shirts (5) - Warning: You will get more
• Jeans (8) 
• Sweats/Pajama pants (6) - Can work for sleeping, studying, and lounging! What a deal!
• Skirts (3) 
• Dresses (4)
• Tank Tops (4) 
• Camis (2)
• Plain White Tee - GOES WITH EVERYTHING
• Shorts (work-out) (5) - Working out, wearing under dresses, sleeping...What a deal!
• Shorts (2)
• Professional Pants 
• Professional Black Dress
• Swim Suit 
• Belts (2)
• Tights (5) - Neutral, White, Black, Polka Dot, Sweater)
• Cardigans (2)
• Shrug
• Scarf
• Jacket
• Coat 
• Hat
• Boots
• One pair of nice heels
• Flats (2)
• Off-Brand Converse (2)
• Off-Brand Toms 
• Sandals (2)
• Flip-Flops - swimming and essential for community bathrooms!!
• Underwear (ALL THAT YOU HAVE!)
• Socks (BRING A LOT)

**You can stock up on winter clothes when visiting home Thanksgiving/Christmas break**

Laundry (Because this fits with clothes, since clothes need washing)

• Tide to-go
• Tide (Detergent packs)
• Laundry Bag
• Delicate Bag
• Lint Roller
• Mini-Sewing Kit (Accidents happen!)
• Hamper

Bike Supplies

If you plan to live on a large, spread-out campus, or will not have access to a car, then a bike might be something to look into. Bikes come with a risk...Many bikes are stolen on campus because other students wish they had them! 

• Bike Lock (MUST)
• Air Pump (Most campuses have air available to fill up your bike just in case, but this could come in handy)
• Pressure Gauge (Don't have a flat tire...or blow your tire!)

Well that is just about it! Please comment if I forgot anything...and keep in mind that you can always buy last minute items that were forgotten once you get into town. 

Wish me luck...Big things are happening!