Here at HC Lasell, we are preparing for our first week of classes. Join us for Back-to-Class week, for articles on how you to can prepare for a successful school year.
Packing for a dorm room can be an intimidating task. You’ll want to bring everything and it’s super easy to overpack! Remember how small your dorm room will be, and try to only pack the essentials. If you need to, you can always order things on Amazon or make trips back home on the weekends or holidays to get whatever else you need. Here is a list of major items you should NOT bring to your college dorm:
- Clothes that aren’t in season
Let’s be real, there’s no reason to pack heavy sweaters and jackets the first few months of college if you’re in a warmer climate. Those will take up a lot of space in your closet! Sure, pack a light jacket just in case, but save the snow boots until you really need them
2. Too many dishes
Sink space is limited in dorms, and you’re not going to want to spend your time washing dishes. Letting them pile up in the sink isn’t an option either since you’ll most likely have communal bathrooms, or only one sink to share with your roommates. I would recommend paper plates with metal silverware! Better for the environment than plastic, and the silverware is easy to clean right after you use it
3. An excessive amount of throw pillows
I know this is a tough one. But realistically, dorm beds are small, and throw pillows take up too much space when you’re trying to sleep! One or two are fine and can really add to the aesthetic of a room, but don’t go overboard.
4. More than 2-3 sets of sheets and towels
Since space in dorm rooms is so limited, you really only need one or two extra sets of sheets or towels to use while the other set is being washed. If you pack more, you’ll just be taking up valuable space.
5. Things you can share with your roommate
Make sure to communicate with your roommate before moving into your dorm. Many of the big-ticket items you might want for your dorms such as tv, fridge, and microwave, you can share with your roommate and split the costs. This will save you both space and money!
In the end, try to keep in mind the limited space in your dorm and only pack the essentials. You’ll have a great semester if you have room to breathe!