Right now college students are dealing with a lot of uncertainty. One thing that is looming over most of our heads is the possibility of not being able to return to campus for the spring semester. If you’re a student at Penn State University, you probably know that campus will be closed for the time between Thanksgiving break and the scheduled start of the spring semester in Late January. That is almost two full months of being away from campus, the last thing you want to do is leave behind anything that you might need to finish up the fall semester and enjoy that much needed winter break!
While we get ready to depart from campus again, let’s not forget to pack our most necessary items. Whether that be half of your closet or every folder and notebook that you own make sure to remember them before you make your way home for the remainder of the semester. As somebody who left for spring break last year without many essentials, here are a few recommendations.
1) Textbooks
Don’t forget your textbooks! After the week of Thanksgiving we all resume classes for another few weeks. You don’t want to be at home and falling behind in a class because you left everything in your dorm. Make sure to pack these first to have some peace of mind.
2) Throw Away All Perishable Foods
The last thing you want in the event of staying home all of the upcoming semester is being allowed back on campus to a moth infested (or worse) room. Clean out your fridge and make sure to get any snacks in your bags or your food closet. Also, do your dishes!
3) Pack Most Of Your Clothes (Or As Much As You Can)
Penn State definitely exceeded my expectations for how long we’d be able to stay on campus, so luckily I did pack very little. However, packing most of your clothes will ensure you don’t have to scramble and waste money on new clothes once you’re back home if we’re not allowed to come back.
4) Take Any Valuables Home
I think it can be pretty nerve wracking to know some expensive things are left in your dorm and you won’t have access to them for a long time. Pack those up and if anything you can always easily bring it back in the spring. Make sure you remember any jewelry, money, medications or keys that you might need while you are back home.
5) Any Other Odds And Ends
While these items might not be the first thing that you think of, remember all of the little things you use on a daily basis. During your time at home you will surely need things like your various chargers and headphones. Remember your go-to pair of shoes or your favorite accessories that you use regularly!
There are so many things to think about as we head into the end of the year. To make things a little easier while we are at home, make sure to remember everything on your packing list!