Moving in for the first year of college is daunting, and it’s easy to overpack for an unfamiliar situation. But trust every other college student when we say to leave the giant pile of high school t-shirts at home. Here is a guide on what to bring and what not to bring for your first year of college.
What Not to Bring:
No. 1: Your entire book collection
You will not have time to read any of them, and when you do have free time, you will likely want to nap. You won’t have much space for them either, so maybe bring one or two of your favorites and make room for your giant Spanish textbook.
No. 2: Every pair of shoes you own
You will never wear all of them, and they’ll just take up unnecessary space. Bring shoes that are comfortable to walk in and suited for the weather. For Moscow, I recommend a pair of sandals, good snow boots, rain boots, a pair of tennis shoes, one pair of formal shoes and your favorite sneakers.
No. 3: Fancy décor marketed for dorms
Yes, the throw pillows and knick-knacks are really cute, but they end up creating clutter. It will end up in the dumpster or the Goodwill pile at the end of the year, so save yourself the packing space. Unless it is practical, has multiple uses or will be something that brings to joy even after you move out of dorms, it can stay at Target.
No. 4: A printer
There are so many printing stations around campus that it will be useless and expensive purchase. Save yourself the space and money and use the library printers.
No. 5: A TV
You probably won’t have room for it, and your laptop works just as well. It won’t be worth the hassle to move it in. Plus, having a TV in your dorm makes isolating yourself all too easy.
No 6: Fish
Fish are just about the only animal you are allowed to have in the dorms, other than a service animal. They are not worth it. You will have to worry about what you do with them over breaks and moving a fish tank is never an easy task.
What to Definitely Bring:
No. 1: Shower shoes
Get a cheap Dollar Store pair of flip-flops to wear in the shower. It will prevent nasty falls and give you some peace of mind in the communal bathrooms.
No. 2: A Brita or pitcher with a water filter in it, and extra filters
Moscow tap water will taste like copper, and no you really can’t avoid it. Get a small Brita or off-brand water filter that will fit in your mini fridge. Not only will you have cold water ready to go, but you won’t have to tolerate the metallic tasting tap water.
No. 3: A long phone charger
Outlets in the dorms are never in convenient spots. Get a long cable charger so if you take the top bunk, you can still fall asleep to the sounds of Tik Tok and not have a dead phone in the morning.
No. 4: A big box fan
Your dorm room will be a sauna for the first month, and in-store fans always sell out during move-in week. Get yours before you move in so you don’t have to sleep on top of the covers your first night.
No. 5: A vacuum
Many people forget about this essential. You will track in dirt, shed hair like a dog and spill food countless times. You don’t want all of that to build up on your floor.
No. 6: Something special to remind you of home
It can be a stuffed animal, a nice picture of you and your family or a little knick-knack with sentimental value, whatever you choose. It will be a nice reminder of all the support in your life, and make your new, temporary housing actually feel like a home.
Bailey Brockett can be reached at [email protected]