REAL Packing List Ideas for College Move-In

Last year for my first year of college, I packed well in some areas and not so well in others. Here's the things I suggest you bring and tips for making your move-in (and eventual move-out) a piece of cake.

General ideas:

• Wall mirror--this may already be provided in the dorm, but try to check before so you can plan accordingly.
• Shower caddy--you'll likely have to carry shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shavers, etc. to the shower every time you shower, so a sturdy container with handles that will sit in the shower or hang on available hooks will definitely come in handy
• a drying rack--the smaller, or more foldable the better, but sometimes clothes have to be hung to dry and this will come in handy. It's also helpful if the dryer malfunctions and you don't have the time to wait for another cycle. You'll also want a small bathmat to lay under the drying rack, so that you don't ruin the floor.
• Stain removers--you'll be surprised how often you stain things when you're the one doing the laundry. A good stain removing cleaner (I used an OxiClean stick) will definitely be helpful.
• Command hooks--they're absolutely vital, and pack extras because you may want to move stuff around later. I got some that were easy coat hooks too. 
• A doorstop--check with fire code, but a good way to meet people is to prop your door open the first week or so, and a doorstop will be helpful in doing that.

Extras:

• Insect killing spray--because there might be bugs. If you're fine with them, don't bring it, but if you're afraid of bugs, bring it.
• Step stool--if you're short this may be helpful for decorating, reaching storage on top shelves, and even climbing onto your bed. I packed one and used it to climb on my bed so that I didn't wrinkle the sheets as much.
• A shelf for your desk--some schools provide bookshelves, and some don't, but there are a lot of folding options available on Amazon and other online retailers if you get to school and realize you need more shelf space.
• A king-sized/body pillow-if you roll around a lot in your sleep and are worried about falling out of bed, make sure to pack an extra long pillow to keep you between the pillow and the wall. Eventually, you won't need it because you'll get used to sleeping in what room you have, but it can provide peace of mind that you won't fall out of bed.

General guidelines and tips:

• Pack in things that are easy to carry--I used storage totes and duffel bags, and that worked well with the cart my parents brought to move me out. Remember that everything you take has to be taken back out, and it can be hard to move big boxes out without good handles. 
• Pack something that will help you personally combat homesickness. Maybe a favorite stuffed animal, or a graduation party guest book. If you want to bring a lot of pictures, consider bringing an album or scrapbook rather than several framed pictures. 
• School supplies: notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, staplers, hole punchers, binders, folders, index cards, scissors, construction paper, markers, stock up on whatever you can before getting to campus because bookstores on campus will charge more, and depending on your school's location, it may be tricky to track down what you need. 
• Weather at your school may be different than weather where you grew up. Research the region's general weather patterns, and then pack a few outfits for both hot and cold. If you prepare for unexpected weather fluctuations, you won't have to panic about a snowstorm in October. 

I hope this new adventure is the best school year yet! If you have suggestions for items I didn't mention, feel free to leave a comment, shoot me an email (acellistinthetubasection@gmail.com) or DM me on Instagram: @thegiselleevans. 

Your fellow cellist in the tuba section,

Giselle