Students bring too many items to college
There are plenty of resources out there telling students what to take with them to college. What about those over packers who don’t know what to leave at home? Here’s a list of those ‘necessities’ that don’t need to make a trip to the dorm.
Pets (other than fish) aren’t allowed at most colleges. Mr. Çuddles, adorable though he may be, does not want to go to college. Furthermore, your college doesn’t want Mr. Cuddles. He didn’t send in an application, he’s not qualified, and he can’t even grip a pencil.
Fireworks, fire arms and other explosives aren’t good things to bring with you either. Even candles and incense are banned by most schools and they will fine as much as $100 per candle found in the room during Health and Safety inspections (something every college does).
Don’t try to be the cool kid and sneak alcohol on campus. It’s still illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol, but each university have its own guidelines concerning drinking on campus.
Unnecessary appliances (toaster, toaster oven, etc.) will just clutter up the small dorm rooms and are completely pointless since most dorm halls have their own kitchen or dining room. With that, student’s also shouldn’t bring a ton of food when first moving in. You won’t have a place to put it, you can buy it when you get there, and you probably won’t eat it.
A problem for most female students is the desire to bring every single article of clothing they own. I know, it’s tempting. You think “Sure, I never wore it in high school, but maybe pink flannel vests are all the rage at college.” They won’t be, and you’re going to have limited space in your dorm. You’ll also get a ton of t-shirts at orientation.
The last thing to leave at home is expensive jewelry or family heirlooms. College is essentially like sleeping over at a friend’s house. Only it’s not a house, it’s a huge college campus, and instead of sleeping, it’s living there permanently for four or more years, and instead of one friend, it’s thousands of people you don’t know. You wouldn’t bring your grandmother’s pearls to a slumber party-don’t bring them to college.
Don’t forget that you might also be able to split appliance and utility expenses with your roommate. It’s not necessary to have two tvs, two microwaves, two mini fridges, it’ll only clutter your room.
Split the TV and DVD player. You will watch a lot of movies with your new friends, and you’ll need something to watch them on. Also, TV can be comforting during those awkward first two weeks.
Share a refrigerator and microwave. If you and your roommate can be respectful of each other’s property, there’s no reason to bring two of each. Just make sure that you’re both clear on what’s shared and what’s not.
