Dear Quilly Girl,

April is coming to an end, which means summer—and the next school year ahead—are right on the horizon. While it may seem a little early to start thinking about what to pack for college, it is a lengthy process that only becomes more stressful as the deadline approaches. This is especially true if you’re starting college as a first-year, transferring schools, or just living away from home for the first time. Below is an ultra-specific packing list full of the things no one ever tells you about.

1. Pair of going-out shoes

Everyone knows that you need a pair of practical sneakers to get around, shower shoes for the communal bathrooms, and maybe some comfy slippers for your dorm. But no one tells you that when you head out to a party for the first time, those white canvas sneakers are sure to get ruined. For a good pair of going-out shoes, look for something durable and in a dark color—and make sure you won’t mind too much if they get ruined.

2. Mattress encasement protector

A mattress topper is a necessity for comfort, and so is a mattress encasement protector. Lots of dorms have bedbug issues, and a mattress protector might be the thing that prevents a minor issue from turning into a full-blown infestation.

3. A clip-on fan

Most people will tell you that you need a small fan, but they won’t tell you that you need a clip-on fan specifically. A clip allows you to attach your fan to bunk bed guardrails or to your desk. Make sure it’s battery-powered so you won’t need to have it plugged into an outlet at all times.

4. Bedside caddy

Again, this is a must if you’re going to be living in a dorm with a bunk-bed arrangement. If you’re snug and cozy on the top bunk, the last thing you want to be doing is climbing all the way back down for your phone charger or sleep mask. A simple caddy with a few pouches and velcro straps is all you need to make your bedtime routine more convenient. 

5. Mode of transportation

Campus can be difficult to get around, especially if you need to walk from place to place. Take a look at your college campus: do most people get around by foot or by bike? If it’s the latter, consider purchasing a lightweight, secondhand bike so you won’t need to waste precious minutes running to class. If bikes aren’t really a thing on your campus, consider a foldable e-scooter or even a longboard. If your area’s weather conditions require you to traverse campus by foot, make sure to invest in durable, weather-appropriate clothing and gear. 

6. A step stool

Your dorm, apartment, or house is sure to have a shelf that even your tallest roommate can’t reach. Buy a small, foldable step stool and save yourself the hassle of balancing on those wobbly two-position chairs.

7. Wrinkle spray

No one has space for an entire ironing board, but steamers can also be clunky and impractical in a tiny dorm room. With a can of wrinkle spray, you’ll be polished and professional in no time.

What NOT to pack

Of course, dorm rooms and campus apartments are small, and you won’t be able to bring everything you’d like to. If space is tight, here are a few things to skip:

1. A printer

More and more classes are moving away from requiring printed materials. If you do need to print something, most schools have printers at the library, student union building, or resource center that you can use. Even if using a school printer costs money, the total cost is likely to be far less than that of purchasing a printer and replacing the ink and paper regularly.

2. Too much decor

While it may be tempting to do an entire themed Target haul for your dorm, part of the fun of living away from home is decorating your space with college memorabilia! During your time at school, you’re sure to acquire new decor from fairs, markets, campus store sales, and other events. Trust me, having an aesthetically eclectic dorm room is worth it when there are memories attached to your decor.

3. Anything that might be against campus housing policies

Odds are, you probably won’t show up on move-in day with a giant toaster oven or halogen lamp. But some universities prohibit surprisingly innocuous items, including string lights, candle warmers, and extension cords. Make sure to look at your school’s policies before bringing something that could cause trouble down the road. 

While preparing for college might seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be, as long as you start planning beforehand, break it into steps, and enlist the help of your friends and family. Happy packing!

Xoxo,

A Quilly Girl