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This post is all about what not to bring to college.
Congratulations on going to college!! Whether you’re a new freshmen or a seasoned upperclassmen, this post will help you be smart and strategic when you’re packing for college. This is a really exciting time of year (and life), but packing can be the most stressful and overwhelming part of getting ready for college.
Many college students, especially freshmen and sophomores, overpack for school and end up bringing so many unnecessary things with them. Not only is this time-consuming and annoying to do, but unnecessary items will take up so much necessary space in a dorm or college apartment.
In order to save space and time, it’s important to know what not to bring to college AND what to bring to college! Packing light will give you an easier move-in, less stress, and more time to focus on essentials. So let’s dive in and go over what things to bring to college and what can be left at home!
What Not to Bring to College
1. Too many clothes
Especially when you’re living in a dorm room, there’s very limited closet and drawer space. Packing too many clothes is going to make your room feel cramped and way too full.
I always used to pack by seasons, and whenever I went home I would switch out clothes to better match the weather.
2. Duplicate items
If you’re living alone, don’t worry about this, but if you have roommates, make sure you talk about what each of you are bringing to share things. Items like kitchen gadgets, furniture, etc. can be shared among roommates and some could be added to the what not to bring to college dorm list.
3. Kitchen gadgets you won’t use
If you’re living in a dorm, you can definitely be stingy about the kitchen items you bring to school. You really don’t need a lot in a dorm room, and when you move into an apartment or a house, be cautious to only bring things that you’ll definitely use.
4. More than one set of sheets
In my opinion, no matter what year you are in college, you only need one set of sheets. Having more than one just takes up unnecessary space that could be used for something else. It’s so easy to just take your sheets off your bed, wash them, and put them back on your bed the same day!
5. More than one set of towels
And the same thing goes for towels! No need to have more than one towel set if you can wash them and use them again in the same day.
6. Anything prohibited
Obviously, don’t bring anything to school (specifically in a dorm room) that isn’t allowed. Make sure to check dorm rules to see what not to take to college.
7. Appliances you don’t need
Look into the appliances that your dorm, apartment, or house offers before buying anything you don’t need. Dorms typically give you a microwave and mini fridge to use so don’t buy these unless you have to!
8. Excessive decor
You might not think about this, but too much decor in a small space will make it look chaotic and crowded. Going minimal and simple with decor will look so much better!
9. Oversized toiletries
You might think oversized or bulk-sized toiletries (like shampoo and body wash) would be super useful in school. But if you’re carrying toiletries to and from your room and need to find space for them among all your other things, smaller toiletries will be better!
10. Too big TVs
A TV that’s too big for your room is a good idea for what not to bring to college. Look into dimensions of your space before buying anything so you know what’s too big and what’s too small.
11. Anything from high school
Leave your high school memorabilia at home! It’s definitely not needed at college and will just end up taking up a lot of space.
12. Expensive items
This is also more specific to a dorm. Things can be stolen in a residence hall, especially if you live on a floor where people leave their doors open. Just to be extra safe, I recommend only bringing expensive things to college that you absolutely need (like a laptop).
13. Too many cleaning supplies
Multi-purpose cleaner and a small vacuum will be your best friends in college. Dorms or RAs might have cleaning supplies you can borrow, and if you live in an apartment or house, you only need a few different supplies to keep your space clean and tidy.
Things Every College Student Needs
1. Good outerwear
I live and went to college in Wisconsin and good outerwear that could keep me cold while going out with my friends or walking to class was an ESSENTIAL. If you can relate to this, make sure you add a good winter jacket to your college packing list pdf.
2. Comfortable and diverse shoes
There are a few specific types of shoes that every college student needs. Good tennis shoes, black boots, going out shoes, and casual lifestyle sneakers. Of course you can bring as many different kinds of shoes you want to school, but make sure that they’re comfortable and you have a shoe for every occasion.
3. Mattress topper
A mattress topper is a huge one to add to the college dorm checklist for freshman! Dorm beds need a mattress topper, and a comfortable one will absolutely change the way you sleep in a dorm room.
4. Nice backpack
Get a nice backpack that will last you all throughout college. Investing in a good one early on will really pay off over the course of using it for three or four years.
5. Mesh shower caddy
If you need a shower caddy, get a mesh one!! It’s way better than a plastic shower caddy and is so nice to have for the dorms.
6. A reusable water bottle
Duh! If you don’t already have one, (which would be crazy) definitely get a good Owala or Stanley for college. I promise you’ll use it all the time.
7. Basic kitchen supplies
Every college student needs basic kitchen supplies. Not only will you use them, but investing in good basics will be good for the future.
8. Basic cleaning supplies
Similar to kitchen supplies, every college student needs basic cleaning supplies.
9. Cheap card case and purse
A card case and a cheap purse from Amazon are college essentials. Any college student will use these every time they go out. It’s likely you could lose a wallet or purse at any time, though, so don’t spend a lot of money on these!
10. Small tool kit
A small tool kit might be on the list of unexpected things to bring to college. Having basic tools like a hammer and screw driver will be so helpful for fixing things or hanging up decor throughout the year.
Tips & Tricks for Smart Packing
And of course there are some things to keep in mind to make your packing easy, smooth, and as smart as can be. Here are my easiest tips and tricks to making the whole packing and moving process as easy as possible.
- Focus on multi-purpose furniture and use furniture to move your smaller items.
- Research packing lists well before actually starting to pack.
- Ask people you know who’ve been to college what not to forget to bring to college.
- Check out our ideas on moving hacks to make your move as easy as possible!
