Unofficial Orientation Series: What to Pack

This will probably be the most straight forward of the Unofficial Orientation Series posts. You’re going to college; you’re packing your important life stuff into boxes and suitcases; you want the whole process to be as least stressful as possible. So don’t forget your shower flip-flops.

Everyone needs the basics: toiletries, bedding, school supplies, clothes, etc. This is a comprehensive list that includes more specific items and is inherently subjective. It’s served me well since freshman year, even though I don’t actually end up using/buying many of the things on it. If anything, it can help you cover the important things you’ll need, while reminding you of the less important but still nice stuff, like chocolate acai berries.

If you haven’t started packing/buying important stuff yet you still have time. Like two weeks. So maybe get on it! If you don’t like this list, there are a bunch of other ones on the Internet. Here is just one.

The list (broken down by general categories):

Study

• laptop/ laptop charger/ laptop sleeve
• looseleaf
• folders
• notebooks
• calculator
• desk lamp
• usb drive/external harddrive
• pencil holder
• organizing trays/paper holders
• pens
• mechanical pencils
• eraser
• scissors
• ruler
• markers
• sharpies
• scotch tape/ extra tape like duct tape which is always useful and can be art
• stapler/ extra staples
• sticky notes
• printer/ extra printer cartridges (library printers not always dependable. Especially not at 8 a.m. before your paper’s due and they’re not working or everyone’s using them)
• printer paper
• plain envelopes (if you like it old school)
• stamps

Organize

• backpack
• duffel bag
• whiteboard for your door for cute penis drawings from friends
• shelf/drawer liners (if you want to be that clean)
• tacky adhesive (questionable whether this actually works on most dorm walls. I’m inclined to say it doesn’t.)
• storage bins (especially if you’re living in a dorm without sufficient storage space)
• batteries (AA and AAA)
• flashlight (We’re prone to blackouts/snowstorms around Halloween time every year now. Prepare for that.)
• headlight
• iron/ ironing board (Most people don’t have this. You can probably borrow from someone.)
• screw driver
• sewing needle and string
• swiss army knife (always handy)

Lounge

• Extension cord
• Camera/ charger
• phone. duh. and phone charger
• headphones/earbuds
• mirror
• photo collages because that’s the only way you’ll remember home
• posters/art/decorating stuff
• rug (definitely makes a room homier in my opinion)
• door mat
• lounge chair/armchair/rocking chair
• fan
• books (to read. for fun. you probably won’t have time, though. But still nice to have).

Bathe

• bath towels
• wash cloths
• Bath robe (nice in the winter)
• shower flip flops**
• shower caddy (eh.)
• comb
• hair dryer
• body wash
• shampoo/conditioner
• razor/shaving cream/if you like hair ignore this
• face wash
• face lotion
• lip balm
• deodorant
• body lotion
• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• dental floss
• nail cutter
• contacts/contacts solution and case/glasses (if applicable)
• lady hygiene stuff
• SUNSCREEN (not that you’ll really need it in Connecticut weather. Except during our one week of sunshine.)

Sleep

• pillows
• bedsheets (maybe 2 sets)
• mattress pad
• alarm clock/radio
• comforter/comfy blankets
• tissue boxes
• facial tissues
• sleeping bag/ light blanket (when you sleep in someone else’s room you bring your own sleeping bag)

Medicinal Stuff

• band aids
• benadryl/allergy med
• cough drops
• motrin/tylenol/advil/general pain relievers
• cold eeze
• pepto bismol
• q-tips
• thermometer
• vitamins

Clean

• air freshener/room deodorizer
• all purpose cleaner
• laundry bag/basket
• laundry detergent
• stain remover
• dish washing soap
• sponge
• vacuum
• paper towels
• trash bags
• plastic bags
• trash can
• hand sanitizer

Eat

• coffee/tea mug
• dish set
• utensils
• cups
• tupperware
• microwave safe bowl/plate
• nalgene
• zip lock bags
• can/bottle opener
• refrigerator
• microwave
• electric water boiler
• Cutting knife/board
• Snacks (I always list chocolate acai berries but never get them. Maybe I will now.)

Dress

• hangers
• Boots (rain boots, hiking if you’re into that)
• regular shoes
• maybe nicer shoes
• shirts
• sweats/loungewear
• work out clothes
• sweaters/cardigans. o yea New England
• socks
• accessories (jewelry/bags/sunglasses/watch)
• hair bands/clips
• safety pins
• lots of flunderwear
• bottoms: pants/jeans/skirts/tights
• hat/gloves/scarf
• heavy coat
• light jacket
• hoodies
• swimsuit
• umbrella

Specific Wesleyan Move-In Stuff

• you’ll probably get a list of stuff you need to bring for orientation, but bring some form of government issued ID with you, along with proof of a bank account (if you’re applying for an on-campus job). Also, bring your insurance, registration info, and $100 if you want to register your car. 
• credit/debt card/$$$$

GOOD LUCK!!! Don’t think you have to bring everything at once. If you end up forgetting something, there are plenty of places around or at Wesleyan where you can get it. If you have more suggestions or questions, post in the comments!