At first glance, this post might seem like the most straightforward of the Unofficial Orientation Series. But scoff not, freshman or unadjusted upperclassman, packing for college is anything but a piece of cake. You’re placing some of your most prized and cherished possessions into flimsy boxes and suitcases, making difficult choices about what you’ll keep with you for the next nine months of your life– how could it not be stressful?!

By now your mom has probably found Wesleyan’s official packing list and, much to your chagrin, has begun scrounging around your garage for old milk crates and pillow shams. While mumsy dearest probably knows what you’ll need best, you might also benefit from a list compiled by a person who’s actually your age.

Of course, everyone needs the basics: toiletries, bedding, school supplies, and clothes, but at Wesleyan, as you’ll quickly learn, we tend to do almost everything a little bit differently.