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packing for college

Getting ready to head off to college? Here are some things you should think about!

• Be careful what you pack. The real trick of packing for college is making sure you’ve packed all the things that you use every normal day. A good way to do this is just go through a normal week and a normal weekend and just jot down the items that you use every morning and night.
• While you should bring some special items, like that awesome shirt you love but isn’t very practical. Be careful about bringing large bulky objects, dorms are small and there may not be room!
• Bring clothing that’s appropriate for the climate of the school you are attending. Remember you are going to be there for a year. You will probably be coming home for thanksgiving but depending on where you are going things can still get mighty chilly!
• Figure out if there are any dorm rules before you pack. I know that most dorms wont allow beanbags, incense or candles because they are fire hazards. Most schools will have these posted on their housing services website.
• Try and get in touch with your roommate before leave. You might want to arrange a time and place to meet the day before you move in if possible. If you’ve met your roommate the night before, the whole moving process will be a lot less awkward and you can focus on the hundred other things going on during the first day!
  • You should also discuss appliances and if either of you are bringing a TV. It won’t be the end of the world if you double up accidentally, but your dorm might get very cramped very quick!
• Think about majors that interest you before you arrive. At many schools “open option” majors don’t receive as much personal attention from advisors and counselors, probably because the open option sections are huge! College students change their major on average 3 times, so by choosing a major you won’t be stuck and it might offer you some direction.
• Bring a whiteboard that you can put on your door for messages! Bring replacement markers as they will go missing.
• Bring comfortable blankets and pillows. Most schools will make you buy sheets for special dorm beds and these packets include a comforter with it. If you’ve got one at home you like bring it with you and your favorite pillow if you’ve got one.
• Think you are all ready to go? Ask a parent or friend to take a look at what you packed, you’d be surprised how another set can make a huge difference in not forgetting that important item!
• Make sure to bring a notebook and something to store papers in. During orientation you will literally get bag loads of paper. Although only probably around one of every twenty sheets will be important, if you lose that one paper it is normally difficult to get replacements!

If you are bringing a computer

•  Make sure you’ve got a power adapter / surge protector for the extra outlets.
• Bring the right cables. You will probably need a Ethernet (CAT5) cable for internet and a USB cable for your printer.
• Make sure to bring a lock for your computer, especially if you have a roommate. They probably won’t steal it, but they might forget to lock the door or have guests.

If you are bringing a TV

• Make sure you’ve got a long cable cord so you can reach the jack anywhere in the room. Also bring a small extension cord so you are able to plug your TV in!

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