Packing for college can be tedious. I mean, how does one take their entire life and squeeze it into a tiny little space? It seems impossible, but in reality it’s exciting – you are about to begin a whole new adventure!
Campus housing at most colleges average around 12 by 19 feet. This is approximately 228 square feet of actual living space. To put it in perspective, it’s about the size of a one-car garage.
When the Campus View Student Housing Complex was built on the NIACC campus, it positively changed the way students live, play and study. Completed in 2015, there are several different suite options to fit your lifestyle and interests.
Still, when it comes time to pack for your big move, the task can seem a bit daunting. What do I need? What DON’T I need? How many towels are appropriate? Or pairs of underwear?
Here is a helpful list of tips and tricks to ensure you have everything you need to feel the comforts of home as you begin your journey as a college student and into adulthood.
A good rule of thumb when you begin packing is to divide the items into categories. This will keep your thoughts concise and organized when packing. Popular headings are: Room Needs/Storage, Linens/Laundry Supplies, Office/Desk Supplies, Electronics, Toiletries, Clothing, Household/Kitchen Items, Shared Items (with roommates), and Miscellaneous.
Now, let’s break it down by category.
- Room Needs/Storage
- These are things like a bedside lamp, alarm clock, trash can, fan, dry-erase wall calendar, mini toolkit, picture hangers and storage bins. Another option here might be a drying rack for laundry if you have some items that can’t sustain the dryer. Ask your mom on this one. She might air-dry more of your clothes than you realize!
- Linens/Laundry Supplies
- The obvious items in this category are sheets and pillowcases, towels, blankets and pillows. Anything you need to make your bed feel like home – bring it! For the laundry portion, make sure you have a laundry basket or something to hold and transport both dirty and clean clothes, hangers, detergent and stain remover. The two most forgotten items in this section are a lint brush and a mini sewing kit. You might not know how to sew, but You Tube can show you how!
- Office/Desk Supplies
- Anything you need for the learning part of school falls into this category. There’s the obvious notebooks, pens, pencils and folders. But don’t forget sticky notes, index cards, highlighters, tape, scissors and a stapler for your desk. Also, you might not think you’ll need these, but I guarantee you will at some point – stamps and envelopes!
- Electronics
- In today’s day and age, this category is fairly straightforward. Computer, printer, HDMI cord, headphones, phone and ipad are a must. Don’t forget to throw in a surge protector and AT LEAST 2 extension cords!
- Toiletries
- Again, this one seems like a no-brainer as it includes all the things you would need to get ready each day. What you might not think of, however, are all those products only used every now and then. Yup, they fall into this category too. Things like vitamins and medicines, band-aids, tweezers and cotton swabs are often overlooked. Make sure to add them to your list.
- Clothing
- You do not need to bring every stitch of clothing you own! This is a big one. Obviously, bring the essentials for the appropriate season, but I guarantee you’ll make at least one visit back home before the weather changes. Plan accordingly!
- Household/Kitchen Items
- At NIACC Student Housing, you can enjoy home-cooked cuisine through the various meal plans. Still, it’s not a bad idea to keep a few essentials in your room. One bowl, plate and cup will suffice, including silverware. Things like paper towels, dish soap, trash bags and lightbulbs fall into this category as well.
- Shared Items (with roommate)
- You don’t BOTH need to bring a television, small refrigerator or a coffee maker. The best way to introduce yourself to your new living partner is to divvy up the big items and decide who will bring what!
- Miscellaneous
- Earplugs – trust me, if you don’t have them, you’ll wish you did. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella or it will be a cold, wet walk to class. Also, a small, cordless vacuum is 100% necessary. Just because you “don’t see” dirt in your room, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Swiffer dusters and a small vacuum are well worth it to help your overall health throughout the year!
It might seem like a daunting list, but you’ll be glad you have some of these items when the time comes to use them! We are so excited to welcome you to Campus View at NIACC. Your new ‘home away from home’ is more than a place to live – it’s where you will form lasting friendships and create lifelong memories!
Check out Tyler’s view about living on campus at NIACC!
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