11/50 (22%)
It’s telling me that I’m nine books behind (18%) which isn’t good… But I have two books (at least) on the go right now, so I’m expecting to have at least 2 or 3 more books completed by next Sunday :)
The list of what to bring to college. I thought it would be useful for all those people starting their first year. This list comes from what I brought with me to dorm. At the end I’ll discuss the items I brought that I shouldn’t have, or the things I wish I’d brought and why for both. So enjoy :)
I also lived in a single room so with no roommate to clutter up some of my space.
One of the most important things to remember is that you don’t need to bring your life to college. You have a limited amount of space that you’re probably sharing with another person. Keep it light, keep it neat. Your life now consists of dorms, classes, dining hall, and parties. You’re going to be seeing the same people every day and doing the same thing every day. Don’t let this list influence you to buy stuff that you’re not going to use, because the main thing here is saving money and downsizing. On the other hand, you’re going to be on your own for the first time and there are probably a lot of things you usually don’t have to think about (laundry supplies, dishes, extension cords, etc).
Bed Stuff:
More than two sets of sheets just takes extra space that you need for other things. If you have space, extra pillows are useful to share when others are in the room (there won’t be many places to sit if not the bed).
Computer Stuff:
An ethernet cable is useful in the even that the WiFi stops working. If you use a separate keyboard and mouse (with mousepad!) for your laptop, then be sure to bring it but it just clutters the small amount of space you have, so make sure it’s necessary. Printers with ink and paper are costly, think about how much you’ll need to print. Instead of spending $100+ on the printer and more on ink and paper I could have spent $20 on a Zap! card (the on-campus store for printing) and been good for the entire year with extra space in my room.
Desk Stuff/School Supplies:
Other Dorm Stuff:
You may want a TV & DVD player, but they aren’t necessary. There are lounges you can hang out in but in your room your laptop will be fine. DVDs are a fantastic idea, but if you have a Netflix account then you’ll probably use that instead and not bringing DVDs saves space. Christmas lights are a great way to add some mood lighting to your room and to make it more fun, which is the same with posters - it’s also better then buying them later.
Cooking Stuff:
You’ll normally find a microwave and toaster in the lounges of dorms so you won’t need to bring one, but kettles are great for your room so you can make drinks without having to leave your room.
Dorm Food:
Keeping in mind the freshman 15, I made sure I always had bread, peanut butter and Nutella in my room for quick snacks and breakfasts. Buying tea/coffee and the needed accoutrements is great because you’re not hitting up Starbucks all the time, saving you loads of money.
Bathroom Stuff:
As lots of people will be sharing the same shower with you, flip flops will be a useful way to protect your feet. I brought my hair dryer and straightener and didn’t use them once (although I’m very minimal in what I use anyway) but if you think you’ll actually use them then bring them with you.
Toiletries:
For an entire week keep track of what you use on a daily basis, sometimes, and never. The things you never use you shouldn’t come with you. Everything that gets used on a daily basis should be brought with enough to last you for the entire time you’ll be in dorm. Whatever only gets used on occasion should be looked at: do you think you’ll actually use it when in the dorm? will you have time? was it a one time occurrence?
Medical Stuff:
Common first aid equipment should be with you wherever you live, so make sure it’s in dorm with you as well. Anything you use (birth control, contacts, vitamins, medications) should come with you as well.
Clothes:
If something is in your closet at home but you can’t remember at least two occasions of having worn it in the past six months, and you can’t think of three COMMON times that you would wear something while you’re in dorm then DO NOT bring it with you. If you are uncertain about whether you need something then write it down on a list and next time you are home see if you missed it.
Accessories:
Only bring the items that you use on a frequent basis.
Shoes:
Based on what I brought and actually wore.
Laundry Stuff:
Although you may use a hamper at home, if it can be carried in your bag then why bother taking up space with the hamper?
Other Stuff:
When I was at UVic I didn’t bring my bike and I missed out on a lot of opportunities for going into town to get groceries or getting exercise, if you will actually use it then bring it, but remember to have a lock or bike locker. If you’re a light sleeper than ear plugs are helpful. Frisbee, football, soccer, volleyball, baseball… they’re all fun to play/toss around in the park. If you play an instrument then bring it, if you play a sport then bring the equipment, if you knit then bring your needles. A hobby is needed to keep yourself sane while you’re away, so bring it.
10/50 (20%)
I’M SORT OF GETTING THERE. I promise?
