What Not to Bring to College

Preparing to head off to college is exciting, but it can be stressful when you realize that what you are bringing might not even fit in your car.

Casey Sundstedt, associate dean of women at Judson University in Elgin, suggests keeping extra items to a minimum.

“There’s lots to explore in college,” she said in an e-mail. “Don’t miss out on the events on campus by sticking to what you’ve always known.”

When packing for school, there are items that definitely should be left out of your suitcase simply because there isn’t enough room in most dorm rooms, but also because schools prohibit items that you never would have expected. 

Check out this list of items that you do not want to bring to college:

• Offensive posters- Remember that most dorm spaces are shared with at least one roommate.

• Candles/Incense- Candles are not allowed in most dorms because they are hazard.

• Pets- Most schools don’t allow pets, but you wouldn’t really have the time to take care of one anyways.

• Small ironing board- You will never iron in college! Instead, try purchasing an anti-wrinkle spray to get rid of those stubborn wrinkles in your nicer clothes.

• Matches/Lighters- Same as candles, they are dangerous.

• Nails- Most dorms won’t let you put holes in the walls, so try sticky-tack or 3M Command Strips if you are allowed to put up posters or pictures.

• Small Appliances- Some schools even prohibit microwaves. Make sure you check with your school before you pack these larger items.

• Extra Furniture- A chair and ottoman can add a nice touch to your place, but these items are bulky and hard to store away. If you do feel the need to bring a chair, make sure it folds up so it can be moved out of the way.

• Your Movie Collection- You won’t have the time or space for tons of movies. Purchase a Netflix account instead so you can watch movies on your computer.

• A car- Many freshman live on campus, so everything is within walking distance. Bring a bike, or take a bus if you need transportation.

• Floor lamps- Beware, some schools don’t allow extra lighting to be brought into dorm rooms.

• Stuffed animals- Your bed will most likely be a twin, you don’t need to split that space with stuffed toys from your childhood!

• Stereo speakers- Not only will speakers annoy your neighbors, they will take up too much space.

• Off season clothing- If you can leave all of your off season clothes at home, that is ideal because the closet space is very limited. If your school is too far away to leave these items at home, use space bags to make the clothing as flat as possible.

• Too much school supplies- You won’t use crayons, markers or colored pencils in college.

• Fire arms/Knives- Don’t even try.

• Expensive items- While dorms are safe, you never know when your roommate might accidentally leave the door unlocked.
• Too many t-shirts- It feels like every event you attend in college hands out free shirts.

• High school memorbilia- Remember that college is a time for a fresh start.