8 Invaluable Packing Tips

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Packing your belongings to come to college can be stressful and overwhelming. It can also be difficult to know which of your things you need to bring, and which things should be left behind. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the packing process.

Make a List: Once you start packing it can be easy to forget things you need. While you can usually get things you forget once you get to school, you don’t want to add any more stress onto move-in day. By making a list and checking off items as you go, you can ensure that you pack everything you need. To help you get started with a list check here. Each person’s list will be different, but this is a great place to start.
Take it One Step at a Time: When you start packing it can feel like a very daunting task. It can be helpful to break your packing into sections. You might want to start with your clothes, then tackle your hygiene products, then electronics, etc. If you break your packing lists into manageable categories, the task becomes less overwhelming.
Keep Clothes on Hangers: It can take a lot of time to take clothes off hangers and pack them, only to put them back on the hangers when you move into your dorm. To save you some time, you should leave your clothes on their hangers and use garbage bags to protect them from getting dirty.
Pack Using Space-Saving Items: Once you are finished unpacking in your dorm room, you don’t want to have a bunch of bulky boxes or suitcases taking up space. Instead, you should try to pack using large bags that can be folded up or in storage containers that can slide under your bed for easy storage during the school year. You will need all the space you can get in your dorm room, so try not to bring anything that will take up unnecessary space.
Ask Questions: Do you have people in your life that have gone to college? Whether it is your parents, siblings, cousins, friends, etc., you can ask people for advice on what to pack and how to pack. These people will be able to help you through your packing experience because they have firsthand experience with packing themselves.
Talk to Your Roommate: By the time you begin packing, you will know who your roommate will be. If you haven’t already connected with them, reach out. You want to communicate with your roommate so that you don’t end up with two microwaves and no box fan. Try to coordinate your packing with your roommate.
Don’t Forget to Buy School Supplies: While you are packing up all your belongings, it can be easy to forget that you are going to school. Make sure to look over your class list and get an appropriate number of notebooks, folders, pens, and any other school supplies you might need.
Know the Rules for What You Can Bring: Dorm rooms will often have rules about what you cannot bring with you. For instance, Geneva College does not allow students to have any items with an open flame in the Residence Halls. For a complete list of all prohibited items, visit the Student Handbook, specifically the Residence Life heading.

Ultimately, every person will have a different experience when it comes to packing for school, but hopefully these tips will help reduce some stress and make the transition a little bit easier.

Mattigan Burleigh '24

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Aug 9, 2023

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