As 2025 begins, WHS seniors have a lot to be excited about. It’s our year of graduation, and for many of us, the year we start college. Before we know it, we’ll have to start thinking about packing!
Packing for college can be an extremely stressful process. There’s an intense fear of forgetting something and nerves about the reality of dorm life. Often, incoming freshmen will spend way too much time and money finding items that will just sit in the corner of their room and gather dust.
To make this process a little easier, I reached out to current college students for tips on what you really do (and don’t!) need to pack.
Do:
A mattress topper: It’s no secret that dorm beds are ridiculously uncomfortable. As expensive as they can be, mattress toppers are absolutely necessary if you want to get your beauty sleep and be ready for class! Isabelle Washington, a freshman at the University of Rhode Island, says that she “would recommend investing in a good mattress topper because the quality of sleep is 100% worth the cost.” She also strongly recommends buying bed suspenders, which help to keep fitted sheets and mattress toppers in place.
A fan: Many of us are used to having AC in our homes, so college can be a bit of a shock depending on the amenities available. Make sure to find out beforehand whether or not your dorm has AC, and if there are size restrictions on fans. They’re not only useful during the warmer months, either: Kayla Niece, a freshman at Hofstra University, really appreciated her fan “when the heat turned on for the winter because it got way too hot.”
A portable charger: Our phones hold a lot of necessary information. Class schedules, contacts, and probably even this article! Your phone also may be important for transportation. Amelia Wahlers, a sophomore at the College of Charleston, says, “The worst thing is your phone being at like 10% and needing to get an Uber back and stressing out.” So don’t let it die! A portable charger is a great item to carry, for more occasions than just going to college!
Cleaning Supplies: Welcome to dorm life— you’re on your own! This new space is yours to keep clean, just as it’s yours to decorate. Make sure to keep basic cleaning supplies on hand: disinfectant wipes, cleaning spray, paper towels, and even a small vacuum cleaner.
School supplies: Obviously, you are headed off to school—so you’re going to need supplies. This being said you don’t want to overpack. It might be a good idea to wait and see what you actually need. According to Northeastern University freshman Samantha Lasch, “You might buy something that you don’t end up using, and that would be a waste.” George Washington University freshman Isabella Perryman agrees: “Everything is online and it’s a waste of space in my desk.” That doesn’t mean you should completely hold off on school shopping until your first day of classes, though. Some supplies are perfectly fine—just don’t go crazy! If you know you really love to take handwritten notes, plan accordingly. If you’re more of a digital notetaker, that’s great too!
Don’t:
A Brita water pitcher: It’s definitely important to have clean water to drink. Many students, however, say that the highly rated Brita is not worth its price. UMass Amherst freshman Meredith Swanson says, “If you have filtered water dispenser fountain things and a dining hall there’s really no need.” As these are features of many schools, it seems like a Brita may not actually be a necessity. Furthermore, Washington and Swanson agree that new filters for these pitchers are overly expensive.
A new hobby: Have you been wanting to start knitting? Is there a book you’ve been dying to read? Unfortunately, your freshman year of college is probably not the time. You’re going to be so busy with classes, making new friends, and adjusting to your new environment! Staying confined to your room so that you can work on crochet isn’t going to work. Molly Northrup, a junior at the University of Vermont, says to “start your first semester and then see what you realistically want to do or have time to do, then maybe bring that stuff back.”
Too many decorations: It’s definitely exciting to decorate a new space, and I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t go a bit overboard. But it’s important to remember that you are working with a very small space, so use it wisely! Fiona Rice, a freshman at Penn State, says she “didn’t need to bring so many throw pillows”, because she has to store them under her bed now!
A full comforter: As aesthetically appealing as a large comforter may be, you need to take your laundry situation into consideration. It might be easier to use a duvet and cover so that you don’t have to take multiple trips to the washing machine. Says Boston Conservatory sophomore Tyler Keogh, “I wish I had a duvet cover because washing an entire comforter takes up so much space in the laundry”. With a duvet cover, you can wash all of your bedding in one load. This one is definitely my personal preference: if you’re up for the laundry challenge, a comforter may still be right for you!
Hopefully, this article helps you battle the beast that is packing for college! Remember that college is about new beginnings— and new beginnings are all about making mistakes. You’re going to forget some things or bring too much of something, and that’s okay! All of these wonderful WHS alumni made it through, and you will too. Best of luck with your applications, and remember to enjoy the ride.
