Finally, it’s move-in week. You remembered to pack your favorite stuffed animal and your Big Lebowski poster, but what about the more practical items like a battery-powered alarm clock or a clothes iron?
Our crack team of residence hall move-in veterans has you covered. College of Charleston seniors Chris Pennebaker and Katie Fary, who both work in the Office of New Student Programs, and Melantha Ardrey, director of residence life, offer the following suggestions for last-minute additions to your packing list.
1. A tool kit
That new shelf you bought to hang in your room has an important disclaimer on the box: “Some assembly required.” But you don’t need to raid dad’s beloved – and perfectly organized – tool collection to get by.
An inexpensive tool kit that includes a few basics – hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, pliers, and an adjustable wrench – will handle most small jobs. A flashlight also comes in handy.
Command strips are your friends when it comes to hanging stuff on your walls, says Pennebaker. Made by 3M, these strips are designed to hold a ton and come off without leaving marks or damaging walls.
Watch a video about using Command strips in your dorm room.
2. Collapsible luggage
Hard-sided suitcases are great for handling the abuse of airport baggage carousels, but not so much for a college residence hall. Storage space in your room will be at a premium, and your parents don’t want to lug your empty luggage back home, says Ardrey.
She recommends packing your stuff in duffle bags or boxes that can be broken down and stowed for later use or recycled.
3. First-aid kit / medicine
All that studying you plan to do is bound to cause a blister or paper cut. It’s always good to have Band-Aids and other first-aid essentials close at hand.
Along these same lines, flu bugs and head colds are a fact of life in college. Mom always has just the right remedy when you feel under the weather. Find out which brands and dosages of cold and allergy medicines and pain relievers she uses, and be ready to treat yourself when that first bout of away-from-home sniffles strikes.
4. Rain gear
One of downtown Charleston’s challenges, err, charms, are the flooded streets and sidewalks after a heavy rain, especially at high tide. Bring along a good set of rain gear – boots, jacket and umbrella.
Even when the streets are flooded up to your shins, you still have to go to class. Flip flops might seem like a good idea in such conditions, but the truth is you have no idea what’s lurking in that murky storm-water run-off. Our experts swear by rain boots.
5. Less stuff
One of the most common mistakes is to bring too much stuff to college, says Ardrey. Her advice: “Look at what you are bringing and try to cut that amount in half.”
To pare down your load, she suggests leaving behind items that you can retrieve later in the year, such as cold weather clothing. While you will want some warmer clothing options for fall, keep in mind that you will have an opportunity to go home for winter break before the coldest weather arrives in Charleston. January is the average coolest month in Charleston.
Read 8 things your parents won’t miss when you leave for college.
6. Your favorite bedding
Of all the things you do in college, one of the most treasured is sleep. Don’t take chances with unfamiliar or uncomfortable bedding. Pack your go-to pillow. But leave the Snoopy pillowcase at home.
An extra set of sheets is also essential, our seniors say. Fary recommends bringing your favorite cozy blanket … “one that you can cuddle up with that makes you comfortable.”
Pennebaker brought a load of pillows for her bed. “It’s not exactly practical, but they are fun to have and good for decorating,” she says.
7. Peacekeepers
You and your roommates might become lifelong friends, but you won’t agree on everything.
Because temperatures can fluctuate in residence halls and people will disagree over the ideal room temperature, a small oscillating fan will help keep things cool.
Another frequent source of disagreements is tidiness – or lack thereof. Pennebaker says she is a neat freak and kept Clorox wipes in her room.
Just don’t go overboard with the cleaning supplies because, well, college is supposed to be a little messy.
8. Reminders of home
Having pictures of friends and family and other reminders of home around made Pennebaker feel better when she longed for a visit home to Clemson, S.C. “It helps,” she says, “especially during the first semester when you get homesick.”
Fary says personal items also help you express yourself and remember where you came from. “I wish I had brought more pictures and personal things to make my room more me.”
9. A doorstop
Rooms with doors that automatically close are important for safety reasons. But when the hallways are bustling with activity, a closed door doesn’t help you socialize, says Pennebaker.
“The best way to meet people is to have your door open, especially during the first week.”
