Packing for University: Do’s and Don'ts

By Minjae Kim

Moving for university is exciting, but packing for it can feel daunting and overwhelming. It’s  tempting to bring everything you own “just in case,” but whether you’re living in residence or an off-campus apartment, space will often be limited. The key is packing smart —  not packing more. Here is a guide to help you focus on the essentials, and avoid overpacking. 

✅Do: Pack for your actual routine, not your ideal one

It’s easy to imagine university as the perfect time to reinvent yourself, but your schedule will likely be busier than ever. Instead of packing for your “ideal self,” pack for the habits you already have and know you will continue. Think about the items that you regularly use right now, and keep those items that you barely reach for at home. You can always bring items later if you end up missing it.

✅Do: Leave 20-30% of your storage space empty

Your empty room may feel spacious on move-in day, but it won’t stay that way for long. Leaving a little extra space now means you’ll have space for everything you collect throughout the year. Also keep in mind that some items you will only buy after you move in.

Things you may end up buying and collecting during the year are:

• Club and orientation merch

• Birthday and holiday gifts

• Groceries and kitchen supplies

• Seasonal clothing and shoes

✅Do: Coordinate shared items with your roommate

If you are living with a roommate, there’s no reason to buy two of certain items. Send your roommate a quick message to figure out who is bringing what, and if any items can be split between the two of you. Coordinating will save you both money and valuable space.

Some larger items that can be split and shared are:

• Microwave

• Vacuum

• Kettle

• Mini Fridge

• Furniture

❌Don’t: Pack as if you’re moving permanently

University isn’t a one-way move. Your first year residence will likely not be your last. Don’t bring every hoodie, every pair of shoes, or every sentimental item from home. Start with the bare necessities, then you can always bring more during your first visit back home if you realize you’re missing something. Remember that you will have to pack everything back up to move again at the end of the year, so future you will appreciate keeping your packing light now. 

❌Don’t: Buy every textbook before classes begin

Every course usually has a listed textbook in the syllabus, but not every professor ends up using it. Many courses rely on free online resources or have older editions textbooks that work just as well. Additionally, most professors don’t dive into the course material on the very first day of class. They will go over the course and the syllabus and tell you whether or not the textbook is absolutely mandatory. Reaching out to some upper years can also help you gauge which textbooks are necessary or not, and some will have used copies as well. Waiting a few days could easily save you a couple hundred dollars!

❌Don’t: Forget extension cords and charging cables

This isn’t the most exciting item on your packing list, but it is absolutely one of the most important and useful. Residence dorms never seem to have outlets in convenient locations, and having extra charging cables and extension cords can save you from constantly rearranging your room and scrambling for chargers.