There are so many college dorm shopping lists circulating on the internet right now, and most of the time they can be a bit overwhelming. This is because you do not actually need half of the things that are included on those long lists. Let me tell you some things that you can definitely skip out on when dorm shopping for the first time!

1. A mini toolkit

I have seen this on a couple lists and I really can not think of one situation where I ever need any kind of tool in my room. Just bring a rubber mallet to adjust the height of your bed on move-in day and have your parents take it back home.

2. Appliances

Do not bring a blender, hot plate, or popcorn maker. You will not use it like you think you might and it will just end up taking up valuable space in your tiny room.

3. Kitchen items

It’s okay to have a mug or two and a water bottle, but just skip the plates and bowls and utensils unless you have somewhere else to wash them besides your bathroom sink. Just stick to paper plates if you want to make food in your room.

4. Medicines

You really do not need to bring your entire medicine cabinet from home like they made it sound on some of these sites. You are not stranded on campus for the whole year and if you need some extra Advil, you will be able to get it.

5. All of your clothes

My roommate and I are totally guilty of bringing just about every piece of clothing from home to school with us, but we can both honestly say we probably did not even touch half of it. Bring less than you think you need and switch out your clothes with each season instead of letting your winter clothes bulk up your closet when it is 85 degrees outside.