When I first saw the size of the closet that I would have in my Freshman year dorm, I had literally no idea how I was going to make all of my clothes and shoes fit inside of it. I'm that girl who brings a rolling suitcase, a duffle bag, and a u-Haul for a two-night trip. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, but not by much. However, after living in a dorm room with a closet approximately the size of a children's shoe box, I have come to the conclusion that there were quite a few things on those "Essential College Packing Lists" that weren't so, well, essential. So, in an attempt to save some of you incoming college freshmen some time and space, I have created a list of clothes/shoes and related items that you are actually going to need (as well as a few things you aren't going to need).
So, here it goes:
What NOT to pack...
- More than a few t-shirts. Whether you're joining a Greek organization or not, you will get dozens of t-shirts within your first semester. Save yourself space and only pack a couple of your favorite ones, because you won't end up wearing them anyway.
- Every pair of shoes you own. Enough said.
- A ridiculous amount of pajamas. Bring a couple of pairs of cute pajama pants, but other than that, you're going to end up sleeping in t-shirts and shorts.
- More than a couple of purses. Odds are, you aren't going to carry a purse to class every day and you aren't going to lug a huge tote with you when you go out. Pick a couple of your favorite bags and a clutch or two and leave the rest at home. You can always switch them out the next time you're at home if you get bored with them.
What you NEED to pack...
- Interview appropriate outfits for both business and business casual interviews. You'd be surprised at how many organizations require you to dress nice for an interview, and you want to look professional.
- Game - day colors. My best advice is to have a few staple pieces that you can switch out from week to week so you're not trying to buy a new dress every two weeks.
- Jewelry. Even if you aren't a huge jewelry person, this is something that won't take up a ton of space so you can bring as much of it as you want. Pick up one of those hanging jewelry organizers for your closet, and you'll be set.
- The same thing goes for scarves.
- The obvious - comfy class clothes! Leggings, Nike shorts, yeah, you get the idea.
- Okay, now onto shoes: Sandals don't take up a ton of space, so they can be stored easily. Rain boots will be your best friend. No, you don't need to bring seven pairs of stilettos and a billion pairs of wedges.
When you're packing, if you haven't worn it in the last six months, you probably won't wear it in the next six. Switch out seasonal clothing. Felt hangers are your best friend.
Good luck packing for college and may the size of your dorm room closet be ever in your favor.
