So, by the third year in my college career, I should have this packing thing down easy. But unfortunately, there are too many clothes to choose from and not enough space to put it all. Because I like moving my entire room to school, there are a lot of sacrifices I have to make in order to be successful for the year. Packing for college makes me scramble to find everything I want and sadly everything I can’t bring. Today, I am currently in this predicament because I’m off to school tomorrow and so here is what my college packing looks like:

1.Doubling up

I find myself thinking that it’s okay to have more than four pairs of the same thing. Other than socks or maybe hats, no one should pack 25 T-shirts... sadly. I like being comfy and I like doubling up on some things that may not be so necessary. Now, for girls, I can tell you a good majority is probably bringing more than four pairs of leggings. That’s easy. They are a given. In fact, I just bought 3 pairs today, so there’s that. Other than the essentials, leave the ratty shirts and pants home.

2.Back to school shopping

Yes, we all do it and it's really fun. We buy new and toss the old as any regular person does, but if I throw away because its old, I mentally note that maybe I can find something similar that’s new. Books I save for when I’m actually on campus, because I’m not buying a $150 book I may not even use. Been there, done that. #FreshmanProblems. School shopping is when everything is new and you can’t wait to put it on or use it.

3.Finding old things

While packing practically my whole life up into a car, I find myself just wasting time going through old memories, papers — or just stuff that’s been in my room that I lost or forgot about. Its great to play with it again, but I could be spending my time clearing my room instead of playing with the “bop it” I’ve had since I was 12.

4. Packing up the car

This is a reoccurring issue early in the morning every year, but now that I’m a junior, I’ve planned to just pack it at night that way all my frustration is left behind and I can focus on the terrible, slow moving traffic that is ahead of me. Car packing like any regular packing is all just a big game of Tetris. I mean, how else are you going to fit a lamp, a fan, suitcases, bins, a TV and printer all together nicely? You don’t. Either you break it or it's blocking your view. Regardless, it's getting to school put together or separated.

For me, college packing is exciting because of the upcoming semester and what new memories and adventures ill have with my friends. I love packing because it means I’m going somewhere different. Yes it is to school, but at least ill be going back to my second “home”.