5 Dorm Leave-Behinds

Packing for your first year of college is uncharted territory. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed and wrapped up in trying to decide what you’ll need, which typically leads to overpacking. Here are a few things you can cross off your list and leave behind!

1. Candles. Most schools won’t allow students to burn candles in the dorms— it’s a fire hazard! If you like the ambiance candles create, try hanging fairy lights instead. If it’s the scent you’re after, try using an essential oil diffuser or a sprayable air freshener.
2. TV. You’re most likely watching most of your shows on your laptop, anyways. Bringing a TV to set up in your dorm is just an extra hassle that will take up space.
3. Clothing Iron. If you bring an iron, you’ll also need an ironing board. There really isn’t enough space in a typical dorm room for all that. Invest in a handheld steamer or wrinkle release spray to keep your clothes crisp.
4. Printer. It’ll take up valuable real estate, you’ll have to remember to buy ink and paper, and you might not use it as often as you think— a lot of the work you do in college will be turned in online. Stick to using the printers in your school’s library or computer lab if you really need something printed.
5. Duplicate Items. If you’re sharing your dorm with a roommate, check with them to see what they’re planning on bringing. You don’t need two coffee makers or two entire sets of cleaning supplies. Coordinate to decide who’s bringing what.

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Savanna

As an editor, copywriter, and social media manager at exploreMedia, I work to develop content that is relevant and interesting to our readers and coordinate with contributing writers.