After what feels like an eternity of quarantines and lockdowns, the back-to-school season is finally upon us! Moving away from home and venturing into the strange and foreign world of post-secondary education can be simultaneously exciting and stressful. One of the most pressing questions on your mind is likely “what do I bring?”
From one university freshman to another, here are my top tips for what you should pack for your first semester at university.
Written by Tavie Johnson
Documents
You will likely be asked for ID the minute you step foot on campus. Your student ID along with your passport and/or driver's license, university acceptance letter, any scholarship and bursary letters or cheques, COVID-19 vaccination card or corresponding documents, and debit/credit card should have a designated place in your bag where you can easily locate and access them.
Clothes
Have you ever packed for a week-long vacation and brought 28 outfits, thinking that you’ll have to change your clothes four times a day? That mindset may be instinctual when getting ready to leave for university, but try to refrain from packing your entire closet. Think about what you’re actually going to wear, and consider the climate that you’ll be travelling to. Prioritize comfort over style–build a foundation upon cozy essentials like hoodies and sweats–and bring lots of basic items that can be easily paired with one another. Additionally, expect to take lots of school merchandise home with you (hello, free t-shirts!) after your first semester.
School Supplies
There’s nothing that makes me happier than shiny and bright stationary! Some things you’ll need for your university classes include notebooks, pens and pencils, a scientific calculator, college-ruled paper and printer paper, a mini stapler, scissors, highlighters, and sticky notes. I would advise against bringing a printer, though: most common areas have them and plenty of assignments can be done completely online. Also, don’t weigh your suitcases down with tons of books. Universities have some of the most extensive and intricate libraries around, and many reading materials are digital now as well.
Cleaning Supplies
Since special attention is being paid to sanitizing and cleaning common areas and public spaces, many schools no longer have individual cleaners for dormitories. Make sure to pack a small kit for cleaning your personal space, including wipes, sanitizing spray, a duster, a small dustpan and brush, and maybe a handheld vacuum. You’ll also want a laundry basket, detergent, and dryer sheets if you’re planning on washing your clothes on campus. Don’t forget the smaller items like wrinkle spray or lint rollers, either!
Food and kitchenware
Most schools require first-year students to purchase meal plans as part of living in residence. If you’re on campus and have a meal plan, you won’t need much in terms of appliances, utensils and silverware. At most, bring a single set of cutlery, bowl, mug, plate, container, and maybe bring a small coffee machine or kettle–but first, check to see if your residence allows it. If you plan to prepare most of your meals, though, you’ll want to invest in a few sets of dishware and pots and pans.
Dorm Room Essentials
Think about what you would need if you were to furnish a bedroom from its bare bones. Bedsheets (a single set), throw pillows, a lamp, a rug, and a mirror are basic items that come to mind. Many of these can be bought at big-box furniture stores at a low price, purchased second-hand from previous students, or simply brought from your bedroom at home. It’s okay if your room isn’t identical to that in a Pottery Barn advertisement–chances are you’ll be spending most of your time in lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries anyways.
Home Decor
While it’s important to keep track of how much you’re spending and packing, you should add a bit of personality to your room! For the next eight months, your shoebox of a room will become your home away from home, and you want to feel safe and comfortable in that space. Art, fairy lights, tapestries, potted plants, and musical instruments can easily help create your desired aesthetic and tie together lacklustre and random pieces of furniture.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that this list is non-exhaustive and variable based on your living situation. Don’t forget to bring the items you use daily like toiletries and hygiene products, medications, devices and chargers, and your wallet. However, don’t spend your summer stressing over what will fill your suitcases; focus on preparing for the challenge ahead and building anticipation for the most exciting and freeing years of your life.
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