As a college senior, I know a thing or two about packing your life in boxes and bins. You might feel like you have to pack every single thing you own or buy all the latest gadgets to successfully live in a dorm for nine months – but that’s simply not true.
To prove that you don’t need to bring everything, even if you think you’ll use it, I asked five graduating seniors (myself included) what they regret packing for their first year of dorm life. Here’s what they said.
Unnecessary Pairs of Shoes
“Almost everyone I know brought way too many pairs of shoes their first year. In reality, you’ll mostly wear just a few go-to pairs. Stick to comfortable, versatile shoes.” –
Olivia Hanning, Parsons School of Design, The New School, class of 2025
A Clothes Steamer
“A steamer feels like an essential thing to bring, but you’ll barely touch it. They are annoying to set up, and who has time to steam outfits before classes in the morning? I just spray on some
Downy Wrinkle Releaser
and toss it in the dryer. Way faster, and no steam burns.” –
Angie Arias, SUNY Oneonta class of 2025 and Dorm Therapy’s Audience Growth Assistant Editor
Multiple Plates, Bowls, and Utensils
“[Bring] maybe one or two [dishes] per person, because usually you’ll be going to the dining hall or out to eat. Plus, if you don’t have a dishwasher, you may not be running to go clean things all the time.”
– Colette Tormey, Fashion Institute of Technology class of 2025
Excess Clothing
“I promise that on a daily basis you will more than likely end up wearing more casual outfits and moving between three pairs of shoes. If you are looking to cut down on what you are
bringing to college
, do a double-look over your closet and leave some things behind!” –
Abby Porter,
Union University class of 2025
A Jewelry Stand and Extra Jewelry
I figured I’d keep matching my earrings with different outfits in college just as I did during high school. Therefore, I sorted through my jewelry organizer and put away the pairs I frequently used. However, once I adjusted to my new schedule, I lacked the motivation to switch out my accessories daily. Eventually, I opted for items easy enough to wear when sleeping and bathing, which meant they hardly needed removing. My advice: if you aren’t going to wear something consistently, leave it unpacked.
– Lauren Smelker, member of the LIM College class of 2025
A Mini Waffle Iron
When I went shopping for items for my first-year dorm room, every store seemed to have adorable gadgets and compact appliances. The miniature waffle maker caught my eye; inspired by countless DIY ideas floating around social media where people used them not just for making waffles but also cooking eggs, cinnamon rolls, and even toast. However, after using it only one time, I found myself putting it away forever since cleaning it at the tiny dormitory sink turned out to be such a hassle.
– Smelker
Too Many Pillows
Adding a few decorative cushions can certainly make your dorm feel warm and personalized, yet more than one or two starts feeling like too much. Based on firsthand experience, owning four or five various-sized cushions turned my bed into an overcrowded space and diminished the functionality of the room.
Hanning
A Personal Blender
I got my blender with the intention of becoming a daily smoothie maker. For about a week, I did make them every morning. But once classes intensified, I found myself lacking both the time and motivation to wash it each day. So now, it just collects dust on a shelf.
collecting dust
and judgment.” –
Arias
Things That Hold Sentimental Value
This is the most significant point. You might believe otherwise, but items tend to vanish very quickly in college, particularly in a confined shared area. It’s advisable to keep valuable possessions at your residence instead.
Porter
Take it from us seniors – we’ve been through the annoying process of
packing for college
, unpacking, and packing
again
to move in and out of dorms, for years. Save yourself some stress by bringing a little less than you might think you need. Your future self will thank you.
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