College is an exciting chapter in every student’s life, and knowing what to bring is extremely important. However, it’s equally important to know what you should not bring to college.
As a practical guideline, consider packing only about one-third of the things you think you’ll need, including clothing, decor, and personal belongings.
Keep in mind, dorm rooms are small. Overpacking can complicate your move-in process and make your dorm room feel cramped.
With that being said, here are the 12 things you should not bring to college.
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12 Items You Don’t Need In College
1. Too Much Clothing
Many freshmen make a big mistake by bringing too much clothing to college. Typically, it takes one year before new college students realize that bringing their whole closet with them to college is a bad idea.
Bringing too many clothes with you wastes space, making it hard when you eventually move out of your dorm room. For the most part, you’ll wear many of the same clothing throughout the college semester.
2. Large Appliances
Refrain from bringing large appliances to college if you live on campus. Whether it’s a large TV, fridge, or microwave, these items take up tons of space.
It’s important to see if your dorm has communal appliances. Oftentimes, dorms will have common cooking areas where you can store your food.
3. Don’t Bring Every Pair of Shoes Your Own
If you’re living in a dorm, I’d recommend only bringing 3 pairs of shoes. Due to limited space, you don’t want to overpack on shoes, as that space can be used for extra storage space.
In college, you’ll need a pair of shoes for everyday wear, running shoes, and a pair of nicer shoes for when you go out. Having these three pairs of shoes will definitely get you through the college semester.
4. Heavy Duty Cleaning Supplies
If you’re living in a dorm, you won’t need heavy-duty cleaning supplies. However, I’ve heard people say you need to bring cleaning sprays, a mop, and a vacuum with you to your dorm.
In college, you’ll be fine if you bring Lysol wipes. When you live in a dorm, other students will bring mini vacuums and a mop, so for the few times that you may use them, you can just ask to borrow them.
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5. Iron and Ironing Board
Traditional ironing boards and irons take up a lot of space, especially in a shared dorm room. Furthermore, it’s unlikely that you will spend that much time ironing your clothes in college.
Consider bringing a wrinkle spray instead of bringing an iron and ironing board with you to college. Wrinkle spray is a great alternative to an iron and ironing board and takes up much less space.
6. Gym Shirts and Pyjama Shirts
If you’re living in a dorm, I recommend only bringing 3 pairs of shoes. Due to limited space, you don’t want to overpack on shoes, as that space can be used for extra storage.
In college, you’ll need a pair of shoes for everyday wear, running shoes, and a pair of nicer shoes for when you go out. These three pairs of shoes will get you through the college semester.
7. Gaming Consoles
Bringing a gaming console to college is a bad idea. Not only will it be a huge distraction, but it also takes up a lot of space.
Instead of sitting in your dorm room and playing video games, go outside and socialize. Your college years can be some of the most fun times of your life, so you will want to make the most out of them.
8. Throw Pillows
Sure, throw pillows may make your dorm room feel more comfortable. However, they’re not practical and take up so much space.
When it comes to move-in and move-out days, you’ll be happy that you didn’t bring those useless throw pillows.
9. Candles
Candles are typically not allowed in dorm rooms as they are a fire hazard. Bringing candles to college when they are prohibited can get you in trouble.
If you want to bring candles to college, verify with your RA to ensure that you’re following the rules.
10. A Printer
Don’t get me wrong, a printer is a college essential that most students use several times throughout the semester. However, most colleges have on-campus printers.
For a small fee, you can print what you need on campus. This will be way more convenient and cost-effective, especially if you buy a new printer.
11. New Furniture
Many first-year students make a mistake by bringing brand-new furniture to college. The reality is that spending money on brand-new furniture is a huge waste of money.
If you live on campus, check out Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or the thrift shop to get great deals on furniture. In college, a lot of your furniture will get worn in, and it’ll be hard to keep after college, especially if you’re studying far away from home.
12. Bulky Luggage
A common mistake students make when they go to college is packing their clothing and personal items in bulky luggage. However, bulky luggage takes up tons of room in a dorm room, and it’s a huge waste of space.
Instead of packing your personal belongings in bulky luggage, put your stuff in a duffle bag. Once you’re unpacked, your duffle bag can easily be folded up and tucked away until you need it again.
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Final Thoughts on What Not To Bring To College
Although moving to college may feel stressful, it’s really not as bad as it seems. It’s important to understand what to bring and what not to bring to college to optimize the space in your dorm room and make it feel comfortable.
What items would you not bring to college? Please let me know in the comments below.