MARISSA BURR
Opinion Editor
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Before I started college in 2020, I spent hours watching TikToks and YouTube videos to see what I would actually need in college.
As a senior having lived in dorms and in an apartment, as well as being completely in-person and completely virtual, I’ve got this whole “packing thing” down to a science. This is going to be a rapid-fire list because you don’t need a ton of explanation — you should just trust me on these things.
Item: Actual writing materials including pencils, pens and notebooks
Why or why not: Yes, at least one set in a binder to use for all of your classes. You’ll figure out whether you prefer writing or typing your notes pretty quickly (my advice is always to type but I also write on my iPad). But even professors who let you use devices to take notes sometimes want you to use scrap paper to turn something in or use it for an activity. It’s always nice to have, and I’ve gotten away with one spiral notebook and a pencil case every semester.
Item: Clothes for all seasons
Why or why not: Yes, because if you haven’t grown up in Western New York, you are not prepared for the drastic season changes that can happen in the span of one week. I’m serious, it could snow on Monday and be 70 degrees and sunny by Friday. Don’t bring your whole wardrobe, but when you’re packing shorts and tank tops, include a jacket or two as well.
Item: A planner
Why or why not: This is up to you and your own journey of self-discovery. I try to be a planner girly and I have found some really cute ones, but in the end, I am terrible about keeping up with it. A lot of professors don’t even tell you that there’s an assignment before you leave class, they’ve just posted it on FREDLearn and expect you to check it. But you definitely need something to help you keep track, so I suggest just a calendar that you can input dates in as they are posted on FREDLearn. I write all course assignments and due dates down on a calendar template in GoodNotes on my iPad.
Item: Books
Why or why not: Not more than two or three even if you are a book person. Coursework and extracurriculars take up a lot of your time and energy. Odds are you will not have the energy to sit and read very often, even if it is something you do to relax. Bring a couple just to have if you need to take a break, and then if you finish them both you can switch them out next time you go home, check out a new one from either Reed Library on campus or the Darwin Barker Library downtown, or have Amazon deliver one to you. Plus, it makes moving a lot easier; books are heavy.
Item: Lots of different shoes
Why or why not: Just like the clothes, you need some for different types of weather, but not four pairs of sandals, six pairs of sneakers, three pairs of boots plus some extra random pairs. You’ll need a good pair of walking shoes for classes and exploring the area — I suggest black sneakers so they match with a lot. Then maybe one comfy pair of dress shoes in case you have a presentation or interview. A pair of boots that can double as rain and light snow boots are always helpful with Fredonia weather. Of course, bring shower shoes if you are dorming.
Item: A coffee maker
Why or why not: I like coffee but I just didn’t use mine enough. It was clunky and so were the mugs I brought to drink it in. If you drink coffee every day, maybe bring yours so you don’t spend an arm and a leg at Starbucks, but this may be a good time to wean yourself off. Keep a couple of pre-bottled coffees in your fridge for those days when you really need it, but a healthy breakfast and cold water can honestly be a better boost for the day.
Item: Cold/flu medicine
Why or why not: No matter how careful you may be at trying to avoid those who’ve been claimed by the “dorm disease,” the illness that plagues every college will find its way to you. Whether it’s from that guy you sit next to in class who won’t stop coughing or that roommate who parties every other day, getting sick is unfortunately unavoidable, especially during your first semester at school. If your temporary home is on campus, you will be living with hundreds of strangers in close quarters, so having some medicine for when you inevitably start to feel that itch in your throat will save you a great deal of discomfort.
This is not an all-inclusive list, because most of it depends on you and where you’re living. My overall advice is not to pack too much to begin with, and to make a list as you go of stuff you wish you had. As I mentioned, Amazon can deliver and Walmart is right in town. If you desperately need something, there are options for you beyond shoving it all into your cramped living space.