Ah College Move in day. It’s right around the corner.
But how are you or your daughter going to make it in 114 square feet. The average dorm room is 12 x 19 feet (228 total square footage) to be shared.
In that space there will be a bed, desk, dresser, probably a mini fridge and microwave not to mention all of those clothes, makeup, hair stuff and toiletries.
EEK that is tiny living. So you are going to have to make the most of every foot.
Will you be coming home for the holidays? If so maybe you doesn’t need all of your winter clothes since it will be fall when school starts.
Clothes
- Also think comfort for class clothes and shoes. Perfect examples are solid tanks, comfortable flats, and a comfy pair of jeans. Mix and match will be your friend. Remember that scarves can really change an outfit.
- You will not need lots of dressy outfits. Think a basic little black dress with a jacket and dressy outfit and shoes for more formal affairs like internship interviews, presentations or formals.
- Work-out clothes, a bathing suit, bathrobe and shower shoes & sneakers
- If you are going to an area where it gets chilly you will need a light jacket. Heavy coat, mittens, hat and scarf *(if you’re going to a campus with a colder climate) Maybe rain boots and an umbrella. Don’t forget a comfy pair of slippers (for hanging out in the residence hall)
- Remember your entire space will be small. So don’t bring lots of shoes. No more than 6 (1 of each: flats, dressy heels, sneakers, shower shoes, slippers, boots) It’s hard but really you will not wear every shoe in your home closet and more importantly you don’t have room for them all.
Don’t over pack.
Whatever you thing you need edit out 40% of it.
Mom can send it of you if you really need something. *If you are going home for Thanksgiving you can switch out your fall clothes for winter and pick up your winter coat then.
Oh by the way you will probably be sharing a bathroom with lots of other girls.
No leaving your stuff in the bathroom.
You will have to carry it from your room to the bathroom and back again. Bring your own shower supplies. You’ll want a small bag or carryall that is easy to hang up where you can reach your soap, shampoo and conditioner.
What should you bring with you?
- A waterproof shower caddy – either a plastic caddy or a mesh bag
- Towels and wash cloths
- A robe – for covering up after you shower – It might be a bit chilly in the halls even if you are not modest
- Shower shoes – either flip-flops or crocs
- Shampoo and conditioner – if you can use the 2-in-1 kind, you’ll save space
- Razor and shaving cream
- Shower gel is really easier than bar soap.
Which brings us to Laundry.
You will be doing your own. So you will need to bring your own laundry detergent, softener, stain remover and quarters. You will need a laundry basket or bag to get your stuff to the laundry.
Don’t bring:
A printer there should be a printer lab so you will not need one.
Toaster, hot plates, skillets, or toaster ovens
Candles
Halogen bulbs and/or lamps
Most schools do not allow you to put holes in the walls so no nails.
You will not need an alarm clock if you use your phone. Your phone will be your camera, calculator, calendar and address book. You are on your own to get to class. Mom will not be waking you up so if you need a loud alarm clock then by all means get one.
This is not by any means a complete list if you want more tips about what to bring check out this list from College Love to Know Things to Take to College Dorm
Good Luck and Enjoy every moment of your new adventure!! I love to hear your comments.
Pamela
#college #dormlife #tinyspace #lessismore #clothing #packinglist
I wish you had written this post 6 years back when I moved into my hostel room! But well, I learned with time… I realized from experience that keeping my stuff where it belonged was one very important thing because i was also sharing my room with two others…
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right. The smaller the space the more important it is to keep it organized.
LikeLike
Great post, saving it for my son for when he goes next year, although I don’t think he’ll be needing high heels…lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably not. LOL. Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love tiny spaces! I’d love to live in downtown New York in a tiny apartment…
LikeLiked by 1 person
The smallest space for me was 850. It did not feel small. We enjoy smaller too.
LikeLike
What a great list. This would work across many areas as well. Camping, traveling, extended stay hotels, etc. Love that the cell phone is so many things in one. Never thought of it that way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. You are right. Lots of people over pack. I am amazed at all the things my cell phone can do for me. Being old enough to remember days before cell phones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh, I ALWAYS over pack! 🙂 I kind of like life before cell phones. Old fashioned, I know. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know I kind of agree with you. If it nice to go off the grid for a bit. LOL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes ma’am! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very timely information.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. So funny today I was helping a freshman and her Mom. When we started she had 4 large suitcases. We went thru the checklist and it was one large suitcase.
LikeLike
Thanks for the tips! Wish I had known them when I was in uni!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so welcome. Me too. LOL. Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person