Packing for College...Out of State

There are a lot of variables and techniques for packing for college, but there are a few universal tips to keep in mind when traveling to another state for your education. Out-of-state college students must pack everything that a local student might bring, but also think ahead and plan for anything that they might need for various seasons and emergencies. You can’t just drive home to get something you forgot! The main thing for us out-of-staters is to understand what NOT to bring. It is super important to save space in your vehicle or suitcase for important items! Here are some tips of what not to forget and what to leave home, as well as some random advice, based on my personal experience.

Don’t Forget:

•        Personal Documents such as Social Security, Birth Certificate and Health Insurance card
•        Clothes for all weather and seasons – summer and winter – UNLESS you know for sure that you can go home and switch out your wardrobe before the temperature changes
•        Small suitcases that you can take on an airplane or to a friend’s house
•        Update any insurance or driver’s license! I was unable to renew my driver’s license since I was in the wrong state and had to drive illegally for a month (shhh... don’t tell anyone!)

Leave at Home:

•        Any large furniture – conserve your packing space.
•        Bulky school supplies
•        Any clothes that you know you don’t wear. It’s probably not worth it to bring that huge fur coat and only wear it once!
•        Room decorations and accessories – buy things once you get there. It is easier to visualize decorations when you have actually seen your dorm room
•        Cleaning supplies – they take up a lot of space and can be purchased cheaply near your school

The main idea is to be able to transport essential items quickly and efficiently. If the school kicks you out of the dorms during long school breaks, it is good idea to figure out an easy transport system that works for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

•        You can always ship things to your school! You can mail any large items, such as bedding, printers and mini-fridges to yourself to save effort, space and money.
•        Wait to do some of your school shopping until you arrive on campus. Minor school supplies, cleaning supplies and room decorations can be purchased at a local Walmart or other supply store. That way you don’t have to pack it all and can go shopping with your new friends if you want to!
•        Research the weather. If moving to a new climate, find out when it starts getting cold or hot so you can plan when you need to bring seasonal clothes. If you are moving up north, you might want to purchase coats on site. It might be difficult to find a coat suitable for Alaska if you live in Texas!
•        Store extra clothes. During warmer months, keep winter wear out of your limited closet space. I keep mine in a bottom drawer or in a container up on my closet shelf.
•        If you have a car, locate a local auto shop and make sure all mechanical functions are up-to-date.
•        Remember: if you forget something, you can always buy it or have someone from home mail it to you! Provide your school address to your family and friends so they can send you some care packages *wink*

Going to college in another state or even another country is a great adventure and helps you expand your personal network. The key to packing is Efficiently. Try to save space, declutter and only take the essentials. Anything else can by bought or mailed to you later!

~Jennah