It’s almost the end of the academic year, summer break is around the corner, and you’re excited about what’s ahead. Come fall, you’ll likely be in a new place — whether you’re graduating from high school and moving to college, or, like the majority of college students each year, simply changing housing.
Whether it’s squeezing into a freshman dorm or expanding into a luxury off-campus townhouse, it’s time to take a second look at what you plan to pack and what you’re considering leaving behind as you inch closer to adulthood.
Here’s our list of what to finally retire when it comes to college living.
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Your books. We get it, you’re well-read. But there’s no chance you’re going to pick up Jack Kerouac when you haven’t touched half of the semester’s required reading. Store ‘em and bring them out when you’re done moving every 12 months.
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Old notebooks and textbooks. Again. No chance you’re opening these babies back up next year thinking you’ll need to page through them one day for reference. Chances are you’ll be doing a hasty Google search for that information rather than thumbing through illegible notes.
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Candles. According to most on-campus housing policies, they’re not allowed. Go buy fairy lights or ambient light bulbs if you’re looking to set the mood.
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Stuffed animals. If these made it past graduation into college with you, it’s time to finally let them go. There’s no literal or figurative room on your bed left for the stuffed teddy bear you spit up on as a child.
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High school yearbooks. Just don’t.
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Clothes you haven’t worn in the past 365 days. If you didn’t wear them in 2017, why would you wear them now? Read about the minimalist movement and donate them now.
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CDs and DVDs. Why are you still using these anyways? Even if they’re not scratched, everything’s available digitally. Stop calling it a collection.
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Knick-knacks. Sure, they evoke fond memories, like the concert tickets from that time your favorite band threw you a t-shirt after the show, or the ceramic angel your sponsor gave you at your First Communion. But they’ll only end up in a shoebox under your bed. Save the space.
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An iron and ironing board. You’ll iron your clothes roughly once a month — at most. Give up on bringing all of your laundry room accoutrements and trust that someone else will have made the mistake of bringing them. Borrow their iron.
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Your printer. Speaking of appliances you don’t need to bring because they’ll be provided for you, somehow. Leave your printer at home. Most schools have labs set up where you can print for free or at a nominal fee. If not, see strategy above and count on your neighbor.
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Your George Foreman and mini-Crockpot. They seem like good ideas. Perfect for low-maintenance, semi-convenient, pseudo-gourmet college meals. But you’ll never use them. We promise.
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Extension cords. It’s 2018 and electrical engineers have designed college campuses and off-campus housing well enough so you’ll never be more than five feet from an electrical outlet.
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Air conditioners. Are you crazy?
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Uggs. You're not a high school girl in 2006. We don’t care if your campus gets 11 months of winter and below freezing temperature more often than not. Find other ways to keep your feet warm and stylish.
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Your identity. No, not entirely. But whoever you thought you were — or whatever you think you’re known as — does not need to come with you. The best part about graduating high school and moving through college is the ability to loosen attachments to how you were defined. You’re learning, changing, and growing in an environment that allows you to focus on self-discovery and self-growth for four years. Use it as an opportunity to become the person you want to be.
