Packing List

I must admit that I’ve already starting counting down the days until classes begin (24!) due to my sick obsession with things such as homework and learning. Excuse me for being cliché, but it seriously feels like only yesterday that I moved into my second summer housing room, and in a mere eleven days I’m scheduled to take up semi-permanent residence in the Terrace Apartments for the school year.

Whether you’ve already finished packing for school or barely thought about it, tis the season—and here it is: My packing list.

Take It:

Musical Instrument(s)—but please, for the sake of my ears, and everybody else’s for that matter, don’t crank up the volume of your electric guitar to full blast if you don’t know how to play.
Mattress Pad—highly recommended, unless you like to feel like you slept on a plastic board when you wake up in the morning.
Stereo—but personally, I recommend portable computer speakers considering all of my music is on my computer anyways.
Posters—a must. It’s amazing how less sterile the white washed dorm rooms feel with a little color.
Alarm Clock—there is no way I’d make it to class without one.
Hangers
Bathrobe—no, you will not have a private bathroom.
Computer
Printer—I’ve got 99 problems, and four of them are the printers at the library.
Surge Protector—your computer is probably your most important resource. Protect it.
Fan—I have four. What does that tell you?
Coffee Pot—the best way to save money at the dining hall is to brew your own. But make sure to get auto-shutoff!
Athletic Clothes/Equipment—don’t let the freshman 15 catch up to you.
Shelving
Refrigerator—for leftover pizza, of course.
Linens
Lamps—I prefer a room lamp and a desk lamp to the overhead light.
Laundry Supplies
Light bulbs
Toiletries—an extra toothbrush is recommended. Mine was stolen once and rediscovered later with alien toothpaste on it. I threw it away immediately.
Telephone
First Aid Kit
Rug—it adds a little coziness to your room.

Recommended:

Turn Table—to impress all of your friends.
Hot Pot with auto-shutoff—useful for making Ramen noodles and other typical college food.
Video Games—the easiest way to make new friends.
Vacuum Cleaner—I can put up with a mess, but filth is going too far.
Tape Recorder—especially recommended for social science students (I would know!).
Board Games
Bicycle and Lock

Leave It:

Family Heirlooms—aka every picture you’ve taken from the past 10 years; the gold tiara you inherited from Aunt Sally; your grandmothers wedding ring.....
Tiki Torches—major fire=major fine. And you don’t want to mess with Vassar Security. For a list of these items, check out: http://residentiallife.vassar.edu/prohibited.html
Your Officially Licensed Anduril Sword of Aragon—whether your intentions are show or kill, it will most likely scare your roommate and get you kicked out of housing.
Max or Fido—only animals that can be kept in a cage are allowed in housing. Bring your dog or cat and they’ll soon find out what life is like on the streets of Poughkeepsie.
Candelabrum—three candles=three times more trouble.
Your Life Size Cardboard Cut Out Of James Dean
Fireworks/Explosives/Anything Else Questionably Dangerous


Most importantly, use your common sense when packing. Especially if you are a freshman, it’s important to take space, and the type of relationship you’d like to have with your roommate, into consideration. I had a friend who had serious issues with his roommate, and trust me—it didn’t end pretty.