PACK YOUR BAGS

What to bring to college and what to leave at home

By Lori Brandt

You’ve made it through the application process and received your residence hall and roommate assignments. Now, it’s time to start thinking about the essential items you’ll need to make living on campus feel like home. Local students and college officials offer some thought-provoking tips and advice to help you get prepared for move-in day.

Less is more. Keep this policy in mind when shopping and packing for your move. Residence hall rooms are small,so do some planning, says Trina Dobberstein, vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Baldwin-Wallace College. "Bring things that will help you get through the first eight weeks. "You can always add more on your next trip home or from a store near your school, especially after analyzing how much space you actually have.

Contact your future roommate. Before arriving on campus, discuss who will bring the bigger items to prevent duplication and space issues. Colleges release phone numbers and e-mail addresses (with student permission) to facilitate this process, says Betsy Joseph, director of residence services at Kent State University. "You both don’t need to bring a TV and sound system, and only one landline phone is typically needed. ’And, if not already provided by the school, only one mini-refrigerator and microwave is necessary.

Check your college website. Locate a detailed checklist online, or find a hard copy, for items that should be brought to school and those not permissible. John Messina, director of residence life and housing at the University of Akron, offers a shortened version of dos and don’ts on this extensive list. "We suggest students use this rule of thumb: Leave it at home if an item presents a safety hazard, an annoyance to others or a likelihood of damaging your room or furnishings."

DOs:

• bed and bath (alarm clock, rugs, towels, hygiene items, required sheet size)
• kitchen (cooking/eating utensils, coffeemaker, cleaning supplies)
• laundry (baskets/totes, detergent, quarters)
• clothing (seasonal articles, hats/gloves, umbrella, sunglasses)
• electrical (power strip/surge protector, PC,TV, radio)
• school supplies (calculator, calendar, planner, backpack, stamps/envelopes)
• closet (belt holder, shoe rack, hanging shelves, hangers)
• storage (flat containers to fit under the bed, stackable bins)
• miscellaneous (medicine, mounting tape, small tool kit, flashlight)

DON’Ts:

• pets (except fish)
• weapons (any type)
• candles
• space heaters
• cooking devices with open heating element (toasters, hot plates)
• wallpaper or nails/screws
• gas-powered anything (grills, scooters)

Amy Lechko, director of residence life at Ursuline College, also advises students against bringing items at risk for disappearing. "Don’t bring many valuables, such as expensive jewelry," she says. If these items are absolutely necessary, she suggests purchasing a small safe.

Take a shopping trip. Students favor select stores when it comes to purchasing basic college accessories. "Staples is a great place for office supplies and organizers," says UA sophomore Megan Gallagher. "Don’t forget a planner; it will be your lifesaver. "UC senior Lydell Perry says, "Target always has a section for college students, and their merchandise is so versatile, and Bed Bath & Beyond’s jersey knit sheets make sleeping an experience."

Make it your own. Personal items and mementos can provide an added touch of comfort when decorating a college room, and help with homesickness. Besides lots of pillows and stuffed animals, Perry says, "I try to surround myself with inspiration," which includes posters of landscapes, motivational sayings and her favorite: a picture of Ursuline’s 2006 graduation.

Gallagher recommends an extra lamp for adequate lighting, framed photos of friends and family, and a comfy beanbag or folding chair to lounge in. She advises students to remember that they are decorating a shared room. "Don’t let one person dominate over the room; work together to make both roommates happy."

Take inventory. Elizabeth Okuma, assistant dean of students at Hiram College, says, "Take pictures of items you are bringing, and check to see if your homeownership insurance policy covers specific items if stolen." Photos and an inventory list will make it easier to provide proof of ownership.

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