As the second semester of school begins, there is one thing on everyone’s mind: summer. For freshmen, summer means suntanning and sleepovers; for sophomores driving lessons and increased freedom. For juniors summer is spent getting excited for senior year, and for seniors it means preparing for college. Preparing to leave the only life they have ever known to embark on a new journey of freedom and knowledge. Whether they are moving out of state or just down the road, there are certain items every senior should know to bring with them to college in order to achieve success:

1. Clothing

The clothes you bring depend a lot on the college you are attending. It is incredibly beneficial to research the climate in which you will be moving in order to be prepared for every season. However, there are certain items which are a must have in every situation:

• Comfortable loungewear such as leggings, sweatshirts, hoodies, sneakers, etc.
• A few dressy outfits for affairs like interviews, presentations and formals
• Work-out clothes
• A bathing suit
• Light and heavy jackets
• Rainwear

2. For the Dorm

It is important to know in advance about the conditions in which you will be living. If possible, tour the dorm you will be living in or call the housing office/visit the website in order to find out what comes in your room and how much space you will have.

• Comforter/bedspread
• Pillow
• Sheets and blankets
• Clothes hangers
• Coffee mugs (which can double as storage for pencils and pens)
• Drinking cups/water bottles
• Dishes for snacks
• Plastic storage containers (big and small)
• Headphones
• Power Strips
• Lamps
• Fan
• Stacking containers
• Microwave and mini fridge (if not provided)
• Small first aid kit
• Aspirin

3. Keeping Clean

You’ll be sharing all of your space with multiple people…enough said.

• Towels and washcloths
• Shower shoes
• Soap, shampoo, shaving cream, etc.
• Shower bucket (to hold soap and other personal bathing items)  
• Tissues
• Laundry basket
• Dryer sheets
• Dishwashing soap

4. Extra

Be sure to consider your daily activities and hobbies and what you should bring to support them.

• Umbrella
• Flashlight
• Camera
• Batteries
• Snacks
• Sporting equipment
• Books

These are a few suggestions of items that may be needed as you embark on your new adventure; however, talking to other college students, teachers, parents and admissions experts at the college of your choice will help you know just what to pack in order to make your first semester a success.

Bonus: What NOT to Bring to College:

1. Candles
2. Hot plates/skillets/toasters
3. Nail picture hangers
4. Old high school attire (just don’t do it)
5. Halogen bulbs or lamps
6. Air conditioners
7. Pets
8. Too many fancy clothes
9. Tons of decor
10. Small tool kit (some colleges do not allow sharp tools/objects for safety purposes)