As you prepare to leave home and live on your own for the first time, it can be stressful trying to figure out what to pack.
For those who live close to MU, it is easy to run home if you figure out you forgot something important or packed more clothing than you can possibly fit in your 11’x15’ room. But to those less fortunate souls who are traveling far from home (more fortunate?) and are stuck with what they’ve got, here is a list of what to bring and what to leave behind.
**The Big Stuff**
For items that you only need one of, it is important to coordinate with your new roommate who is bringing what. Reach out to them on Facebook or Twitter, or look up their email in the online MU directory. Many will have already done this, but it is important for the stragglers to take care of this as soon as possible before all the good college sales have ended and you end up with two overpriced microwaves in your room. The items in question include: TV, microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker and video game systems.
Many students also like to bring rugs, floor lamps, posters and futons to make their rooms feel more like home. Just be sure to clear all of this with your roommate before you arrive in the fall. Also, be aware that futons will likely force you to make room by bunking the beds and are easier to use for students who have living rooms attached to their dorm rooms.
**The Smaller Essentials**
There are several possessions you will want to have for yourself. An alarm clock is a must. Don’t share this with a roommate, as you will have different schedules. Cell phones work fine, but it is also helpful to bring a clock radio and place it across the room to force yourself out of bed on those rainy Mondays.
Don’t go crazy with the amount of food you bring and especially the amount of cooking supplies. Many freshmen come to college expecting to master the art of cooking for one, and the sad truth is it just doesn’t happen. You will eat most of your meals in the dining halls. The few meals you do cook will be Ramen noodles. And although you might bake cupcakes a couple times, the bowls and whisks will spend most of the year on the top shelf of your closet untouched. Each hall provides a kitchen with any major supplies you might need, and worst-case scenario, you can borrow supplies from a friend or run to Walmart (frequent trips will be made).
A Brita water filter is a great investment, too. It helps you avoid that rusty-pipe taste without having to buy case after case of water bottles. This way, you’re not hurting the environment with more recycled plastic and it’s cheaper and easier to store.
As far as clothes go, pack light. It’s OK to bring a diverse wardrobe, but be aware that you will acquire many free T-shirts. Only bring your favorite clothes from home. Bring a couple formal or trendy pieces for going out but make sure you have plenty of casual clothes to wear to class and work out duds for the Student Recreation Complex. For students who are closer to MU, leave most of your winter clothes at home and rotate them seasonally. If you live farther away, it is probably easier to take most of them to school with you now.
Plastic bins and sets of drawers with wheels are great storage devices for school supplies and any appliances or decorations you bring. These are highly portable and can often be stored under your bed. Storage ottomans also can be filled with movies, video games or shoes. The ottomans then double as a place to sit when guests come over for a movie night. Target carries an affordable model in a variety of colors that tends to be popular in the residence halls.