Packing Lists
 

GC seems to be a treasure trove of useful information- both for Greek Life and life in general. So, I turn to you guys for a little bit of help. I'm hoping maybe this can be a discussion or be a general post for all members to seek advice-

What should/would you pack for school, clothing wise?

I'm having a terrible time deciding how many pairs of jeans, shoes, etc. I'm not going to a completely different climate, but I get the feeling that dressing for college is like dressing for a completely different environment.

What/how much did you take? Was that a good or bad idea, in your opinion? What do you wish you had packed that you didn't/didn't bring enough of?

You'll honestly spend most of your time in jeans. Bring several pairs.

A cute pair of rain boots is essential.

One good pair of tennis shoes/running shoes/sneakers (whatever you call them), one good pair of comfortable neutral colored flats, one pair of black pumps, and a set of sandals/flipflops is all you really NEED. You might also think about investing in a CHEAP, COMFORTABLE pair of heels to wear to parties, that you won't mind getting crap spilled on. Nothing ruins shoes like a frat house basement.

Lots of tanks in different colors that can serve as a base for layers.

Unless you REALLY live in the middle of nowhere (say, Dartmouth), you'll be able to go shopping for what you need. Don't overpack, you'll regret it.

If I've guessed your school correctly, I'm not very familiar with the campus, but I'm in the same city. Get ready for humidity.

Lots of get-sweaty-just-getting-the-mail, feels-like-you're-swimming-not-walking-outside, freeze-when-you-return-to-the-AC humidity. Think light, light layers.

Also you're near some really fun parts of town, but unless you plan to have access to a car I wouldn't bank on shopping for basics here (and that goes for any campus).

Comfy walking shoes is all I can really suggest. If your campus is large (or even if it isn't) they are a must in my book.

In case you do join a sorority, here are some essentials from GC or my own experience:
- A skirt or nice dress pants & nice tops that you can wear to formal meetings (roughly once per month for most groups) - and shoes to match
- Some groups require an all-black or all-white nice outfit for certain events (recruitment, ritual, msc events) - and shoes to match. Although black is easy, I would imagine finding white shoes after Labor Day would be a challenge.
- Bring at least one dress to get you through the first formal. Half the fun is dress shopping with your sisters, but it's always good to have a backup just in case.

Outside of sorority stuff: jeans, jeans, jeans. Options for extreme weather, just in case (e.g. shorts & tanks & flip flops in addition to a heavier jacket & rain/snow boots). Some athletic outfits, and things you don't mind getting dirty/ripped/etc if you participate in some sort of obstacle course or something- whether sorority or college-sponsored.

As someone who moved pretty much my entire bedroom across the country (and on a campus where nobody had cars, the bus system was terrible, and shopping was miles away), I suppose I wouldn't be concerned about overpacking. It's one thing if you can go home for a weekend, but another if you only go home a few times per year. And if you bring clothes you wind up never wearing, a friend or Goodwill are always around to take them off your hands.

I was really borderline about bringing sundresses or patterned skirts- I figured I'd be going to parties, dinners and class, but not brunch. I was really glad to have them with me.
Also, lecture halls tend to be freezing, so it's nice to have a few cardigans.
I brought too many shoes, when you're packing them try to think about what you'll wear them with. I did not need 3 pair black satin evening pumps for freshman year, but I wore all of my less formal black heels a lot. I think a pair of black heels, and a pair of mid-height nude heels can get you through (nearly) any event.

Invest in one of those mattress toppers. And also make sure you buy everything you need to keep your papers organized.

If you know the campus well enough, the best thing to do is pay attention to what people wear to class. At some schools nike shorts and a school/greek/generic tee is standard for class, and at some it's pretty common to see girls in 8 am french wearing a sundress. You'll probably end up, at least somewhat, conforming to what's normal class wear at your school, so i'd try to pack mostly for that- but know that finals week will come, and you'll want your athletic shorts, as will the days where you just need to curl your hair and dress up.

I also second the comfy walking shoes. While this doesn't exactly qualify as a walking shoe, I was really glad I invested a little more money in some comfy black ballet flats with a good sole.

oh, also, if you're going to be walking and/or it rains a lot, you'll want rainboots and something like this:
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/prod...?p=84483-0-728
not the cutest thing ever, but so worth it.

Orrrrrr 110% the opposite. I don't think I've ever been less than warm in a lecture hall here.

My dorm room was tiny tiny tiny! But I still brought almost all of my clothes and they all fit. I also brought 40 pairs of shoes, along with an over the door shoe rack that held 36 pairs, so all my shoes fit in my room as well! I have a butt-load of clothes and it really wasn't a problem to fit them in my closet, as well as in my drawers, and shelves under the bed, hahah. I had to use some creative storage options, but it all worked out and I never regretted my decision.

I'm doing the same thing this year, it's just getting them to school that's a hassle. Those vacuum storage bags are amazing though! And surprisingly they don't make my clothes all wrinkled!

So is that a total of 76 pairs of shoes? Because if it is, you are my new hero.

No, no, I wish! About 40 total, 36 of which fit on the shoe rack, the rest were stacked in their boxes or lined up under my bed. I just had to control the urge to buy more! I'm in love with heels, what can I say? I was kind of known for my awesome shoes during Recruitment and wear heels almost every day to class. I love my Sperry's too though, don't get me wrong!

I agree with lots of jeans. Even if people dress a little nicer for class, most people spend a lot of time in jeans.

More clothes suggestions:

• I also suggest a few dressier outfits for brunches, dinner out, dates, formal meetings for sororities and clubs, etc.
• 2 or 3 comfy pairs of shoes that aren't sneakers. I'd do one brown, one black, and something in a cool color or fabric.
• Agree on the black pumps and nude-color pumps.
• One or two fun pairs of shoes or boots.
• A blazer that you can throw on over jeans, a skirt or a dress.
• Accessories - scarves (also great if you get stuck in the sun, in a chilly room, in the rain), a few belts, and a few pieces of your favorite jewelry. Don't bring anything too expensive. Pearls, a pair of diamond/pearl/jeweled stud earrings, and a few necklaces can take you far.
• Cardigans are great to change up an outfit or to carry in case it gets chilly.
• Something to put your phone in that can attach to your backpack or belt. I have a cute fabric holder that has a slot for an ID, and one of those clips. You can also get one that has a key fob on it.

Other stuff:

• A fan! Dorms aren't always air-conditioned, and circulating the air can really help, even in the winter if the heat is too high. It's also helpful for white noise while sleeping, especially if people on the floor are noisy.
• Noise-canceling headphones for noisy roommates, studying, or watching/listening to stuff on your computer.
• I agree with a waterproof jacket. I can't tell you how many times I got caught in rain/ice/snow walking back and forth to class.
• A small umbrella to fit in your backpack or tote bag is great, too.

Are you moving to a climate different than your own? That gives you a whole bunch of more stuff to think about.

Haha me too! Last year I brought 34 pairs of shoes with me (everyone in the house was amazed and always wanted to borrow from me!) This year I'm only bringing 28 :p

I'd rather overpack for college as opposed to underpacking. College definitely showed me what clothes I really do wear and what I could give to Goodwill. I have plenty with me at school. I mean, I'm here 3/4 of the year, why should I only bring a week and a half of clothes?

Formal outfits are good to have. Girls have a lot more clothing options than guys, it seems, but I wear my suit and my sweaters and khakis way more than I could have imagined. Job interviews, meeting big alumni of the school, rituals, and special dinners, just to name a few instances where some nice clothes have been great to have.

I'm pretty big on shoes (lol), but I only bring the ones that I know I can wear with more than one outfit.

I think I brought a great amount of clothes my Freshman year but way too many sophomore year. You're probably going to acquire a good amount of school and organization shirts, something I didn't account for my second year when repacking.

ETA: Oh yeah, and when it comes to Winter clothes that I CAN'T wear in Texas, I just put them in a box when they're out of season so they're out of the way. :)

Hahah, what a downsize!

Same thing happened to me! Freshman year I was a little gung ho to get every shirt that I possible could for every function or club.

One thing I suggest, when you go home for a break (either winter or spring) take some things to leave at home with you. While you might be a little overpacked for the break, it makes moving out so much easier.

So I am pretty much positive that posting this is going to make me forever known on GreekChat as "that crazy packing list girl" but, I still have my packing list saved in my computer from when I went away to college for the first time, so I'll share it with you :)
A few notes, I would advise more or less taking your entire wardrobe, and take WAY more shoes than the girls mentioned here. If you do join a sorority, or even if you don't, you will want clothes for various events, plenty of shoes for different outfits, etc. etc. etc. This list is assuming you're living in the dorms, as most freshman do. I am not sure where you go to school, but the list is appropriate for a climate that is warm and dry in the fall, cool and wet in the winter, and warm and wet to warm and dry in the spring. I've put a star next to all the things that you could really buy there, as most colleges have various stores nearby. Here goes!

Kitchen Things
• Plastic bowl, plate, and cup
• Fork, knife, spoon
• Coffee/tea mugs
• Dish soap*
• 2 dish towels
• bottle opener

• can opener

• tea bags and instant coffee*
• plug-in tea kettle

Linens and Laundry Things
• laundry basket
• laundry soap*
• stain remover*
• lint roller
• sewing kit
• plastic hangers
• sheets and pillowcases
• duvet and duvet cover
• pillows
• blanket
• mattress pad
• towels and washcloths

• tension bar for hanging clothes
• over the door or over the closet bar hanging shoe rack
• over the closet bar hanging shelves for sweaters

Toiletries and Miscellaneous
• First Aid Kit: band-aids in various sizes, Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, Benadryl, Sudafed, Tylenol Cold+Flu AM and PM, Robitussin cough syrup (sleepy kind and non-sleepy kind), cough drops, antibiotic cream, burn cream, antibacterial wipes, ace bandage, athletic tape, pre-wrap (I had some ankle injuries).
• Shower tote/caddy thing
• Shampoo and conditioner*
• Hairstyling products
• Hairbrush
• Comb
• Body wash*
• Facewash*
• Body lotion*
• Face lotion*
• Sunscreen*
• Tanning oil*
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Retainers and retainer case
• Tweezers
• Hairdryer
• Curling irons

• Flat iron

• Curlers
• Razor, razor blades

• Shaving cream*

• Q-tips*
• Cotton cosmetic pads
• Dental floss
• Feminine hygiene items*
• Make-up

• Nail polish

• Hairties/ribbons/headbands
• Deodorant*
• Perfume

Desk Supplies (You could buy most/all of this there*)
• Address book
• Planner/assignment book
• Stapler and staples
• Paperclips
• Printer paper
• Lined paper
• Hole punch
• Pens
• Pencils
• Mechanical pencils and lead
• Pencil sharpener
• Notebooks
• 1-inch Binder and dividers
• Index cards
• Post-it notes
• Scissors
• Highlighters
• White-out
• Rubber bands
• Pushpins
• Stackable desk trays
• Dictionary and thesaurus
• Stamps
• Stationery
• Tape
• Glue
• Art supplies or musical instrument if it's something you do

Room Things
• Desk lamp
• iPod speakers
• Trashcan*
• Under-the-bed storage
• Shoe rack*
• Fan*
• Adhesive hooks, tacky adhesive, mounting tape*
• Bulletin board/whiteboard/magnet board
• Pushpins*
• Stacking baskets/crates* (I packed a lot of my stuff inside these--very handy)

• Stacking drawers* (I also packed inside these...SO useful for overflow clothes that won't fit in your dresser, snacks, cleaning supplies, etc. etc.)

Electronics
• Laptop

• External hard drive

• Printer
• Printer cable
• Ethernet cable
• Power strip
• Extension cord

Shared Items (purchased these with my roommate)
• Rug
• Refrigerator
• TV

Clothing
• (25) pair underwear
• (20) pair socks
• (8) pair jeans

• (4) pair pants (khaki, corduroy, etc.)

• (15) Tank tops
• (15) Short-sleeve tops
• (10) Casual T-shirts
• (10) Long-sleeve tops
• (5) sets pajamas/shorts and T-shirts

• (3) Pullover sweatshirts
• (3) Zip-up sweatshirts
• (2) Cashmere/nice sweaters
• (3) Cardigans

• Slippers
• Bathrobe

• (2) pair flip-flops
• (1) pair casual leather sandals
• (2) pair dressier sandals
• (5) pair flats (black, white, metallic, colored, brown)
• (1) pair tall leather or suede boots
• (1) pair short leather or suede boots
• (1) pair running shoes
• (1) pair comfy sneakers/walking shoes such as Pumas or Converse

• (1) pair Uggs or other comfy boots

• (5) pair heels (black, brown, white, metallic, colored)
• (4) short skirts
• (2) long skirts (obviously depends on your style
• (5) pair leggings
• (5) pair shorts

• (1) warm coat

• (1) rain coat

• (5) sundresses

• (5) going-out dresses

• (1 or 2) formal dresses (not your prom dress, just classier and typically longer than what you would wear "out")

• (3) pair running shorts
• (2) pair running pants/capris
• sports bras
• regular bras
• (5) exercise tops

Buy When Arrive
• Trash bags
• Light bulbs
• Duster/dust spray/dust rag
• Wet wipes
• Tissues


I hope this is helpful for you! Obviously, bring all of your recruitment outfits too :)

That's a great (and very detailed) list "crazy packing list girl" ;)

Don't forget that you can always bring more stuff to school during Thanksgiving, or ask the parents to ship some things to you.

I have no idea where you are going, and have been out of school for a while, so I can't really tell you what to wear; but, I can suggest getting a bar to make your clothing bar double hung, and getting the hangers that hold multiple slacks and skirts.

OMG I love my double clothing bar-bar! Seriously, it was only 15 dollars doubled hanging space for tops and skirts, and left one side of my closet free for my dresses!

Add that to the list, crazy packing list girl!

A suggestion if you don't have a lot of closet space: put your bed on cinder blocks to make more room under the bed. Get some flat plastic bins to store sweaters, sweatshirts, and shoes.

Or regular bed risers :p

I would have taken more warm clothes my first semester. I remember that it cold very quick. I went from having enough shorts to not having enough sweaters, etc. in like a week or two, so my advice to you is: pack everything at once, that way you will have it, and won't have to rely on it being shipped to you from home.

Hoodies. T-shirts. Flip flops. If you didn't wear a lot of them before, you will. And if you join a sorority you'll get some of each with letters on.

College is where I learned flipflops were easier than tennis shoes in the rain. Sure my feet got wet, but they dried much faster too.

Oh wow, this is so much helpful insight!

My mom also suggested something- assuming I plan on doing laundry ever 2 weeks, approach packing as if I was going on a two week cruise- since you wouldn't know exactly what you were doing, you'd pack a bit of everything, but not too much! I'm sitting down now to try and figure out my list.

hahahahaha.

I give that a month before "oh, it'll wait one more day" becomes a very common phrase. :D

I only do laundry when I run out of clothes.... lol

hey "crazy packing list girl" (aka goldbronz)
did you JUST type that all up or find it somewhere or was it your own list

My mom gave the same advice and honestly my laundry was pretty much a monthly thing, with me washing only the essentials (like underwear) before I ran out of actual clothing. I brought essentially my entire wardrobe, and if you're living in the dorms I don't recommend that. Bring a variety (jeans, sweats, dresses, heels, flats, flips), but don't bring it ALL. Because getting all that in and out is holy hell. You probably don't need three pairs of the same shoe in different (bright and impractical) colors, two boxes of summer scarves, and four different raincoats, for instance. (All examples of things I packed freshman year.) If you're going to be in an apartment where you are basically situated for a year then it's easier to bring your whole closet. Invest in shoe racks and under the bed boxes. Even if you don't pack a lot, pack a variety.

If you live close enough to home that you can return once a month or more it's a different story. Don't bother bringing your winter clothes until it's actually cold outside. I was able to do that and after my moving debacle first semester would get a monthly supply of clothing, switching things out every time.

When I went away to college the first time, I moved about 3/4 of it in when I first moved in, then went home/had my parents visit/had fall break or something (I can't remember) and brought the rest (it was already packed).

Then there was Christmas, and I brought more back.

Over spring break, I took part of it home. My parents visited once in the spring and took more back. Then my mom picked me up.

I wouldn't recommend doing that -you're always moving, and you have too much stuff.

Life didn't become manageable for me in the dorms/on campus until I was living there year round and had my car.

Also, be prepared now - you're probably going to buy a bunch of crap that you're never going to use. :)

I 100% agree with you!! Where I live it snows a lot, and a lot of girls to flip flops even in the snow. Personally I prefer boots because they're cuter but to each their own!!

It's my packing list from when I went away to college for my first year--I had it saved to my computer! I did add a few things--mostly ones I wished I'd thought of then.

Ah, thank you all for your help. I've been able to make a good dent in my packing and my mother is no longer tempted to kick my butt.