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Fall semester is right around the corner, this means it is time to create your packing list as you are about one month away from moving into your residence hall and making memories at the greatest university. When packing, it is natural to make last-minute shopping runs for forgotten necessities or spend the weekend decluttering after you overpacked. Hopefully, this guide will help you minimize this and make move-in day easier for you and your family.

Residence Hall Must-haves

Packing looks different for everyone as we all live different lifestyles. That being said, here are some things that you may not have on your packing list that I found useful throughout my time living in a residence hall.

1. A Tool Kit 
   I remember when I moved into my residence hall my first year of university, my mom gave me a small tool kit. I thought it seemed unnecessary but I ended up using it multiple times throughout the year and still use it frequently today. It is so helpful for putting together furniture (and fixing it after it breaks). Not only did it come in handy for me many times but other students in my hall often asked to borrow it too.
2. First Aid Kit and Wellness Necessities 
   A first aid kit including bandaids and wipes is always good to have because you never know when you or a friend might need it. In addition, I advise you pack any cold and flu or pain relief medicine you may need. It is way easier to have these things already stocked in your room in case you get sick during the cold winter. This way you do not have to worry about walking to the store while you are not feeling your best!
3. A Convenient Laundry Hamper 
   The right laundry hamper is extremely helpful when living in a residence hall. I personally recommend choosing a backpack hamper or hamper bag that is easy to carry up and down stairs. In addition, one that has pockets for your detergent pods or anything else you may need is ideal. I have tried both a rolling hamper and hamper bag and found the rolling hamper is less practical when in a residence hall.
4. Ice Trays 
   This one is an entirely personal preference but I prefer cold drinking water and found having ice trays really useful. Students are allowed to have a miniature refrigerator/freezer under specific size and amp guidelines. Therefore, your water filter pitcher may also be compact, constantly need refilling and may not get cold when you need it next. Having ice trays around helps make living in your room more comfortable.
5. Gear for All Elements 
   This last one can be misleading because I do not recommend packing too much clothes or unnecessary gear, but it is smart to be prepared for the weather. An item I forgot when I moved into my first residence hall was an umbrella. Keeping an umbrella by the door of your room is a good idea in case you are unlucky and have to walk to class in pouring rain. In addition, having snow boots, rain boots, hats, gloves, scarves, and handwarmers is never a bad idea as we live in Michigan and you never know when it could snow! Lastly, having slippers that easily slide on in your room is a necessity to throw on when grabbing laundry or saying hello to a friend down the hall.
6. Cards and Games 
   Bringing cards and games was one of the best things I brought when moving into my residence hall. Playing video games such as Wii Sports or board games like Clue is such a fun way to get to know the other students in your hall or take a brain break with your friends after a long day of studying. This makes for endless laughs and creating memories you will never forget.

Things To Leave at Home

When creating your packing list it is easy to anxiously pack everything you own or overthink after seeing online packing lists of things you have not bought. Here are a few things I found that just took up space in my residence hall.

1. Candles 
   Candles are a big no for obvious reasons. I understand you may be tempted to bring them but not only are they prohibited in residence halls, they are also not useful and dangerous. In university, you get very busy and often have a lot on your mind, like projects, due dates, and events, making it easy to forget to blow out a candle before you leave for class. You then upset your entire residence hall when the fire alarm goes off or a dangerous situation occurs. Instead, use plug-in air fresheners or room spray as they not only work better when refreshing your room, they also keep you and your fellow Wolverines safe.
2. Too Many Decorations 
   Making your room feel like home is very important for getting comfortable in your new space. That being said, buying too many decorations before moving in is a bad idea. I found that I had a hard time finding space for them all or ended up going shopping with my roommate later on and wanting all new stuff after moving in. Make an online shopping cart to purchase later, bring just your favorites, or plan a fun shopping day to bond with your new roommate instead!
3. An Iron/Ironing Board 
   This is something I had originally packed my first year but ended up never using. It is inconvenient to iron in a compact room and hardly ever necessary. That being said, if you are worried about wrinkled clothes, try a wrinkle release spray instead. 
4. Kitchen Gadgets 
   Having a meal plan makes kitchen gadgets like hot plates or air fryers useless and they’re also prohibited. Not only do they take up too much space and never get used but they are also hazardous. For a hot meal, visit the dining hall and keep snacks on hand that don’t require cooking.
5. Plants 
   As a lover of plants and greenery, it is hard to admit that plants should not be brought into your residence hall. They take up too much space, do not thrive in your room, and are hard to maintain as you transition into the busiest time of your life. With plants, water and dirt get on the floor and bugs begin to take over your room as plants may die.
6. Too Much Furniture 
   I found it was easy to buy carts, storage boxes, ottomans, and couches before moving into my residence hall. Having good storage is great when living in your room but you will find too many of these items are actually less convenient. Together with large furniture items, you’ll find they will take up too much space and you will have a hard time removing them when you get sick of them a week after moving in.

Do Not Overthink It!

These are just a few of my opinions (and some mandatory rules) when it comes to packing for university. That being said, do not overthink it! Part of university life is learning how to adjust along the way and being able to share your findings with other incoming students! Do not sweat it if you forget a necessity or find yourself donating some items as the semester progresses, it is all a part of the experience.