It’s crazy to think I don’t have to pack up my room from home to move to Manchester anymore. Every year, I became better and better at packing for school. So all you incoming first years, I want to share a few pieces of advice for you as you think about moving in to your new dorm room.

DO PACK

1. Portable Speaker: You never know when you may have to jam out and have a dance session to take a study break.
2. Mattress Topper: Seriously, just get one.
3. Pictures: A little piece of home to comfort you.
4. Dry Erase Board & Markers: Late night cram sessions or practicing organic synthesis problems, this comes in handy so that you don’t have to waste paper!

DON’T PACK

1. Letter Jacket: Leave it behind. This isn’t high school anymore.
2. Printer: Each semester, we get more printing funds to print. There are printers in every building on campus, including the dorms. Don’t let a bulky printer take up space in your dorm room!
3. Off Season Clothing: Save space! Only bring clothes that you will wear now! Rotate your clothes when you go home at breaks.
4. A Closed Mind: College will stretch you. There will be new ideas, beliefs, and perspectives. Open your mind and listen to what others have to say, you will learn a lot.