Your big adventure is just around the corner! Pretty soon you’ll be all moved into your dorm and well on your way to having the career of your dreams. But how do we get from point A to point B? How do we make sure we’re equipped for everything college is going to throw at us? Here are three easy steps to making sure you pack everything you need before you move into your college dorm!

Step One: Be Prepared For Disaster

It doesn’t matter how careful you might think you are. Even if you’ve never broken a bone before in your life, always be prepared for disasters! Pack a first aid kit and extra pillows and blankets. A flashlight. Umbrella. Make sure you have a plan in case there’s a major weather event or other complication. Make a list of emergency numbers. You’ll be really glad you did when you need to call someone and can’t remember their number off the top of your head.

Step Two: Don’t Panic Over Your Wardrobe

Yes, packing to go to college and having to decide what you’ll be wearing and what will look nice when you can’t pack everything can be a real downer. However, sometimes if you’re careful to pack staple clothing items that work well when they’re layered, you can get a dozen outfits out just a few articles of clothing! Have a cute knee-length dress that’s great for dressing up? Dress it down with a jean jacket and a belt or make it even more fancy with the perfect necklace and earrings. What’s an item nobody can seem to get enough of? Socks! They seem to go missing as easily as bobby pins and hair ties these days. Just remember to pack what you need and leave what you don’t. Your parents can always send other items through the mail later and you can bring along things after Spring and Summer vacation. Don’t sweat it because there’s absolutely no reason to regret it!

Step Three: Be Informed

If you’re staying on campus, chances are pretty high you’ll have a roommate or two. Make sure you’re finding out what they’re bringing if possible and what the dorm already provides. Maybe one of you can bring a small stick vacuum and the other a hairdryer and curling iron or other bulky item so you’re splitting the load. Does the dorm have a mini fridge or microwave? These are all things you’ll want to consider and be prepared to provide in case they don’t.

It’s okay to be nervous! This is a big step for you and a brand new adventure that you’ll look back on with fondness. If you’re nervous about forgetting things, make a checklist and run over it with a friend or your parents. If you’re planning on living in off-campus housing, make sure you’re well-informed about everything you need to bring and give yourself time to get settled before school starts. We’re excited for you as you embark on the next chapter of your life and you can bet it will be even more exhilarating than you thought it’d be. Have fun!