Ready, Set, Go! Your Guide to Help You Pack, Plan and Move to College

The first-time you move to college is a monumental milestone. It’s a moment packed with excitement, a little bit of nervousness, and a whole lot of change. There’s a lot more to this transition than just packing boxes and figuring out how to fit everything in your car. It’s about navigating new feelings, setting boundaries, and building your new home away from home.

To help make this transition as smooth as possible, ScholarshipOwl has created a comprehensive guide to help you manage not only the logistics of your move but also the emotional journey that comes with it.

Preparing for Your Move to College

Packing for college is an art form! Start by checking our detailed list of everything you’ll need, from clothes and toiletries to study supplies and decor, but do what you can to conserve costs. A few pro tips:

Coordinate with your roommate(s)

Before you buy a mini-fridge or a microwave, check in with your roommate to see what they’re bringing. This prevents you from ending up with duplicates and gives you more space.

Pack in clear bins

This makes it easy to see what’s inside and can double as under-the-bed storage.

Don’t overpack

You’ll be surprised how little space you actually have. Stick to the essentials for the first semester, and you can always bring more back after your first visit home.

Your Ultimate Packing List for Your Move to College

Below is a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need for college, as well as some optional items that you may want to consider.

Essential Clothing

• Everyday casual clothes (T-shirts, jeans/pants, leggings, shorts, etc.)
• 2 sets of business-casual clothes that you might need for interviews, attending industry events, internships/jobs in your field, etc. (Blouses/button-down shirts; slacks; dresses; coordinating shoes)
• Pajamas, sweats, and comfortable loungewear
• Undergarments and socks
• Hoodies / sweaters
• Workout clothes and shoes
• Swimsuit / swim trunks
• Bathrobe
• One or two “dressy” outfits for special occasions
• Light jacket
• Sneakers / walking shoes
• Optional depending on the climate and environment where your college is located:

• • Heavy jacket
  • Gloves, scarf, hat, etc.
  • Hiking shoes
  • Boots
  • Slippers
  • Flip-flops

• Optional: Share-with-Roommate Items

  • TV
  • Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed
  • Small refrigerator

• Optional: Miscellaneous

  • Bicycle
  • Umbrella
  • Sports equipment
  • Musical instrument
  • Tabletop games

Manage Your Move-In Budget

While making the transition to college, don’t forget about your finances. Students are often surprised to discover that there is a larger initial outlay of funds than they had anticipated, which can be challenging. Try your best to borrow items for your dorm or browse thrift stores for options rather than buying new. If funds are tight, focus on bringing items from home and limit your purchases to only what you you absolutely need immediately. Other items can wait until they are truly needed.

If your move requires airline tickets or gas for a long car ride, be sure to plan ahead for those costs.

Cherishing the Final Moments Before You Move to College

In the weeks leading up to your move, make time for the people you’ll miss most. Enjoy meals with your family, plan a game night or take day trips with friends, or simply spend quality time with your significant other. These last moments together are incredibly valuable and will give you a well of warm memories to draw on when you need them. Take lots of photos and videos, and be fully present in these final days at home.

Tidying Up Your Room to Ease Your Transition

Before you lock the door to your childhood bedroom, take a few minutes to tidy up. Put away the last of your things, make the bed, and leave the room in a state that feels peaceful and clean. This simple act isn’t just a kind gesture to your parents; it’s a way to give yourself a sense of closure and calm. It also ensures that the room is a welcoming, tranquil space for your first visit back home.

Managing the Emotions (Yours & Theirs)

The days leading up to and including move-in day are a roller coaster of emotions for everyone. It’s okay to be excited one moment and sad the next. Acknowledge your feelings, and be patient with your parents. This is a huge change for them, too! They’re not just saying goodbye to a child; they’re closing a chapter of their lives and looking ahead, wondering in what ways their relationship with you might change.

Setting Expectations for Privacy, Independence, and Communication

One of the most important conversations you can have before you leave is about communication and independence. This is a new chapter for your family dynamic. Do your parents want to use a location-sharing app like “Find my iPhone” or “Life360”? If so, how do you feel about that? How often do they expect you to call or text? Your parents’ expectations might be different from yours, so it’s essential to have an open, honest discussion about this now. Coming to a clear agreement will help prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary stress later on. It’s about building a new foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Navigating the Complexities of Living with Roommates

When you move to college, your roommate will become a huge part of your life. Setting clear expectations from the start is crucial. While getting to know each other, find ways to bring up some areas of importance that will help ensure you can cohabitate with ease:

• Cleanliness

How often will you each of you clean your part of the living space? What’s everyone’s tolerance for mess?

• Schedules

Are you a morning person or a night owl? How will you handle noise levels during late-night study sessions or early morning alarms?

• Visitors

What are your rules about having friends, boyfriends, or girlfriends over? How will you handle overnight guests?

Having these conversations early on will help you both establish a positive and respectful living arrangement that can last all year.

Tackling Homesickness Head-On

It’s completely normal to feel homesick. The key is to be proactive.

• Stay busy

Immerse yourself in campus life. Join clubs, attend events, and get involved in your classes. Get a job on-campus. All of these activities not only distract you from homesickness; they actually will help resolve it by enabling you to interact with students with similar interests. Before you know it, you’ll have made new friends, and will have much to look forward to.

• Create new routines

Find a new favorite coffee shop, a go-to study spot, or a favorite workout class. Creating a new routine will make your new home feel more familiar.

• Stay connected

Schedule regular calls or video chats with your family and friends back home. But remember to balance this with making new connections.

• Give it time

Homesickness will fade as you settle in. Be patient with yourself, and know that every student goes through this.

Proactively Manage Your Finances

Once you have moved in to your dorm or apartment, in addition to preparing for your classes, you’ll also want to avoid financial stress.

• Apply for scholarships year-round

Even though you are now starting college, you can still earn scholarships! Scholarships are available year-round, and you should continue to apply for them to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. At any given time, we have at least $500,000 in open, active scholarships on the ScholarshipOwl platform! Start your free 7-day trial today!

• Get a part-time job on campus

All students should plan to work 10 to 15 hours per week during the school year, and full-time during summer breaks. If you do this, you may be able to avoid taking out student loans! You’ll also be gaining valuable skills and experience that will make it easier for you to find a job in your field when you graduate.

• Add a flexible side hustle

When you need extra cash, a side hustle is a great solution because you can work when you want to, and choose not to work when you don’t. Options include driving for a delivery or ride-sharing app, pet-sitting, dog-walking, babysitting, freelance projects, and more.

Final Thoughts on Your Journey

Your move to college is the beginning of a remarkable journey of growth and independence. By preparing for not only the physical move but also the emotional and social transitions, you’re setting yourself up for an incredible college experience.

For more helpful college and scholarship tips, start your ScholarshipOwl free 7-day trial!