Leave the Kitchen Sink Behind
By Grace B., Katherine B., and Nicolcarmen C., Penn State Behrend
It seems like yesterday I was moving out of my parents’ house for the first time. I was filled with emotion – mostly excitement – but also stress and anxiety about being on my own and having no idea what to take with me.
I spent hours Googling what to bring. But when I got here, there were lots of other things I found myself wishing I had. Lucky for you, Reader: We’re here to help make your life in the residence hall as easy as possible!
1. Don’t bring winter necessities now. Get them on a visit home later or have your parents ship (or deliver) them to you.
2. Hangers – and plenty of them.
3. Lots of undergarments – enough to last at least until laundry day.
4. T-shirts and hoodies, plus a dirty-laundry bag or hamper.
5. A few business-casual outfits for work or interview opportunities.
6. Swimsuit.
7. Slippers for hanging out in the residence hall.
8. Phone charger.
9. A planner, plus pencils, pens, binders, notebooks and loose-leaf paper.
10. A clear plastic file folder and manila folders for important papers, such as financial aid, scholarships, etc.
11. Extension cord.
12. Night light.
13. A few basic kitchen utensils (spoon, fork, knife, cup, plate).
14. Two storage bins (one for under the bed; one for in the closet).
15. Small trash can.
16. More than one set of bed sheets; plus a mattress pad and cover (extra cushioning for those naps!).
17. Throws for your bed. There’s nothing better than being curled up in bed with blankets. A nice, super-soft throw will do wonders for comfort.
18. Leave candles (they’re a fire hazard) at home. Bring scented plug-ins, such as Glade or Febreze, instead.
19. You don’t have to bring a printer; Behrend offers each student $15 worth of printing per semester; plus there are lots of printers around campus.
20. Do bring an umbrella. Weather can change here in the blink of an eye!
Office of Residence Life
