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Packing for College

Packing for and moving into the dorm can be challenging to say the least. Here’s what you absolutely need to know or consider when figuring out what to pack for your dorm:


1. Before buying that microwave or dorm fridge, make sure you know the university’s policy on them. Some only allow students to buy or rent those items provided by the school and some electronic items may not be allowed at all. Others may include them as standard.


2. Once you know the policy, talk to your prospective roommate to determine who is bringing what. No need to duplicate. Remember, space is very limited in your typical dorm room.


3. Bedding – a) Most college beds are twin XL so buy the right size sheets! b) Consider getting spacers (ie: caps for the bedposts) that add height. These come in very handy when you want more height under the bed for storage or when stacking the beds into bunkbeds, which is another good way to maximize floor space.


4. Laundry – Collapsible laundry baskets, detergent and fabric softener sheets, which are not only eco-friendly, but weigh almost nothing and take up very little space. And for those of you worrying about sorting laundry, just wash everything on cold and you won’t have to ever worry about turning your whites pink.


5. Luggage – If you’re driving a long distance from home, unpack your stuff and send any suitcases back with Mom/Dad. Just keep a weekend bag or backpack handy.  

 

6. Clothing - Only bring what you need for the season. Swap out to winter clothes when you go home for Thanksgiving or winter break. If you need to take a plane or train to get to campus, invest in soft-sided luggage that you can collapse and easily store under the bed or in your closet.


7. Shoes – Get a multi-level shoe rack for the closet or one you can hang off the back of the door or from the closet pole.


8. Mail order – If you are buying any larger or heavier items, just order them online and have them shipped to you once you’re there. No need to overstuff the car.


9. Storage – If you are traveling from afar and hate the idea of packing and lugging all your belongings at the end of every year, don’t. Get a small, short-term storage unit near campus and leave your stuff there.


Looking for additional helpful tips from PCCI? Click below to check out our previous newsletters!

Helpful Tips

In July and August, PCCI's focus is on essays. We recommend completing your common app essay AND any supplemental essays prior to the first day of the fall semester. Be sure to determine if you need to prepare a separate essay to be considered for any specific scholarships for those colleges. Is there anything else you need to submit such as a portfolio? Remeber, you'll have to submit ALL required materials by the deadline.


With your essays completed, you'll be ready for early action deadlines and less likely to feel overwhelmed about writing essays while trying to juggle class assignments, jobs, sports and/or extracurricular activities.


We encourage all of our students to submit for early action if they're already academically on target, because early action notifications are typically issued within 30 days of applying, which means you'll know by the holidays. Early action is non-binding. Therefore, you're not only able to find out if you've been accepted but can compare aid packages and true net cost. That leaves the second half of senior year free to do open houses or admitted student day events at your top choices with all financial information in hand rather than still waiting around to find out if you’re in or not.


To keep track, create an Excel spreadsheet of all the schools you intend to apply. Columns should include the name of the school, their early application and regular decision deadlines, scholarship opportunities and all requirements.


Allow PCCI to help set you up for success. Learn more about us by attending our upcoming College Admissions 101 Workshop at Dighton Public LIbrary on July 25th!


To arrange a complimentary consultation, simply email or call 508-622-5250.


Best regards,

Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq.

nod@personalcollegecounseling.com

Presentations

PCCI offers free College Admissions 101 presentations to Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops, YMCAs, youth groups, public libraries and other organizations. To arrange a presentation, contact Honoria at nod@personalcollegecounseling.com.

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MY GENERATION PODCAST: Honoria DaSilve-Kilgore of PCCI

Everything you need to know about College Admissions but were too overwhelmed to ask.

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Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq.

Address: 2 Richard Street,
Raynham, MA 02767
Phone: 508-622-5250
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