Tip #32: Don't pack everything you own.

So I've been having a very difficult time the past few days trying to make up my mind regarding grad school. One day I've got a box in the middle of my bedroom and I'm packing to go, and the next day I'm unpacked, convinced that I'm going to stay at Nipissing for one more year.

Nevertheless, I do have one tip for prospective students that are in the middle of packing for university: Don't pack everything you own.

There's a few reasons for this. Firstly, your room will not fit everything you own. Secondly, you may not want to bring things that are easily broken.

Here's was my packing list when I was headed away to university (at Cornell -I live at home now at Nipissing):

Electronics:

• Boom Box
• Television
• DVD Player
• CDs and DVDs
• Digital Camera
• MP3 Player
• Laptop
• Printer
• Iron and Ironing Board
• Power bar
• Reading/Desk Lamp

Kitchen (coordinate with roomates):

• one pot
• one pan
• dishes (plates, bowls, cutlery, cups)
• water-bottle
• salt, pepper, spice shakers
• tea towels, pot-holders, oven mitts
• plastic containers
• blender
• toaster

Bathroom:

• toiletries (you can always buy more here)
• towels
• medicine (like gravol, advil etc. you are not going to want to have to go out and get it when you need it)

Bedroom:

• 2 Pillows
• Bedding (sheets, duvet, cover, quilt)
• Stuffed animals or other cuddly things (trust me, at some point you'll need a hug)
• Alarm clock
• Housecoat/robe

Closet

• Hangers
• Clothing (if you're having a hard time deciding what to bring, pick out what's near the front of your closet or the top of your drawers. Also consider that although it's summer when you're packing, the majority of our time at Nipissing will be in the snow and cold). Also make sure you bring one really dressy outfit (ie. little black dress) and at least one professional outfit (ie. suit)
• Jackets and coats
• Umbrella
• Boots, running shoes, flats

Other

• Books (Just bring a few of your favourites - anything else you can easily get a the library)
• Playing cards
• School supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, paper clips, paper, stapler etc.)
• Art supplies (markers, pencil crayons)
• Letter writing paper and cards (to send letters home)
• Tote bags
• Photos (of people back home)
• Posters to decorate your wall with (and sticky tack to put them up with)

You'll also have to buy some stuff there - like some hand/dish soap, cleaning supplies etc.

Photos: We packed up our big van to bring all my "junk" to Ithaca.