Leaving for college is one of the first steps that most people will take in their journey towards adulthood. Living in a dorm and coping with roommates teaches valuable life skills that will prepare young adults for future relationships and living on their own. When packing for college it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new adventure, yet it is important to leave certain items behind in order to avoid being branded with a bad reputation.

Illegal Substances and Accessories

Obviously any illegal drugs and related accessories should not be brought to the dorm. These types of items can lead to legal troubles and jail time while using them will negatively impact academic performance. What many incoming students do not know, however, is that most campuses also forbid alcohol in the dorms. On a dry campus, alcohol in any form is prohibited and this extends to any living areas on the campus.

Valuables and Family Heirlooms

While Grandma’s diamond ring might be the perfect accessory to wear on job interviews and dates, it is at risk of being lost or stolen on a college campus. It might be tempting to trust dorm mates and view then as an extended family, yet it is important to remember that many strangers will be coming in and out of the dorm. Upon arrival to campus, it is important to store money and valuable items in the bank and in a safety deposit box. For added safety, leave cherished items at home if they will not be necessary to have at college.

Collections of any Kind

Dorm rooms are small, and when two people are sharing one, space can become quite limited. Most collections tend to be large and take up valuable space. Also, depending upon the collection, other people might find it to be weird or even offensive. If leaving a collection behind is unbearable, try taking only one or two favorite items along. These can then be used to decorate the dorm room while also displaying personal interests. Keeping knickknacks and stuffed animals to a minimum is the best way to avoid snickers and jokes from dorm mates and friends.

Flammables

Like illegal substances, many colleges have banned the use of any appliances and materials that could cause a fire. This applies to candles, countertop appliances, incense burners and other commonly used items. Instead of bringing things that could cause a fire, use accent lighting to soften the brightness of a room and air fresheners to keep the dorm smelling nice.

Books

This might seem like a strange item to leave behind when going to college, but the truth is that books are heavy and take up valuable room for packing. Once the semester has begun, there will be very little time left for leisurely reading anyway. Textbooks, lecture notes and required reading lists will be all the literature that is needed for the duration of the term.

Significant Other

The most difficult thing to leave behind when going to school is a significant other. However, it is hardly fair to expect someone to wait for four years while only seeing each other during short breaks and over the summer. Besides, college is a place to meet new people and have fresh experiences. Worrying about the boyfriends or girlfriend waiting back at home can significantly dampen the opportunity to explore.

Leaving behind the prohibited items when going to college does not mean that the fun has to end. Be sure to take along any electronics, games and other activities that will be of use during leisure times. Take along a pair of headphones, and roommates will not mind small televisions, stereos and computers. Learning to get along with others while living in a dorm will be an experience with lessons that will be used in life well after college is over.

Byline

This article was penned by Karl Stockton for kendall.edu. Whether successful or unsuccessful, too easy or too hard, college is undoubtedly an interesting experience. For those who’d like to learn more about colleges near Chicago,contact Kendall to see their information on Chicago colleges.