Tufts Blogs

While packing up my Tufts freshman dorm at the end of the semester, I realized (with the glorious benefit of hindsight) that I overpacked. A lot.

I knew that Tufts rooms are spacious—an excuse I used frequently to justify the tea strainer never touched or the glittery elephant head that would be “a cool dorm decoration”. I’m not saying that room style is not important. It’s just that packing for college should be strategic.

My friends going off to college in the fall ask what I wish I would have done differently with college packing and my dorm, so here’s my list to go from overpacking newbie to packing expert:

1. There is no such thing as too many command strips. Coat hooks. Posters. Key holders. Command hooks are essential.
2. Consider frequency. How often do I… wear, use, or need (the item)? If it doesn’t have a purpose, don’t bring it. If you don’t wear it often, don’t bring it. If you think you won’t use it, don’t bring it. The notable exception should be dorm decorations, but only in moderation.
3. Storage is essential. All Tufts dorms come with some sort of storage system but extra bins, boxes, and drawer inserts will promote easy and fast organization. I got lots of drawer inserts from Ikea and plastic bins from Target.
4. Clean is key. Though few Tufts students have an actual mop in their room, cleaning supplies are usually forgotten. It varies but often consists of an army of wet wipes, a broom, dustpan, duster, and if you’re really passionate, a mop.
5. Sharing is caring. If it’s something random, a friend will usually have it. A great example was the hammer and screwdriver my mom accidently sent to me this fall. While I never used it, the set got passed around my friends for building Ikea furniture and fixing speakers. Worse comes to worse, post on the class facebook page to get anything from a mermaid costume to 100 glass bottles for a DIY in one night (no joke, both true stories).
6. Extension cords are power. Overestimate the number of outlets and always buy the ones with three holes, not two.
7. Decorative pillows make a dorm bed another comfy study option. Only a true minimalist can survive college with one pillow.
8. Rugs make more places for people to sit when visiting and give a dorm room a comfy feel. Not a necessity but something I wish I would have bought.
9. Printers are a personal decision. I bought one since I wanted to print lecture slides and study guides without a trip to the library. I recommend it, but I know lots of people who either shared with their roommate or used Tufts ones.
10. For specifically Tufts, lights and wall hangings (tapestries and flags) are allowed. I recommend taking full advantage of this opportunity to spice up your living space.
11. Fans will save you. Especially in the early fall or late spring, Medford can be humid and hot. Invest in a fan that will work and last you well. Though most class buildings have AC, the dorms do not.

Since I’m from California, I didn’t have the luxury of throwing all my belongings in the back of the family car and driving to school. When I flew back to school, I borrowed big duffel bags from family and friends so that I could minimize the number of bags I took. Lots of stores have “order and hold” type policies, which allowed me to order the items at my local location and pick them up in Boston. Flying to school just requires more planning but was much easier than anticipated.

Most of all, take a deep breath. If you need it later, you can buy it later. You don’t have to have EVERYTHING so do your best but don’t worry about getting every single little thing. Good luck!