Reflection on my first year- What to bring: Clothes.
Generally, the most common thing I read was to bring enough clothes for two weeks. I was lucky enough to live less than an hour from my campus so it wasn’t major when I asked my mother to bring up more clothes. However, we had some people that weren’t so fortunate, living close to across the country. So I’m here to give you my best tips and some staple items for your wardrobe.
1) Look up how big the closets are.
You may have more room than you think. I ended up with a closet larger than expected, ½ rod, ½ shelves. The internet exists and you can probably find layouts of the room or just pictures somewhere, if not on the university website.
2) Comfort v fashion v practicality.
The first thing you should be thinking about is comfort. The main point of college is to learn and it’s harder to do that when you’re focused on readjusting your shirt or if your pants are too tight or whatever else happens for the sake of fashion. If its comfort or fashion, choose comfort.
That’s not saying that you have to completely abandon all your high fashion clothes, just be mindful. I’m a massive believer of looking good helps you feel good. So if you have a couple pieces of clothing you absolutely adore the look of go ahead and bring it.
Make sure your clothing makes sense.
Think about seasonal, that shirt that’s a great summer shirt will only last you that season and depending on where you are, that’s five days. I’m in a location where you could have every type of weather in one week. So I’m always prepared for anything. Do a little research on where you’re going and plan accordingly.
3) Are you actually going to wear it?
There are so many things I brought thinking I would wear them all the time but only reached for them two or three times. If you don’t wear it now, don’t bring it.
A light jacket: weather and classrooms get cold.
1-2 interview type outfits: First year but you never know.
Some nicer clothes: Think date night.
Rain jacket: I have a trenchcoat, doubles as a light outdoor jacket.
Rain shoes: Unexpected rain, no fun sitting in class with wet socks.
Comfortable sweaters: Like 2.
Clothes you wouldn’t mind getting dirty.
Swimsuit if you’re into that.
Something that displays your personality.
Sweatpants that are not pj pants: ultimate comfort item, have at least one pair.
Universal pants that work with a lot of shirts: usually jeans.
remark: I only packed clothes that were both comfortable and looked good while packing. When getting ready for my 8am I only had to worry about comfort and 9/10 I ended up looking decent. The rest of the time I didn’t care.
If you have more to share, feel free to add! Happy to clarify anything in the post or just have a chat.
