If you like everything GoodByeStuff and want to be updated when the latest posts come out, be sure to follow me on my recently redesigned Instagram, where I update my followers as soon as a new post goes up!

It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that graduating high school only seemed like a distant dream. I remember the spotlight gradually scheming over my nervous body as I stepped across the stage with a degree and the now clear conscious that I had made it.

Then I made it back to my seat, feeling excited, but a little anxious, a single tear ran slowly down my shoulders – it was fear. Living abroad for about six years now, there’s something to be said about the stress that comes with finally packing your bags and moving on; leaving not only your family behind, but a sense of identity.

This anxiety that comes with every step I take towards finally going to college, isn’t helped by the fact that, amongst many other teens every year, I was clueless on what I should bring on my suitcase with me. Thankfully, Minimalism was on my side, and now that I’m nearly packed, I feel very confident about sharing my findings on just what exactly you should bring when starting your university journey.

The Essentials

Image From Unsplash

It is common sense to most that items such as clothing are a must when moving to college – but the real question when considering what to bring may not just be limited to what, but also how much of it you should take.

This “How much” question was where I found myself spending most of my time. I questioned whether bringing a few days worth of clothes would be enough, or if I needed enough for at least the entire month. It was here that research into my university dorm was crucial, and information such as the availability of a laundry station became crucial.

In my case, as someone who gets free laundry access at a few steps of distance from my door, I made it a rule to only pack what I would bring for a one week trip. The rule here is knowing yourself, and how often you are willing to take a section of your time to go do your laundry.

After answering that, you then need to consider factors such as the local weather, activities you will be participating in, and clothing that you may be required to bring in case you plan to make work part of your schedule. As someone who will be attending university in a city that is cold for the majority of the year, winter clothes ended up making a big portion of my suitcase. As far as activities are concerned, events ranging from sports you may interested in participating to the concerts you plan to attend will all take part in your decision making.

Another part that should definitely require some thinking will be your hygiene and personal items. For this section, I’d recommend bringing as few items as possible, as they tend to be generally inexpensive and can purchased next to your study facility in case you need them.

The Not So Essential

Image From Unsplash

Phew, that we are past what most people already knew, I can finally bring some attention to what’s most likely the root of your packing problems: the maybes. I know how you must feel, looking at your beloved book collection and wondering just how in this earth you’ll fit all of that in a room that is barely the size of your bathroom.

It’s here that Minimalism is most crucial, as an understanding of what is truly needed is required to let go of what is simply an emotional distraction. Take one second look at your belongings, and it may slowly become clear that while they may seem as fulfilling as oxygen, you don’t need them to live.

It is also important to realise that leaving your items behind is simply a temporary goodbye. You’ll see your favourite books in a matter of months, so why not simply take what you absolutely can’t deal without.

For me this realisation was extremely helpful, because it meant that the things I had already settled were not worth getting rid of, now had a safe haven to be kept in while I was gone. If you’re curious to know, in my bag I’m bringing: A Nintendo Switch (Perfect for the quick Mario Kart 8 matches with my flatmate), my phone (for obvious reasons that go beyond scrolling on Reddit, duh), my iPad (My “computer” of choice), and two headphones (one noise canceling over-ear for commutes and one truly wireless pair for any other occasion).

Where Minimalism Fits Into All Of This

As I mentioned in my digital minimalism post, minimalism isn’t trying to convince you to throw your things away, but simply have you reconsider what is truly meaningful to you.

In your upcoming college life, you have to come to terms with the idea that you won’t have any space, and that anything that you may truly miss, will be easily re-obtainable; so don’t stress, take what you need, and may the rest unfold by itself – good luck in college!