College Packing Tips for Flying

 About the month leading up to me leaving for college in NY, I had already gathered most of my supplies for the dorm. From bedding to desk supplies, I had everything marked off my list except for food I would have to buy there. If there is one thing I highly suggest if you are going to fly to college, it is to get your things together early rather than late. Now, I'll share my recommended tips for packing suitcases and other necessities.

1. Print Your College Packing List of Recommended Things to Buy and Things that are not Allowed in the Dorms.

Before you even begin to think about being things for your dorm, look on your college's website for their packing list. This is a great way to see what is and is not allowed in the dorm rooms. Things like candles, heated blankets, and personal furniture (mattresses) are usually not allowed. That being said, you might even find things on the list that you didn't even think about bringing. Really, this is just a good way to prepare a list or add on to the list you may already have. 

2. Don't Pack Nnnecessary Accessories or Clothes

    Trust me, if you are questioning a pair of shoes or a sweater, just don't bring it. This will just accumulate and soon enough, you'll realize you're having a hard time packing everything in a suitcase. To make the lightest load possible, keep these at a minimum. If you KNOW you're gonna wear it, pack it. If you rarely wear it, just leave it at home. You can always get it shipped to you, or grab it whenever you go back home. Sometimes, dorm rooms may have little space (like in my case) that you have to share with other people. This means you could be sharing a closet, desk space, etc. So, you may not have a ton of space to put the ten shoes you packed or five large jackets. The less, the better!

3. Use Vacuum Seal Bags

These are literally life savers!! The bags come in different sizes, so you can pack other things besides clothes or shoes in these things. With mine, I was able to pack: pillows, pillowcases, blankets, bedding, all clothes and shoes, desk accessories, and more. You can pack so much stuff in just one bag because it gives so much more space in a suitcase or bag. You can most likely find these bags on Amazon, at Target, or TjMaxx. Please, get these if these aren't on your list already! 

4. Bring a Backpack for a Carry on Item

In most airlines (probably all of them), you can have up to two carry items as long as they either go in the overhead compartment or under your seat. Why am I telling you this? Because you can pack more to bring to college! If you have small items, put them in the backpack. You can literally fit so much stuff that otherwise would have been stuffed in your suitcase. If you know you're going to need something while you're in the plane or when you land, put it in there. It'll save you lots of time rather than opening up and digging in your suitcase trying to find something. 

5. Don't Buy all of Your Supplies at Home (Wait Until You Get to College)

I know everyone is always saying to make sure you're prepared and have EVERYTHING you need for college. In reality, you're probably not going to be able to fit everything. I mean, trust me, you don't want to be taking 4 or more suitcases to the airport, because then you'll have to walk through the airport with them, put them in a car when you land, AND unload them when you get to your dorm. Plus, you can't really pack food in your suitcase. My top recommendation is to buy cleaning supplies, food, school supplies, beauty stuff, and other things like this when you arrive. It makes life so much easier because if you forgot something on your list, you can run to target or whatever store you go to and get them. Another idea is taking advantage of Amazon Prime for students!! I highly highly recommend you do this. Your things arrive earlier and you get free shipping! You see, college does have its perks. But really, hold off on rushing to buy everything for your dorm before you leave. 

I really hope some of these tips are helpful when you're planning to pack up, hop on a plane, and go to college! All of these tips really helped relieve the stress of packing. You might even have fun while trying to stuff giant pillows or blankets in a vacuum seal and trying to put in a suitcase! College is such an exciting time so I hope this helps!

-Ally