{shortcode-e55025e6ab9159623bf82bfc870b557601321d9d}As a dinosaur senior nearing extinction graduation, I have some final words of wisdom to our future prefrosh, now that you’ve seen how tiny a college dorm really is. Still, we’re confident you loved Harvard so much that you’re going to commit, so let’s skip ahead and start talking about packing. Imagine this: A room as pristine as an influencer’s. Needing less than five minutes to clean when your friends are coming over. Being able to move all your boxes on your own without help. My friends, that’s all within reach if you BRING LESS STUFF. It’ll take discipline, but it’s so worth it when you’re able to finish moving in less than a day. Here’s a list of things you absolutely do not need in college to get you started. I’m going to call everyone out — including myself.
1. One million pairs of shoes.
I’ll make this simple and tell you exactly what you’ll need for your time in Boston. For the dreary great outdoors, a pair of snow/rain boots (could potentially use the same pair of boots for both), a pair of formal shoes, and one comfy pair of water-resistant sneakers. For indoors, a pair of slippers and definitely a pair of bathroom flip-flops. Maybe a backup pair of sneakers in case the first gets damaged. That’s already seven pairs of shoes; you can’t possibly need more. This is LS1B, not New York Fashion Week. Oh, and don’t bring heels. With the loose bricks on the streets, heels will win you nothing but a free trip to Mass General.
2. Too many extra clothes.
Sure, you want some outfits that make you feel confident. But choose (and pack) wisely (read: sparingly). Keep in mind you’ll be getting so many clothes at Harvard. Freshmen get the free “One Crimson” sweatshirt. You’ll get your Class of 20something shirt and your freshman dorm shirt. Your concentration will give you subsidized clothes. Many clubs give out clothes whether you’re a committed member or not. Your House will have free shirts. Seriously – once I didn’t bring enough short sleeve shirts and got three from the Kirkland IM tutors. Just do your laundry every week, and you won’t need so many clothes.
3. A bike you won’t use.
In my opinion, you only need a bike if you have off-campus extracurriculars (even then, public transit usually covers that), will commit to regular biking for leisure, or live in the Quad. No one else will need one, so it’ll just be a pain. I promise you won’t forget how to ride a bike during college.
4. Too many decorations.
I started with three sets of fairy lights, a desk lamp, night lights and more — plus posters and wall decor. It was bad. Most students don’t spend too much time in their room and end up studying in a library. Anyway, even if you study in your room, your tears over Chem 17 will block your view of your decorations. I’ve downsized to one set of lights and a few posters. I am a much happier person.
5. A ton of plants.
Unless your hometown is within driving distance from campus. If you have to fly home and back, your plants will die. It’s hard to find people to care for your plants over breaks because so many people will also be away from campus. I’d recommend a maximum of two cheap plants that don’t need frequent watering and making as many friends from Massachusetts as possible.
6. Multiple water bottles.
You just need one high-quality water bottle. End of discussion.
7. Cooking supplies: rice cookers, smoothie blenders, etc.
You won’t have energy to cook in college. You think you will now because you’re in 500 extracurriculars and 20 AP classes yet still find time to make your favorite meals, but don’t be deceived. Time passes differently in college. You won’t have as much energy as you did when you were a teenager. HUDS is great; trust them, they’ve got you. If you have dietary restrictions, tell the Disability Access Office and they’ll meet your needs. Don’t live on takeout or cook your own food — it’s a bad financial decision! At most, all you need is a bowl to cook your instant ramen and some utensils to eat it.
8. Furniture
You probably know that there’s just no space in a Harvard dorm for furniture. Also, it’s a pain to get rid of at the end of the semester.
9. Organizers
They’re a hassle to pack and move. Just get some decent-looking storage bins and toss your stuff in. You’ll be given drawers and closet space for the rest. For stationery, I had a mini-drawer set, a mini-shelf and three pencil cups freshman year. Now all my stationery fits in a singular plastic cup and a random pencil pouch I found in my dad’s garage workbench.
10. Notes and textbooks from high school.
College classes are totally different. At times you’ll even feel like you have to relearn everything. That’s normal and crucial to your intellectual growth. Just know that AP Chem and PS11 are entirely different beasts.
I hope this little list has helped you start cutting down on your college packing list! It’ll be hard to part with some items, but it’s for the best, I promise. And to all the moms out there, you have my permission to send this to your kids to convince them not to buy that futon.