The Top Ten Things You'd Likely Forget To Pack...

Moving out on your own for the first time can be a daunting experience. You need to think about everything--clothes, linens, entertainment, toiletries and so many other things. Often, people tend to overlook some of the simpler items to pack, little things that make big differences. Here's a list of ten things that no college-bound student should be without on move-in day.

10) Band-aids : We're all human, and we all get cuts, scrapes and abrasions. Most freshmen forget to pack these essentials, and when some minor first-aid is in order, there's a scramble to find someone nearby who has them on-hand.
9) Plastic flatware, plates and cups : It might seem like fun to have matching silverware, plates and mugs. However, that fun wears off when the after-use cleaning kicks in. Disposable is the way to go (after all, you'll need to reheat leftover pizza or Chinese take-out at some point or another).
8) Heavy-duty packing tape : Empty dorm rooms tend to look like prison cells. Their walls also tend to be made of cinder blocks or equally terrible materials that don't take kindly to Scotch tape. Heavy-duty packing tape is the way to go when regular tape, staples or thumb tacks just won't cut it. It comes in huge rolls that'll last for your entire college career.
7) A large trunk with a combination lock : Roommates are like boxes of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get. On move-in day, you might find your new best friend. Or, you might find a junkie you wouldn't trust with your pet rock. Regardless, until you know for sure, you'll want a trunk to store your valuables (laptop, wallet/purse, DVDs, etc.). That way, you won't have to worry about what's going on with your stuff while you're at class.
6) Twine and light-weight opaque fabric : Also on the subject of unknown roomies, you could get stuck with a normal day creature or a vampire. If you have trouble sleeping with lights on, you'll want to building a curtain around your bed so you can easily get a good night's rest. If your beds are bunked and you're on the lower bunk, wrap the twine around the posts, encircling the entire bed. Drape the fabric over the twine. If you're on the top bunk or if the beds are not bunked, use the walls, bedposts or ceiling to make a similar contraption. It'll also give you a bit more privacy while you snooze!
5) Foldable drying rack : College washers and dryers aren't always reliable, and you won't want to use wet towels every night. A foldable drying rack is the perfect solution. If you reuse your towels to conserve water and laundry space, you can hang them overnight to dry. And if the dryers are on the fritz and you can't seem to get your clothes crisp, you can hang them too.
4) Flashlight : This is something I wouldn't ever leave home without. Even a simple keychain flashlight will do. The power likely will go out at some point during your dorm life, and you won't want to be stuck in the dark. Candles are a no-no, so you'll want some way of navigating around.
3) Single-serve drink mixes : These will become immeasurably important when you compare the prices of bulked materials versus single servings of pre-made drinks such as iced tea, lemonade and fruit punch. To buy about 24 bottles worth of water and single-serve mix packets, you'll spend around $10. To buy 24 bottles of iced tea, you'll spend closer to $30. That's a big difference, especially for a student whose every last penny has to count! And trust me, you'll want to have something more flavorful than water (even if only once in a while).
2) At least one dressy outfit : You never know when you'll haphazardly need to dress up. Maybe an interview will transpire out of the blue. Maybe a semi-formal will creep up when you least expect it. Regardless, having one formal outfit on hand will save you headaches when you least expect them. Just put it in your closet and forget that it's there--that is, until the day comes when you need to look just a bit nicer than usual!
1) A needle and thread : It goes without saying, you've gotta be prepared for whatever comes your way. When you're away at college, rips and tears and lost buttons are going to happen. You're going to need to deal with them by yourself without a parent around to help out. Know the basic stitches, get a simple needle and some thread and buy a few extra buttons to keep on hand. You'll be glad you did, trust me.

-Alex Seise