What should be on my College Packing List?

The simplest and cheapest transportation is Mom or Dad’s car and the ever-popular friend with a pick-up Liquidity Alert!? Ken Griffin sells Park Tower condo for $11.2 million truck. If this isn’t practical, you might rent a small van or trailer. Make sure you understand all of the terms of the agreement: For example, what charges apply for going over the mileage limit? If it’s just across town, you can leave less-used things at home and retrieve them as needed. Moving cross-country, on the other hand, might mean a take-with-or-do-without decision. What kind of insurance is provided? How far is school from your home?

Detergent and a laundry basket or hamper are other basics. Refrigerators and microwave ovens are usually allowed, but learn the size and power limits. Add items needed to fix and serve food, like pots, ladles, freezer- and microwave-safe containers, and, above all, a can opener. Kitchen items — Choose lightweight, durable plates and bowls. Keep in mind your own cooking skills and schedule, whether you’re on a school meal plan, and what cooking facilities are available. A sewing kit, compact travel iron and tabletop ironing board are useful when appearances count.

You can sometimes check out cooking equipment from the residence hall front desk. However, don’t rely on memory alone to decide whether your bookcase fits in the corner near the window. The school’s office of student housing can tell you. If you’ll be sharing off-campus housing, agree on what “community property,” such as kitchen appliances, each housemate can bring. You may have seen a dorm room during a campus visit. How much space is available? Also consider a swap-and-share arrangement: For example, your roommate can use your computer if you can ride his bike to morning classes.

Instead, get a floor plan from the student housing office. If it doesn’t include the dimensions of the room and the standard furnishings, ask and write them down. If you’re living off campus, measure rooms when looking at rental property. The information may also be available on the school’s Web site. How will you transport your stuff? Having space for the things you really want may be worth paying a higher rent for a bigger place.