(Photo courtesy of Target)Perfect your college packing list! Here are the items to choose, plus the ones you should lose.
Choose It: ID Holder
You'll need something to store your school ID card in, and you don't want to be carrying the generic ID case from the campus bookstore.
This one from Target ($7) is stylish and functional. Warning: Under no circumstances should you wear your ID in a lanyard around your neck. It's a surefire way to say, "I'm a freshman!"
MORE AT SeveNteen
(Photo courtesy of Juicy Couture)Lose It: Day Planner
Skip the day planner — schools almost always give them out at orientation, and those versions will already have big school events, like athletic games and involvement fairs, listed in them.
Choose It: Semi Formal Dresses
Save your fam the effort of shipping your fancy dresses later and pack a few from the get-go. Fraternities and sororities, sports teams and clubs all have formals throughout the semester — make sure you're dressed to impress.
(See also: Best lightweight laptops)
(Photo: iStock)Lose It: High School Gear
Leave your high school volleyball sweatshirt and "Swim Championship" tees at home. You don't want to look like you're still living out your high school glory days. And this way, you'll have more room in your drawers for awesome new college gear.
(Photo courtesy of Hunter Boots)Choose It: Rain Gear
One rainy walk across campus in your new leather flats and you'll never forget those boots again.
Pack a dependable pair of wellies, like Hunters ($135) and a compact umbrella that you can keep in your bag without taking up too much space.
(Photo: izusek/ iStock)Lose It: Iron
Let's be honest — you're not actually going to be motivated enough to use the iron your mother forced you to pack. If you're in a pinch and have a really wrinkly item, someone on your floor (who did comply with mom's instructions) will have one you can borrow.
(Photo: iStock)Choose It: Bathing Suit
You’ll be glad you remembered your bathing suit when friends organize a game of volleyball at the pool, or just ask you to relax in the hot tub.
If you plan on swimming laps or signing up for intramural water polo, make sure you pack a suit that you’re comfortable exercising in.
(Photo: iStock)Choose It: Kitchen Supplies
Sure, you won’t have a kitchen in your dorm room, but you’ll want a few supplies — think bowls, paper plates, silver wear, cups — for when you make microwave popcorn while watching Pretty Little Liarsor heat up some soup on days too cold to trek all the way to the cafeteria.
(Photo courtesy of American Apparel)Lose It: Tee Shirts
You’ll get so many tees from various campus events like cookouts and volunteer sessions, that you won’t know what to do with them! Anticipate this, and only pack a few to get you through the first few weeks.
Choose It: Men’s white tees
Pick up a pack of basic Hanes men’s white tees before you head to campus. You’ll use them for everything — working out, tie-dyeing and making shirts for sports games, dorm wars or rush events.
(Photo courtesy of Fruit of the Loom)Choose It: Cute Pajamas
Pack PJ’s that you’re not embarrassed to be seen in — especially if you’re living on a co-ed floor. Stock up on a few pairs of both long pants and a few boxer shorts, and you’ll be set for the year.
