9 Things You’ll Regret Taking to College Your First Year, According to Seniors

As a college senior, I know a thing or two about packing your life in boxes and bins. You might feel like you have to pack every single thing you own or buy all the latest gadgets to successfully live in a dorm for nine months — but that’s simply not true. 

To prove that you don’t need to bring everything, even if you think you’ll use it, I asked five graduating seniors (myself included) what they regret packing for their first year of dorm life. Here’s what they said. 

“Almost everyone I know brought way too many pairs of shoes their first year. In reality, you’ll mostly wear just a few go-to pairs. Stick to comfortable, versatile shoes.” — Olivia Hanning, Parsons School of Design, The New School, class of 2025

“A steamer feels like an essential thing to bring, but you’ll barely touch it. They are annoying to set up, and who has time to steam outfits before classes in the morning? I just spray on some Downy Wrinkle Releaser and toss it in the dryer. Way faster, and no steam burns.” — Angie Arias, SUNY Oneonta class of 2025 and Dorm Therapy’s Audience Growth Assistant Editor

“[Bring] maybe one or two [dishes] per person, because usually you’ll be going to the dining hall or out to eat. Plus, if you don’t have a dishwasher, you may not be running to go clean things all the time.” — Colette Tormey, Fashion Institute of Technology class of 2025

“I promise that on a daily basis you will more than likely end up wearing more casual outfits and moving between three pairs of shoes. If you are looking to cut down on what you are bringing to college, do a double-look over your closet and leave some things behind!” — Abby Porter, Union University class of 2025 

“I thought I would continue coordinating my earrings with each outfit in college, like I did in high school. So I went through my jewelry display stand and packed the ones I wore most often. But after settling into a new routine, I never had the energy to change my jewelry every day. I ended up wearing pieces that I could sleep and shower in, so I rarely had to take them off. If you don’t wear a piece of jewelry every day, I suggest you don’t pack it.” — Lauren Smelker, LIM College class of 2025

“When I was shopping for my freshman dorm, all of the stores had the cutest gadgets and small appliances. I was a sucker for the mini waffle iron that I thought I could use for the dozens of hacks I’d seen on social media — you know, to cook eggs, cinnamon rolls, toast bread, etc … But I ended up using it once and then never pulled it out again because it was so annoying to clean in my dorm sink.”  — Smelker

“A couple of decorative pillows can definitely make your dorm feel cozy and personal, but anything beyond one or two quickly becomes excessive. Speaking from experience, having four or five pillows of different sizes made my bed feel cluttered and the room less functional.” — Hanning

“I brought [my blender] thinking I’d be a smoothie girlie every morning. And for like, a week, I was. Then classes picked up, and I realized I didn’t have the time or energy to clean it every day. Now, it just sits on a shelf, collecting dust and judgment.” — Arias

“This is my biggest one. You may not think they will, but things get lost SO easily in college, especially in a small space you share with others. It’s best to leave the special things back home.” — Porter

Take it from us seniors — we’ve been through the annoying process of packing for college, unpacking, and packing again to move in and out of dorms, for years. Save yourself some stress by bringing a little less than you might think you need. Your future self will thank you.