Moving into a dorm for the first time can be intimidating, with constant worrying that you brought too much stuff, or worrying that you didn’t bring enough. Every year, first-time college students struggle to distinguish between college dorm essentials, versus things that they really don’t need. To aid in the packing process, I asked a couple of Waynesburg University staff members to share their best advice on what to bring to college this fall.
“A lot of students tend to overpack, especially in their first year,” said Admissions Counselor Caroline Poole. “The key is to focus on function over 'just in case.’”
Poole advised against bringing big and bulky items such as large or heavy desktop computers, bulky furniture and printers. “A lightweight laptop is much more practical for classes and moving around campus. Additionally, dorms are already furnished, and extra furniture just takes up space. And while personal printers are convenient, there are multiple printing stations available on campus,” stated Poole.
According to Angelica Good, resident director of SWEP (South, West, East and Pollock) Halls on campus, overpacking is one of the most common mistakes freshmen make when moving into Waynesburg University residence halls.
“Students often arrive with an abundance of dishes and cooking supplies, only to realize they primarily rely on campus dining options or nearby restaurants,” said Good. “Clothing is another area where students tend to overestimate their needs, bringing far more than they actually wear and quickly filling limited closet space.”
She also noted that students should take advantage of campus breaks throughout the year to rotate seasonal items instead of bringing everything at once.
Good emphasized the importance of understanding residence hall policies and the dynamics of shared living spaces. Cooking appliances such as toasters, air fryers and rice cookers are not permitted in individual rooms and are only allowed in communal kitchens, while candles and candle warmers are prohibited for safety reasons. Beyond these guidelines, communication with roommates is key.
“Planning ahead and coordinating who brings shared items can help avoid unnecessary duplicates and make the most of the space,” said Good. “Being intentional about what to bring—and how it will fit into a shared room—can ultimately make the transition to campus living much smoother.”
Looking back on my own experience, I definitely fell into the trap of overpacking when I first came to campus. I showed up with way more clothes than I ever actually wore, along with things like extra dishes and random “just in case” items that ended up taking up valuable space in my room. It didn’t take long to realize that most of my day-to-day life revolved around a small rotation of comfortable clothes and basic essentials. If anything, having too much made my space feel cluttered and harder to manage. What I learned—and what was echoed by the WU staff members I spoke to—is that it’s better to be intentional with what you bring. Focus on what you know you’ll use regularly and leave behind the extras, because in a small dorm room, simplicity makes a big difference.
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.
About Residence Life at Waynesburg University
As a primarily residential campus, Waynesburg University provides a diverse range of living options designed to enhance your college experience. In our traditional residence halls, you'll be surrounded by fellow students, creating the perfect setting for late-night study sessions—and well-earned study breaks. For those seeking more independence, our suite-style residence halls offer spacious living areas and private bathrooms, blending comfort with a greater sense of autonomy.
