As much as we love our mothers and the internet, when it comes to packing for college, they sometimes lead us astray. Flying the nest is hard, but sometimes it’s harder on parents than it is on us. While we love care packages of flashlights “for emergencies,” items we “forgot” at home, or five bags of limes, our small dorm rooms rarely have space to accommodate these items sent to us with love and affection. (Mom, if you’re reading this, thank you for all your packages. I most definitely always use everything you send me. I love you!)  

So, if you’re unsure what to pack and who to trust, look no further! Luckily, the two of us (Nicole and Eliza) are still in college and know a thing or two regarding college life in the 21st century. We have made it our duty to share our knowledge about the items WashU students definitely should and should not bring to college. Think of us as your upperclassmen packing gurus! 

Ella Skye Heisel | Contributing Illustrator

DO: Noise-cancelling headphones & earplugs

If you take anything away from this article, it’s this: you need a noise-cancelling mechanism of some sort. Noise-cancelling headphones/ earbuds are a lifesaver in college. I (Eliza) truly do not go anywhere without mine — and it’s not just because I like to listen to music all the time, but because I listen to white noise when I work. There was even a time when I always had two pairs of music listening apparatuses in my backpack: noise-cancelling headphones for schoolwork and earbuds for the gym (I don’t like working out with bulky headphones). Don’t sleep on earplugs either! Well, actually, you should sleep with them. Earplugs are super helpful if you have a roommate who snores or a neighbor who loves to get frisky the night before your exam. 

Ella Skye Heisel | Contributing Illustrator

DON’T: Foam mattress topper 

One of the best parts about living on campus is that almost every bed in the South 40 and the Village comes equipped with a Tempur-Pedic, so you don’t need to buy a foam mattress topper. Yes, you read that right. You get to sleep on an incredibly comfortable mattress and do not need to worry about finding the best foam mattress topper — a luxury that students at most schools don’t have. 

Ella Skye Heisel | Contributing Illustrator

DO: Speaker 

This one might be obvious, but bring a speaker. It doesn’t matter the brand or the size; as long as it can play music, you should bring it. You don’t want to be that person who throws a dorm party or has a picnic with friends outside, but has to frantically find someone with a speaker. Enough said. 

Ella Skye Heisel | Contributing Illustrator

DON’T: Bed risers 

Moving into my dorm as a first-year, people insisted that I needed bed risers to free up more storage space under my bed. As it turned out, WashU’s beds come with built-in risers, so you don’t need them! Yes, the task required multiple people and a hammer (this is a good time to wear your noise-cancelling headphones). Nevertheless, I was able to customize the height of our beds to our liking.

Ella Skye Heisel | Contributing Illustrator

DO: Bike 

A bike might seem like an unnecessary venture on a walkable campus, but in a car-driven city like St. Louis, a bike can be the determining factor between life and death (and by death, I mean being 15 minutes late). Sure, your morning walk from Lien to Simon Hall might be brief, but just wait until you have 8:30 a.m. College Writing in Rudolph Hall. You can get by without a bike while you are living on campus, but it’ll be your best friend the second you move off campus. Personally, nothing brings me more joy than gliding past my roommate, who left 10 minutes earlier than me to our 10 a.m. lectures (sorry, Eliza). 

Ella Skye Heisel | Contributing Illustrator

DON’T: Full-length mirror 

While many people bring them, most dorm rooms come with full-length mirrors. Before moving in my first year, my roommate and I (Eliza) did not know whether we should order one. We decided to wait until we got to school, and, to our surprise, there was one hanging on the back of our door! Nicole, on the other hand, did not wait, and she has endured the pain of wrapping and unwrapping her mirror in bubble wrap year after year to ensure it does not break, so she does not get cursed with seven years of bad luck. Nevertheless, some people tempt their fate and prefer to have their own mirror, but I advise waiting to order it until after you get to school, as you may realize you don’t have room for it. 

Ella Skye Heisel | Contributing Illustrator

DO: Electric kettle 

Don’t let the September heat trick you into avoiding convenient cold-weather options like a kettle. It might not seem like it at first, but wait until you are sequestered in your room while it’s pouring rain, and all you want is a nice cup of tea. Admittedly, this is not a necessity, and most hot water problems can be solved with a microwave, but having an electric tea kettle can be very useful. From noodles to hot beverages, the electric kettle can be your best friend during the darkest (and coldest) nights of the semester. 

Ella Skye Heisel | Contributing Illustrator

DON’T: Steamer/Iron/Ironing board  

I (Eliza) have brought a steamer with me every year, and I still have yet to use it. When a hanger fails to do its job, I lazily free the wrinkles in my clothing with Downy’s wrinkle release spray. If you find yourself in the rare situation of needing a steamer/ iron, chances are one of your friends in the business school has one.

Ella Skye Heisel | Contributing Illustrator

DO: Weather gear 

A little fun fact about the weather in St. Louis is that it’s pretty unpredictable. With that being said, here are some words of wisdom to guide you. The summer heat causes you to sweat more than you thought was possible; the fall brings wind and rain; the winter lasts for three weeks; and the spring is gorgeous. Having proper weather gear is imperative for maintaining your sanity, so consider the following when packing. 1. Bring plenty of summer clothes. You will sweat through them all every day. Mind you, no matter how much you bring, you’ll probably wear the same thing every week anyhow. 2. A good jacket is a must, but an umbrella is pretty useless against the St. Louis wind. Rainboots are choose-your-own-adventure; some people love having theirs, others just have a backup pair of sneakers. 3. Be ready to have s(n)o(w) much fun. Although St. Louis is only miserably freezing for about a month when school is in session, bring beanies, scarves, and gloves because the wind in the winter is no joke. Pro-tip: Pack snowpants so you are prepared to play in the snow if or when the opportunity arises!

Ella Skye Heisel | Contributing Illustrator

DON’T: Electric scooter 

Save yourself from social embarrassment and hospital bills; buying an electric scooter is an immediate public health risk.

To mothers, we hope that this 10-item list was more helpful than offensive. Oh, and while we have your attention: Send your kid food. We might not have room for tangible things, but care packages containing our favorite foods help with homesickness and remind us to call you. 

And to our fellow students, you’re welcome.