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Bring enough clean clothes to last a couple of weeks.
You do not need to squeeze your entire wardrobe into your suitcase (because chances are you won't be able to fit it in your campus room), but you shouldn't only pack a handful of items either. While the laundry machines are a close friend of the college student, there will always be hiccups in their availability or working status. It's important to be prepared so that if you miss a week of doing laundry, you won't be stressed about what on earth you're going to wear now.

If you don't wear it at home, you won't wear it at school.
Sure, college can be and should be seen as a place to establish new footing and reinvent yourself, but you know what you will and won't wear. This is especially true if you're going into any year but your freshman one. Don't bog down the space you do have with those items that no matter how cute you think they are inevitably will not be worn.

Pack for the Fall semester, not the entire school year.
You're on your own, you're living somewhere other than home, but don't think you'll never go back. Chances are high that even if you're going to school across the country, you'll at least be back for the holidays. While it's good to bring some layers to wear for the final few hot days of summer, it's important to bear in mind the climate around your school. If it's going to get chilly, don't hesitate to bring a coat. It'll be worth the space it takes up in your luggage the first day you have to go outside without one.

Don't forget space savers.
While space bags are always a good move when it comes to the suitcase, it's also important to thing of room spacing. Whether your living in a dorm or a campus apartment it's likely you'll need a little extra space. So be sure to remember how handy over-the-door hangers, shoe racks, hanging organizers, and other space savers of the same variety can be.

And perhaps most importantly, if you forget to pack something, don't panic! That's what care packages and weekend trips home are made for. Besides you will undoubtedly find yourself in the campus bookstore and loading up on school merchandise including sweatshirts, t-shirts, and sweatpants. Not to mention it's generally a one-stop shop for the little things you may forget no matter what year you're going into or how comprehensive a list you make.

Breathe easy and be you. Packing may seem like a stressor now, but once you get to school you'll be happy you were so prepared.

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