Help me pack for... university! A dorm survival guide for freshmen

      A freshman’s worry suitcase — packing not for three days, but for an entire semester! Figuring out what you really need to take to university so you don’t haul your whole apartment, but still feel comfortable in your new life.

      Packing a child for school is a tough but familiar task. Preparing for university admission is a whole new level — especially if your kid is moving to another city and will live in a dorm. Your head spins: what to buy, what will come in handy, and what will gather dust under the bed? Here’s a universal checklist that will save both parents and the future student.

      Basic kit: you can’t do without this

      This is the foundation of foundations — without it, life in a dorm will feel like a struggle for survival.

      For the room:

      - Bed linen (2–3 sets). You’ll want to change it more often than you’ll want to go to the laundromat.

      - Blanket, pillow, throw. Which ones depend on the climate and personal preference. A throw is a must-have for evening tea gatherings.

      - Slippers (indoor and for the shower). No comment needed.

      - Towels (bath, face, for feet). Better to have several.

      - A small desk lamp. Studying at night under only the main light is no fun.

      - Reusable mug/thermos. For water, tea, coffee. Saves money in the cafeteria.

      - Notebook and pens. Yes, even in the digital age.

      For hygiene:

      - Cleaning supplies, sponges, cloth. At first you’ll have to clean your room yourself.

      - Toiletry bag/organizer for small items. So everything is at hand and you don’t have to hunt for shampoo across the floor.

      - Basic first-aid kit: plasters, painkillers, fever reducers, cold remedies, medication for an upset stomach, vitamins.

      Comfort upgrades: items that will solve 90% of problems

      These will turn an institutional room into a cozy nest and save a lot of nerves.

      - Reusable food container. Useful if the cafeteria food disappoints or you want to bring something tasty from home.

      - Electric kettle or small multi-cooker. The social center of the room and a guarantee of good relations with roommates. Just make sure to check dorm rules regarding electrical appliances!

      - Gadgets and a power strip. Laptop, headphones (earplugs!), a powerful power bank, an extension lead with multiple sockets (there are never enough outlets).

      - A small string of lights or an LED lamp. Instantly creates coziness and masks interior flaws.

      - Bedside organizer or a small nightstand. Space in a dorm is limited, so every centimeter counts.

      - A small stash of emergency food: instant noodles, cookies, tea, coffee, sugar. Very handy in the early days while you’re getting settled.

      For studying: pack a smart backpack

      University studies are not just lectures. They have their own specifics.

      - Laptop or powerful tablet. Notes, essays, research — everything runs through it.

      - USB flash drive or external SSD. For transferring files, submitting work and backing up important documents. Better to get 64+ GB from the start.

      - Notebooks (48–96 sheets) and folders. For different subjects. Not all professors like electronic notes.

      - Backpack. Comfortable, spacious and with a laptop compartment. You’ll be using it for the coming years.

      - Stationery: pens, pencils, markers, sticky notes, paperclips. Small items, but essential.

      What NOT to take (or think twice about)

      - A full wardrobe for all seasons. You can bring clothes gradually or buy them locally. Take only what’s necessary for the first period.

      - A ton of books. There are digital libraries. A couple of favorites for comfort.

      - Expensive jewelry or gadgets you’d be upset to break or lose. The environment, sadly, can be unpredictable.

      - Bulky dishes and kitchenware. Space is limited, and you’ll probably be reluctant to wash them anyway.

      - Excessive stocks of food and household chemicals. You can buy these at a nearby store.

      Main lifehack: find out in advance what is already in the dorm room. Some places have refrigerators, some don’t. Some have wardrobes, others will require you to bring your own. This information will save you a lot of effort and money.

      When packing suitcases, remember: you’re bringing not just things, but a piece of home. Let them be practical and remind you of the warmth of home. But the most important things to take with you are readiness for new acquaintances, openness to everything new, and a good mood!

      Good luck in your freshman year! It’s the most unforgettable time!

      Alexander Isakov