Packing

Throwing together some outfits for a trip to NYC

Weekend Packing

I always tend to overpack for weekend trips. This time I tried to keep it simple and only bring enough clothes for the 3 days. Things I knew that I could mix and match and items that would work for both day and night. 

I will be wearing jeans and a military jacket while traveling along with my boots, hat and a cute scarf. I always try to wear my bulkiest items so that I can fit more into my bag. 

I will be packing a maxi dress which I know I will be able to wear into the evening. A striped shirt to go with my jeans or my printed shorts. Plus I will be bringing my chambray shirt which can be worn with just about everything. 

In addition to clothes I will be packing my ipad mini, a book, my beauty essentials, watch, belt, and headphones.  Plus one other pair of shoes probably my flip flops which aren't pictured. 

What do you bring when you pack for a weekend? 

Jaclyn

University: What NOT to pack

The summer before first year I tried to find everything I could about going away for University and what it was really like. I wanted advice and I wanted the perspective of a real girl, some who actually was going through University at the time. It was hard to find, sure many magazines give advice but none of it seemed real or relatable. I gave you my suggested packing list two weeks ago here. This is my list of things you should leave at home when headed to University.

Pillow. Wall Flower. Candles. Owl. 

• stuffed animals - Some people do bring them, I think I brought one my first year. But leave the entire collection at home, remember your room isn't that big.
• books - leave your entire library at home. You will have a ton of reading do to for class and honestly probably won't get around to reading anything else, you will want to hang out with the people on your floor and in your building. If you must bring a couple but remember you are limited on space!
• your entire dvd collection - you probably wont watch them. You can watch a ton of stuff on your computer now a days and there really isn't that much room too store them.  Bring your favourites and rotate them through the year.
• decorative pillows - If you must, bring one, at most. They just get in the way and end up on the floor.
• kitchen appliances - most universities don't allow them usually for fire hazard reasons. Check with your university what they do and do not allow.
• t shirts - you will get more over sized unflattering t-shirts then you know what to do with. Trust me. I am pretty sure on the first day before I even got to my room I was given 3. And there were more given throughout the week.
• room decoration - they often have poster sales at the start of the year where you can get tons of cool posters, once you know where you would like to put them.
• sports equipment - unless you are on a varsity team or know for sure you are going to play I would wait on bring up all your sports equipment until you know if you are going to need it.
• tv and gaming system -chances are someone on your floor will bring them, and the floor lounge generally has a tv. Plus your computer is a great way to watch shows and movies.
• candles - most universities do not allow open flames in rez

Hope you found this list helpful. Remember you don't have a ton of room in Rez and if you live close enough you can always bring stuff up later or after Thanksgiving Weekend once you know how much space you really have. 

To see what to pack click here. 

- Jaclyn

University: What to Pack

The summer before first year I tried to find everything I could about going away for University and what it was really like. I wanted advice and I wanted the perspective of a real girl, some who actually was going through University at the time. It was hard to find, sure many magazines give advice but none of it seemed real or relatable. Here is my list of what I think is needed for University. It is not a  100% comprehensive list but it should help get you started with the basics. 

BED

alarm clock, bed sheets , Comforter

 BED SHEETS (2 SETS) - A lot of universities have XL twin beds. Make sure you double check this before you by your sheets.

 DUVET/ COMFORTER -Your bed will not only be the place you sleep in university, it will also function as a desk, a kitchen table and a sofa. You will eat, sleep, study and socialize on your bed so I suggest getting a darker colour duvet as light ones tend to get dirty fast.  

 PILLOW (X2)

 ALARM CLOCK - I like having a alarm clock/ ipod dock combo. It saves space and allows me to wake up to my music in the morning.

 MATTRESS PAD - Makes the bed SO much more comfy.

 EXTRA BLANKET

DESK

Laptop. lamp. usb. stapler, calculator, tape dispenser. power cord. notebooks.

•  LAPTOP  
• CHARGER
• CASE
• ETHERNET CABLE
• PRINTER 
• INK 
• CABLE 
• PAPER
• POWER BAR - I found my power bar very helpful. I used it to plug in all my electronics/chargers at my desk. Its a great way to maximize your outlets.
• EXTENSION CORD - Some outlets were in very inconvenient locations. A extension cord was helpful to make them a bit more accessible.   
• DESK LAMP - My desk in first year had a light built in, but I often found it wasn't enough and needed an extra lamp. I also liked being able to have a light next to my bed on a nigh stand.
• USB KEY
• BINDERS
• NOTEBOOKS 
• PENCIL CASE - and everything that you need in it. 
• TAPE 
• SCISSORS 
• STAPLER 

BATH 

robe. towels. flip flops. shower caddy. 

•  SHOWER CADDY - Makes taking all your stuff to the shower a lot easier, you do after all only have 2 hands.
• TOILETRIES 
• BATH ROBE -  Great for walking to and from communal shower.
• HAIR DRYER / STRAIGHTENER 
• FLIP FLOPS - communal showers. Enough said.
• TOWELS 
• BATH (X3)
• HAND (X2)

• FACE (X2) 

• DINE






Mini Fridge. Kettle. Travel Mug. Dishes

•  DISHES 
• BOWL (X2)
• PLATES (X2) 
• MUG (X2) 
• GLASS (X2) 
• CUTLERY  
• TUPPERWARE - Great for storing extra food, bringing a snack to class or saving food from the caf.
• TRAVEL MUG
• DISH SOAP AND SPONG 
• KETTLE - I loved being able to make my own tea and occasionally soups.
• MINI FRIDGE  - I loved having some food on hand at all times. I drink a TON of milk and loved being able to keep it in my room and have cereal at all hours. Its also great for drinks and some fruits and veggies.
• SNACK FOODS 

 LAUNDRY

Laundry basket. Hangers. Drying Rack.

•  LAUNDRY BASKET 
• LAUNDRY DETERGENT 
• HANGERS -  most closets don't come with hangers. They are often things that are over looked and you are left with out hangers. *packing tip* If you are driving to your new school, rather than taking all your clothes off their hangers simply bunch them together with an elastic band and put inside a garment bag (or garbage bag with a hole). Makes moving in a lot easier.
• DRYING RACK -  great for those clothes that you don't put in the dryer.

  WEAR

Rain Boots.

•   RAIN BOOTS - A good pair of rain boots keeps your feet dry through the rainy season and into the slushy season. Your feet will thank you.
•   SLIPPERS - Rez is your home. But the caf workers don't love when you go down in your socks.
•   PURSES 
•   JEWELRY 
•   CLOTHES 
•   BATHING SUIT 
•   EXTRA SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR
•   FORMAL OUTFIT - There is usually at least one more formal event in Rez. Generally this is something you can take up after Thanksgiving break. But its a good idea to have something, just in case. You never know when you might have a job interview or a club event.

OTHER

Backpack. Umbrella. Camera. 

•  CAMERA  - Document all your amazing memories and all your new friends.
• FIRST AID KIT -   It will come in handy and don't forget things like your medications.
• UMBRELLA -   There is nothing worse then walking to class in the rain. Make sure you get a good, durable umbrella. Mine has turned inside out on me more times then I'd care to share. Quite embarrassing.
• BACK PACK 
• CLEANING SUPPLIES 
• LYSOL WIPES 
• STORAGE CONTAINERS 
• PHOTOS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS 
• MIRROR - makes it easier to get ready in your room. I kept one at my desk for putting make up on in the mornings.

DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE PACKING HERE. 

Make sure to check out your university's website as they often have a list of what they provide in the rooms for you and what you should and should not bring with you.
I hope this was helpful,
Jaclyn

Disclaimer: Everything that I have shared is my own advice and experience. It is limited and is solely based on my experience and I am by no means an expert. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or email me. Once again these are my own personal experiences that I am sharing, so please keep that in mind.