Do not let the feeling of excitement to begin packing for college cloud your judgment on what is necessary and unnecessary to buy. Do some research and take advice from past college students or your parents beforehand. 

Here are what students at Iowa State regret buying and hauling with them to their new adventures.

Trash can

A friendly reminder is to not bring a trash can because the halls provide one already. However, if you are someone who is an avid recycler, collects a lot of trash or is too lazy to take it out, another one would not be too bad of an idea.

Printer

Printers are an unnecessary item for two reasons. One, every student has a certain amount of printing points. Use those free points instead of spending extra money on paper and ink. Two, printers take up a lot of room and dorm rooms are already tiny.

Pillows and throws

Most incoming freshmen decorate their room to fit their style, whether it is minimalistic, chic or edgy. A wise tip is do not purchase pillows and throws unless you have a futon. More than likely you will toss them to the side because only on rare occasions will you make your bed.

“One thing I regret not getting sooner is a shoe mat for the winter,” said Raylee Hudson, freshman in family and consumer science education and studies. “Another thing I should have left at home were all of the extra blankets because it gets way too hot in the dorms.”

Dishes

Depending if you have a sink in your room or not, dishes might be unnecessary. Once again, students get tired after a long day of classes, and the last thing they want to do is wash their dishes. If this is your case, purchase paper plates, bowls, cups and plastic silverware.

Another thing to consider is if you plan to make a lot of Ramen noodles maybe get a reusable bowl because the money will add up with paper dishes. You won’t need more than one of each item.

Appliances

There are a few appliances a college student does not need in a dorm, which include a toaster and a Keurig. Most floors in dorms have a kitchenette with a toaster, and dining centers have them as well.

Excessive amounts

When packing your clothes, keep in mind you don’t need to pack every single piece of clothing. You may be able to go home again and switch out your seasonal clothing. But do not bring too little clothing that you find yourself doing laundry every two days.

“[I] do not recommend bringing a bunch of books even if you think there is a chance you will read them because you more than likely will not,” said Katelyn Boeding, sophomore in pre-business.

Other things you should leave at home include your pet, a vacuum and a bed lamp. Some students have pet hamsters and fish, but do not forget that when you return home you will need to find another home for them. Dorm floors provides a vacuum, so you don’t need to worry about getting one. Another item that may get no use is a bed lamp. You might think you will read a chapter or two before you head to bed, but think again; you will be too wiped after a full day of college.

“I regret getting a vacuum— because my floor has one anyways —along with a bed lamp,” said Haylie Sumner-Lindberg, sophomore in psychology. “I have never used my printer because I normally just go to the library to print.”