It's not just The Choice at The New York Times and College Inc. at The Washington Post blogging about college. From admissions protocol to dining hall etiquette, what to pack for the dorms and what not to upload to YouTube, Long Island's Newsday is talking the talk for those who walk the college walk.

Check out Newsday's College Prep Talk for the scoop on everything from academics to campus social life.

Here's a recent piece of what to pack for college, and what is better left at home.

Yes, bring the extra-long twin sheets and the shower caddy. Remember, though, unless you're off to the Arctic, there's probably a Wal-Mart or Target just down the street for anything you forgot -- or wouldn't fit in the car!

Ready, Set, Pack!

What to bring to college

Packing for College

If you’re heading off to school this fall, you’ve already cleared some pretty significant hurdles: You’ve successfully completed four years of high school, and you’ve managed the logistics of applying to college-and getting in. Now you’re dealing with another daunting challenge: Packing up all your stuff and preparing to head out.

Relax, it’s not like you’re going to Siberia! If you forget something, you can always ask your mom to ship it-or pick up a duplicate at the local mall. Actually, though, experts say that students are far more likely to overpack than to underpack. And then they’ve got to figure out how to fit everything in that tiny space known as a dorm room. No worries! This time-tested advice will take the stress out of packing for school.

CLOTHING
Pack enough of your wardrobe so you won’t have to do laundry more than every week or two, but resist the temptation to bring every item of clothing you own. You simply won’t have space for it. (Take a few warm things for chilly fall days, but you can probably switch out the bulk of your warm-weather wardrobe for your winter one when you go home for a visit.) In addition to jeans, tee shirts and sneakers, you should also pack a dressy outfit or two for job interviews, presentations, Greek events and other occasions that might come up. Don’t forget workout clothing, as well as comfy sweats and pajamas for lounging around. Bring an umbrella, a waterproof jacket and boots for those inevitable rainy days. And be sure to pack a bathrobe and flip-flops or slippers. You’ll need those when walking to and from the communal showers.

BED & BATH
If you’re buying new stuff, it might be easier to stock up at a big box or neighborhood store near campus or to shop online and have your purchases shipped directly to your dorm. (Set a budget in advance so you don’t go crazy.) If you’re planning to bring things from home, box ‘em all up but make sure you don’t strip your room bare. You’ll be coming home for holidays and breaks, and you don’t want to have to haul stuff back and forth for every visit. Either way, make sure you have a pillow, comforter, two sets of sheets (check with your school to see if you need extra long) and a few large bath towels. Other items you might want: Hangers, a shoe rack, a shower caddy, a hair dryer, a collapsible hamper or laundry basket and maybe even an iron and ironing board. (Bring laundry soap and a roll of quarters if the school laundromat doesn’t take your campus cash card.)

PERSONAL CARE
Pack a few weeks’ worth of the products you use regularly: Soap, shampoo, deodorant, makeup, toothpaste and mouthwash and so on. When you run out, you’ll easily find a place on or near campus where you can buy more. You should also take along a small supply of painkillers, antibiotic cream, band-aids and other first-aid basics.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
No doubt you can find everything you need in the campus bookstore, but it may be cheaper to stock up in advance. It’s best to have your own computer-most students opt for a laptop. A printer isn’t necessary-you can always use one in the computer lab or library-but it’s certainly a convenience. If you don’t bring one, make sure to have memory sticks or blank CDs. (Also remember to bring a surge suppressor and extension cord.) Pack pens, pencils, notebooks and printer paper, as well as study aids like Post-its and highlighters. Bring desk supplies: a scissor, stapler and tape. A small tool kit (containing a screw driver, hammer and pliers) and a flashlight will also come in handy.

ETCETERA
Of course the main reason you’re going to college is to study. But everyone knows that all work and no play isn’t good for anyone. So consider bringing a small TV and DVD player and your iPod speakers or other sound system for those times when you want to chill. You might also want to take a bicycle or skateboard. Most likely, you’ll going to the dining hall for your meals, but it can’t hurt to have supplies for quick breakfasts and late-night snacks: A plate, bowl, mug and eating utensils. Finally, you should consider bringing a small fan. Those little dorm rooms can get awfully stuffy!

 What Not to Pack

Candles or incense. Residence halls prohibit these because they are fire hazards.

Electric grills. Most schools don’t allow cooking equipment to be used in dorms for safety reasons.

Valuable jewelry. Leave those gold earrings you got for graduation home. No matter how safe your campus, there’s always the chance of loss or theft.

Illegal substances. Having alcohol or drugs, no matter how well concealed, puts you at risk of immediate expulsion.

Write to The College Whisperer at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
* * *
Comments? Questions for The College Whisperer?
Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com


The road to college begins at College Connection.