That is the question.

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Heading into your freshman year of college can be very intimidating and it is even more stressful when you are unsure know what you should bring to school. Penn State Behrend has a do’s and don’ts list, but does anyone really listen to that list?

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Some students find that it is more helpful to listen to other students about what they have experienced in the past and asking what works or does not for work them. Sometimes, the first year of college can cause students to go overboard with spending money on things they think they will need but never end up using. For example, student’s may bring an iron to iron their clothes before classes, but will find themselves waking up late and running to class.

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Things that students may forget to bring from home for example could be more under armour to protect themselves from the harsh Erie winters and professional attire to wear to the career fair. Students around campus seem to have similar opinions on this topic.

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Alison Bastian, a junior finance and accounting major, wishes she brought a few extra things from home. She said, “ I wish I brought formal dresses because I was invited to various formal activities and I had nothing to wear. Additionally I wish I would have left my sleeping bag at home, I took it thinking I would have a lot of friends stay over and that did not happen so it took up unnecessary space.”  

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Zachary Deabenderfer, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering thought he could be a little more prepared his freshman year. He said, “ I wish I would have brought a laptop my freshman year, you basically need it and I did not have one. I also which I would have left some clothes at home, I had too much luggage.”

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The best advice for incoming students would be to pack light. Student’s should only get the essentials for classes and if they find themselves wishing they had something else, try to plan a trip to Walmart.