Hello and welcome back dear Chai-buddies.
In my previous blog, we dived into a comprehensive packing guide for those embarking on their first-ever dormitory experience. Today, our focus shifts to those who have already embraced dorm life, spent a term or a year creating memories, and are now gearing up for their return journey from vacations. As we prepare to head back to our perhaps tiny spaces, nostalgia tugs at our hearts, and we may be tempted to pack every cherished item from home. But fear not! With the wisdom gained from our dormitory escapades and flight regulations in mind, we know that packing requires a more strategic approach. Armed with this experience, let's delve into some effective packing tips to ensure a seamless transition back to our second home. So, let's get packing!
1. Leave Non-Essential Items at Home:
When it comes to packing for your return journey to the dormitory, one of the most crucial tips is to be discerning about the items you choose to bring along. As tempting as it may be to pack everything from home, it's essential to prioritize and leave non-essential items behind. Ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" and be honest about what you can live without.
Consider the limited space you have in your dormitory. Carrying non-essential items will only add to the weight of your luggage and make your journey more cumbersome. Moreover, cluttering your dormitory with unnecessary belongings can make it challenging to maintain a tidy and organized living space.
To avoid this, create a checklist of items that are genuinely essential for your daily life. Focus on practicality and functionality. For example, instead of bringing a collection of decorative items or excess clothing, stick to the basics or items that serve multiple purposes.
Before packing, take some time to assess the amenities and facilities available in your dormitory. If certain items are already provided or easily accessible, there may be no need to carry duplicates. For instance, if your dormitory offers laundry facilities, you can skip carrying an iron or ironing board.
Leaving non-essential items at home will not only lighten your load but also give you a sense of clarity and organization. Embrace the idea of a minimalist approach or at least prioritize functionality over excess. By doing so, you'll be able to create a comfortable and clutter-free space that fosters a sense of tranquillity and focus on your academic pursuits. So, as you pack, remember that less is often more when it comes to dormitory living.
Tip: For Indian students, it's important to consider the postal charges when sending parcels from certain countries. If you plan on returning home again, a smart move would be to carry back any extra items you won't need for yourself instead of assuming they will be sold at good prices at the dormitory or university; or waiting to deal with them later. Otherwise, once your course is over, you might be left with a considerable number of items to handle. Unless you're comfortable with donating your used belongings to other students, dealing with them at the last minute could become a hassle. Being proactive and thoughtful about what you bring back or leave behind will save you from unnecessary stress and make your journeys far easy and less complicated at airports!
2. Think about your Dormitory Space
Now that you have already spent a term or two in your dormitory, you likely have a better understanding of the storage options, closet sizes, and overall layout of your living space. Take a moment to recollect the dormitory's unique features, such as the dimensions of your closet, the space under your bed, and any additional storage solutions you may have utilized.
Think back to the storage solutions that served you well during your previous stay. Did you make the most of under-the-bed storage containers to keep your belongings neatly tucked away? Were collapsible storage cubes instrumental in maintaining an organized and clutter-free living space? Identifying which storage solutions were most effective for you will guide your current packing strategy.
As you take inventory of your dormitory space, you can make informed decisions about what to bring back with you and what to leave behind. Consider the items that were seldom used or took up unnecessary space in your dormitory during the previous term. By eliminating non-essential items, you'll free up valuable space and create a more comfortable and functional living environment.
Additionally, if you discovered any limitations or challenges with your dormitory's storage capacity, use this knowledge to plan ahead. Perhaps you realized the need for additional organizational tools to maximize your available space. Do you need to carry a suitcase that can also double as your mini wardrobe? Incorporate these insights into your packing strategy to enhance your dormitory living experience. By carefully considering your dormitory space and drawing from your previous experiences, you'll be well-prepared to pack efficiently, ensuring that you bring back only the items you truly need while leaving unnecessary clutter behind. This thoughtful approach will not only make settling back into dormitory life a breeze but also provide you with a more comfortable and organized living space throughout the term ahead.
3. Pack the re-stocks first.
a. Spices
It is true that spices might be available in your new location. But perhaps the variety is missing. Or, the supply is scarce. Then remember to pack them.
b. Snacks and Treats
Your snacks, treats and certain food items might need to be re-stocked at this point. As an Indian, perhaps you might enjoy your Sattu or Horlicks or Complan or Bhujia, but these may not be available in your new place at all. So, if they aren't in stock or even if they are available the manufacturing date nears the expiry date and above all you really love them, then make sure to pack these items with you. Plus, if you cook yourself and use pulses, then in some places the variety of pulses isn't available. So, you may consider packing your selection of Dal (Pulses) with you.
c. Stationery
Stationery and Books necessary - you will always be using stationery during your course. So, if there are price differences between your new place of residence and your home country; and these items are cheaper or more easily accessible at your place - pack them in sufficient quantities.
d. Lingerie
Undergarments or Lingerie are important items in one's luggage. And among all your clothes, they get ruined faster due to regular use. If in your new place you are yet to discover shops that sell your fit, or perhaps they are expensive compared to your home country, or the fabrics you use and find yourself comfortable in aren't available then do make sure to pack them. Lingerie quality and fit isn't something good to be compromised with.
e. Personal care
Personal care products like skincare items, hair care products, and toiletries can vary significantly in availability and price from one country to another. If you have specific brands or products that suit your needs perfectly, consider bringing a supply to last you through your next term. This way, you won't have to worry about running out of your favourite shampoo or face wash.
f. Medicines
If you take any prescription medications or dietary supplements or specific ayurvedic medicines, it's essential to ensure you have an adequate supply to last you until your next visit home. However, remember to check the updated regulations if any regarding bringing medications and supplements into your new country and carry all necessary documentation to avoid any issues at customs.
g. Hobby Supplies
Don't forget to re-stock your hobby supplies. I have noticed personally that art materials, yarns etc. are cheaper in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh compared to most European countries or US or Canada. However, in some countries like France you might find them cheaper than carrying them from home, although they would be second hand or nearing their expiration date. So, if there's something related to your hobby that you would love to continue with and it requires re-stocking, and you do not know where to thrift it at your new place, then it would be an excellent idea to bring it with you.
h. Extra bedding
While most dormitories provide basic bedding, if you have a preference for specific sheets, blankets, or pillows, or you are in general unhappy with what is provided to you at your dormitory then consider bringing them along for a more comfortable sleep experience.
i. First-Aid
Did you use your band-aids or anything from your first-aid kit? Are these available in your new place? If you aren't sure or do not know the pharmacies yet, please do re-stock it. It is a very essential!
4. Can you Ship?
While shipping from abroad might be very costly, I have experienced that shipping items from India to abroad can be very cost effective method especially if you do not have anyone else (like a friend or acquaintance) to carry things to and from for you. So, if you have heavy items to be carried: like your dormitory doesn't provide iron facilities and you need to carry it along with other electronics, lot of books and notes and stationery and clothes and etc., etc., etc., then check out and consider shipping services as well. While considering this option - it's very important to figure out the duration of shipping. Will it reach you within a reasonable time frame? If yes, then do not carry those items you can ship along with you.
Disclaimer: I had used this strategy during my second year. I had packed myself some snacks, some packets of Sattu, few packs of Horlicks and some other essential food and clothes items while shipping the remaining bulk (including food, clothes, utensils, stationery and craft items, laundry items and some electronic gadgets) to my location via India Post. My parcel reached me within 45 days, which I consider to be pretty acceptable compared to the price I paid. Important to note here: do not consider shipping of any valuable items as then, we never know what might happen during transit!
5. Are seasonal clothes cheaper at your place?
When your dormitory is situated in a different geographical location from your home, it's important to consider the variations in seasons and weather conditions. You may come across the popular belief that local clothes are more affordable at your dormitory's location. For instance, students traveling to places like Moscow often hear that winter essentials such as Snow Boots and Jackets are cheaper when purchased there rather than carrying them from their home countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, or other Asian countries.
However, if you are from Bangladesh or India, you may have noticed that clothes purchased in these countries are not only of excellent quality but also much more budget-friendly compared to those bought abroad. Given this, it's worth considering your home country's seasonal offerings and prices.
Before packing for your return to the dormitory, take note of the seasonal changes between your home country and your dormitory's location. If you find significant cost differences or better quality clothes in your home country, it makes sense to pack some seasonal clothing items with you.
Having familiar and suitable seasonal clothes can make a difference in your comfort and style during your stay at the dormitory. Plus, it allows you to showcase your personal fashion preferences while adapting to the changing weather conditions in your new environment.
Remember to strike a balance when packing seasonal clothes. Bring enough to cover the duration of each season without overburdening yourself with excess luggage. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of both cost-effective and stylish clothing, ensuring a seamless transition back to your dormitory life.
6. Laundry - check?
When it comes to laundry, it's essential to consider the specific detergents or laundry liquids you prefer for your clothes. Moving to a new place means you might not have easy access to the same laundry products you are accustomed to using. This becomes especially important if you have specific requirements for certain types of clothes.
For instance, you might have a preference for laundry detergents like Revive or Robin Blue, which could be commonly found in areas with a substantial Indian population. However, in other locations, these products might be challenging to find or even completely unheard of.
To avoid any inconvenience and maintain your laundry routine, it's a smart idea to bring along a sufficient supply of these specific laundry items. By having them in store, you can ensure that your clothes are well taken care of and laundered according to your preferences.
Additionally, if you use any specialized laundry products for delicate fabrics or certain materials, it's equally crucial to include them in your packing list. These products might not be readily available in your dormitory's vicinity, so being prepared in advance will save you from any last-minute laundry woes.
Consider packing these laundry essentials in spill-proof containers or ziplock bags to prevent any leakages during your journey. Having your preferred laundry items with you will not only maintain the quality of your clothes but also provide you with peace of mind knowing that your laundry needs are well taken care of in your new dormitory life.
So, my dear Chai-buddies, that's all for you now and I hope you do enjoy your packing. However, did you notice that the key to be effective in packing up was to be familiar with your surrounding? Stay tuned. In upcoming blogs, there would be more tips for you as to how can you know about your vicinity in a new place and where and how can you spot great deals (discounts you would love!) while studying abroad. Until then, Take care, Stay Safe! P.S. If you would love to show me some love; maybe you can buy me any of the items in my
travel wish list. Or, you can buy me an
Amazon Gift Card. It's nice to Gift some love! I would be very grateful for your generosity and love!
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