10 Things You Shouldn’t Bring to College (And Why)

If you’re preparing to pack for your first semester at RIT, you’ve probably seen dozens of “what to bring” lists already. But what about the stuff you shouldn’t pack? Based on experience and the collective wisdom of upperclassmen who’ve been through it, some things are just a total waste of space, or even against housing rules.

Here’s a list of things you probably don’t need to bring to your RIT dorm and why you’ll thank yourself later:

1. Mini Fridge or Microwave

No need to lug one from home! Every RIT dorm room already comes with a micro-fridge unit (a microwave, fridge, and freezer combo). It’s included in the room, so you don’t need to buy or bring one. Skip the hassle and save trunk space.

2. Large Appliances

That air fryer, toaster, hot plate? Leave it at home. Not allowed in dorms due to fire safety policies. Luckily, dining spots like Beanz are nearby (and worth the trip for pastries and coffee).

3. Printer

There’s no need to bring your own printer. RIT has printers all over campus (including on dormside), and you can print directly from your laptop using Tiger Bucks. A personal printer just takes up space and racks up costs on ink and paper.

4. Too Many Clothes

We get it, you want options. But closet space is limited, and Rochester weather means you’ll probably rotate your wardrobe seasonally. Pack for fall, then switch things out during breaks. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not stepping over winter boots in October.

5. Full Dish Sets

Stick with just a couple of plates, bowls, and utensils. Dorms don’t have full kitchens, and more dishes mean more things to wash and store. A small dish bin and some dish soap will go a long way.

6. Bulky Furniture

Your room already comes furnished with a bed, desk, chair, and dresser. Extras like futons or shelving units usually take up more room than you expect. Coordinate with your roommate before bringing anything extra.

7. TVs Larger Than 32 Inches

A massive TV might sound fun, but dorm rooms are small, and it’ll dominate your space. If you really want one, opt for something compact or consider using a laptop with a streaming service.

8. Duplicates with Your Roommate

Reach out to your roommate before move-in! You don’t need two coffee makers, two rugs, or two sets of cleaning supplies. Splitting shared items will save you time, space, and money.

9. Excess School Supplies

You don’t need a year’s worth of notebooks, pens, and sticky notes. Bring the basics; you can always pick up more later from the RIT’s Digital Den or nearby stores like Target.

10. Off-Season Gear

You probably won’t need snow boots in August or a fan in February. Instead of bringing it all at once, coordinate a swap during fall, winter, and spring break to lighten your move-in load.

Don’t worry about forgetting something! There are plenty of stores nearby, and you’ll figure out what you actually need after a week or two on campus. Moving in is already a big transition; save yourself the stress by packing light and smart. And of course, here is the official list of what to bring and not to bring directly from RIT Housing.

See you on campus, Tigers!