The Pace Chronicle would like to welcome (and welcome back) all students for this new year at Pace University! 

If you are a returning residential student or a new freshman in Alumni, I think we can all understand the stress of packing. How much is too much? What if you forget something? 

I asked other members of The Pace Chronicle and used my own experience to determine that there are certain things that we as college students may forget to purchase or pack for move-in. 

Here are 10 things you may have forgotten when packing for college (in no order): 

• Tool Kit 

This one may seem obvious, but I remember being the only one who brought a screwdriver to campus and my friends would always ask me for it. Especially when they bought a shoe rack or a shelf from Target and they did not have the tools to put it together! It is also just handy for moving out, taking something apart, and packing it 

•  A knife- other than a butter knife 

Make sure you are within the Residential Hall Policy with this one. If you buy a block of cheese for example, or a watermelon, you will need a kitchen knife that will get the job done. A butter knife will only get you so far. 

•  Umbrella 

This is another thing that may be obvious to some. I would leave for class on a rainy day thinking just a coat would be enough. Until I leave class, and the sprinkling has turned into a monsoon. An honorable mention under this would also be waterproof shoes or boots. Some parts of the sidewalks on campus will develop serious puddles, and you do not want to wreck your favorite pair of sneakers. 

• Extra Hangers 

You may make the mistake of bringing just enough hangers for the clothes you bring. If you enjoy shopping as much as I do, you will accumulate more clothes as the year goes on. Though you have two sets of drawers, it is handy to have extra hangers to store other clothes that might not fit. Plus, there is no doubt you will go home at the end of the year with at least 20 more T-Shirts, from shopping or Pace events. 

• Batteries 

There is nothing worse than hanging up those battery-operated lights in your dorm room just to realize you need batteries. Another thing you may forget to take batteries for is a TV remote. Though buying them can be expensive, don’t be afraid to stock up on both AA and AAA batteries to make it more convenient when you do need them. 

•  First Aid Kit 

Trust me, you do not want to have to go to the health center or the RA office every time you need something as simple as a Band-Aid. You never know what could happen, so it is best to be prepared with your first aid kit. It is always good to throw some pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen in there as well. 

•  Office Supplies 

Owning your stapler, tape, or hole puncher can save you a million trips to the library. Again, this one is great for convenience. 

•  A Vacuum 

Sure, a broom may be enough, but if you have a rug, you will want a vacuum to get a deeper clean. If you are not someone who takes off their shoes before entering your room, you will track in a lot of dirt. Having a vacuum handy will make cleaning your room much quicker and more effective. 

•  Sewing Kit 

If you do not know how to sew, having a kit will give you a chance to learn. Nothing is worse than putting on a top and it has a hole in the seam. Or realizing the button on your dress pants is dangling off by a thread. A sewing kit will come in handy for those simple repairs. 

•  A Quality Laundry Hamper 

Do not go cheap on your laundry basket! It is worth getting one with wheels so your walk to the laundry room is made easier. Get a good-sized one to hold plenty of dirty clothes. It will be worth it to get a good-quality laundry hamper since it is something you will need each year if you live on campus. 

Hopefully, this list will help you in ensuring you have everything you need for a prepared and convenient year living on campus. Good luck with the new year, Setters!