If you were about to go on a camping trip or on a mountain climbing expedition, your comfort and survival would depend on your packing the right supplies and equipment. You don't want to take along too much, but at the same time, there are certain things you're definitely going to need and want. The same rules apply when you pack for school. Begin packing for college early. This will help to insure that you bring along everything you'll need. If you rush to pack and throw everything you own into a bunch of boxes or suitcases a day before you have to leave, your going to forget stuff. Most importantly, keep  a list of everything you pack. This will keep you from thinking that your stuff got lost, help keep you organized, and make packing and unpacking easier. 

    What are you going to need? To answer this question, first consider the climate. Are you attending a school in Florida or California, for example, where it's always warm, or is your school located in New England or some locale where winter can get pretty harsh? Also, determine how often you will be able to go home. If you'll be visiting home every few weeks, you don't need to pack your entire wardrobe now. Only bring what you'll need for the weather right away. Keep in mind, in late August or September, when the fall semester begins, summer is just about over, so unless your school is in a warm climate, pack for fall.

Since you haven't been to college, it's hard to predict what additional items you may need. Bring along some extra cash, or make an allowance in your budget, for extra necessities that you can purchase once you get to school. If you can, talk to a few upperclassmen at your school, and ask them for suggestions on what else you might want or need.